Pentateuch and the First New Testament, printed by William Tyndale

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pentateuch 1530-37 and N.T. 1525-26, translated by William Tyndale
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Title: Pentateuch 1530-37 and N.T. 1525-26
Author: William Tyndale
Release Date: January 1, 2004 [EBook #10553]
[Most recently updated: May 5, 2020]
Language: English
Character set encoding: UTF-8
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PENTATEUCH 1530-37 AND N.T. 1525-26 ***
The Pentateuch first translated from Hebrew to English by William
Tyndale, published in 1530. This edition has the same wording, but
modernized spelling. Words found in {[Braquets]} are variants from
either Coverdale 1535 or Matthew's Bible 1537.
CONTENTS TO GO STRAIGHT TO
The First Book of Moses, called Genesis
The Second Book of Moses, called Exodus
The Third Book of Moses, called Leviticus
The Fourth Book of Moses, called Numbers
The Fifth Book of Moses, called Deuteronomy
The Prologue from the Cologne quarto 1525
The Preface of the Worms octavo edition of 1526
The Books contained in The New Testament:
The Gospel of Iesu the Messiah according to S. Mathew
The Gospel of Iesu the Christ according to S. Mark
The Gospel of Iesus the Christ of God according to S. Luke
The Gospel of Iesus the Saviour according to S. John
The Acts of the Apostles
The Epistle of S. Paul to the Romans
The First Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians
The Second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians
The Epistle of S. Paul to the Galatians
The Epistle of S. Paul to the Ephesians
The Epistle of S. Paul to the Philippians
The Epistle of S. Paul to the Colossians
The first Epistle of S. Paul to the Thessalonians
The second Epistle of S. Paul to the Thessalonians
The first Epistle of S. Paul to Timothy
The second Epistle of S. Paul to Timothy
The Epistle of S. Paul to Titus
The Epistle of S. Paul unto Philemon
The first Epistle of S. Peter
The second Epistle of S. Peter
The first Epistle of S. John
The second Epistle of S. John
The third Epistle of S. John
The Pistel unto the Hebrews
The Pistel of S. James
The Pistel of S. Jude
The Revelation of the Lord to John
Editor's Notes
I. About the translation and the translator
IJ. Notes on the Restoration
IIJ. Importance of the Archaic word
IIIJ. A list of other interesting notes and definitions
V. Some revised definitions from Webster's dictionary
The First Book of Moses, called Genesis
Chapter .j.
In the beginning God created heaven and earth. The earth was void and
empty, and darkness was upon the deep, and the spirit of god moved upon
the water. Then God said: let there be light and there was light. And
God saw the light that it was good: and divided the light from the
darkness, and called the light day, and the darkness night: and so of
the evening and morning was made the first day. And God said: let there
be a firmament between the waters, and let it divide the waters
asunder. Then God made the firmament and parted the waters which were
under the firmament, from the waters that were above the firmament: And
it was so. And God called the firmament heaven. And so of the evening
and morning was made the second day. And God said, let the waters that
are under heaven gather them selves unto one place, that the dry land
may appear: And it came so to pass. And God called the dry land the
earth and the gathering together of waters called he the sea. And God
saw that it was good. And God said: let the earth bring forth herb and
grass that sow seed, and fruitful trees that bear fruit every one in
his kind, having their seed in themselves upon the earth. And it came
so to pass: And the earth brought forth herb and grass sowing seed
every one in his kind and trees bearing fruit and having their seed in
them selves, every one in his kind. And God saw that it was good: and
then of the evening and morning was made the third day. Then said God:
let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from
the night, that they may be unto signs, seasons, days and years. And
let them be lights in the firmament of heaven, to shine upon the earth:
and so it was. And God made two great lights: A greater light to rule
the day, and a less light to rule the night, and he made stars also.
And God put them in the firmament of heaven to shine upon the earth,
and to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light from
darkness. And God saw that it was good: and so of the evening and
morning was made the fourth day. And God said, let the water bring
forth creatures that move and have life, and fowls for to flee {fly}
over the earth under the firmament of heaven. And God created great
whales and all manner of creatures that live and move, which the waters
brought forth in their kinds, and all manner of feathered fowls in
their kinds. And God saw that it was good: and God blessed them saying:
Grow and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let the fowls
multiply upon the earth. And so of the evening and morning was made the
fifth day. And God said: let the earth bring forth living creatures in
their kinds: cattle and worms and beasts of the earth in their kinds,
and so it came to pass. And God made the beasts of the earth in their
kinds, and cattle in their kinds, and all manner worms of the earth in
their kinds: and God saw that it was good. And God said: let us make
man in our similitude and after our likeness: that he may have rule
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, and over
cattle, and over all the earth, and over all worms that creep on the
earth. And God created man after his likeness, after the likeness of
God created he him: male and female created he them. And God blessed
them, and God said unto them: Grow and multiply and fill the earth and
subdue it, and have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the
fowls of the air, and over all the beasts that move on the earth. And
God said: see, I have given yow all herbs that sow seed which are on
all the earth, and all manner trees that have fruit in them and sow
seed: to be meat for yow and for all beasts of the earth, and unto all
fowls of the air, and unto all that creepeth on the earth where in is
life, that they may have all manner herbs and grass for to eat, and
even so it was. And God beheld all that he had made, and lo they were
exceeding good: and so of the evening and morning was made the sixth
day.
Chapter .ij.
Thus was heaven and earth finished with all their apparel: and in the
seventh day God ended his work which he had made and rested in the
seventh day from all his works which he had made. And God blessed the
seventh day, and sanctified it, for in it he rested from all his works
which he had created and made. These are the generations of heaven and
earth when they were created, in the time when the LORD God created
heaven and earth and all the shrubs of the field before they were in
the earth. And all the herbs of the field before they sprang: for the
LORD God had yet sent no rain upon the earth, neither was there yet any
man to till the earth. But there arose a mist out of the ground and
watered all the face of the earth: Then the LORD God shope man, even of
the mould of the earth and breathed into his face the breath of life.
So man was made a living soul. The LORD God also planted a garden in
Eden from the beginning, and there he set man whom he had formed. And
the LORD God made to spring out of the earth, all manner trees
beautiful to the sight and pleasant to eat, and the tree of life in the
midst {middes} of the garden: and also the tree of knowledge of good
and evil. And there sprong a river out of Eden to water the garden, and
thence divided itself, and grew into four principal waters. The name of
the one is Phison, he it is that compasseth all the land of Hevila,
where gold groweth. And the gold of that country is precious, there is
found bedellion and a stone called Onyx. The name of the second river
is Gihon, which compasseth all the land of Inde. And the name of the
third river is Hidekell, which runneth on the east side of the
Assyrians; And the fourth river is Euphrates. And the LORD God took
Adam and put him in the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it: And
the LORD God commanded Adam saying: Of all the trees of the garden see
thou eat: But of the tree of knowledge of good and bad see that thou
eat not: For even the same day thou eatest of it, thou shalt surely
die. {die the death} And the LORD God said: It is not good that man
should be alone, I will make him an helper to bear him company: And
after that the LORD God had made of the earth all manner beasts of the
field, and all manner fowls of the air, he brought them unto Adam to
see what he would call them. And as Adam called all manner living
beasts: even so are their names. And Adam gave names unto all manner
cattle, and unto the fowls of the air, and unto all manner beasts of
the field. But there was no help found unto Adam to bear him company.
Then the LORD God cast a slumber on Adam, and he slept. And then he
took out one of his ribs, and in stead thereof he filled up the place
with flesh. And the LORD God made of the rib which he took out of Adam,
a woman, and brought her unto Adam. Then said Adam: This is once bone
of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. This shall be called woman: because
she was taken of the man. For this cause shall a man leave father and
mother and cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh. And they
were either of them naked, both Adam and his wife, and were not
ashamed.
Chapter .iij.
But the serpent was subtler than all the beasts of the field which the
LORD God had made, and said unto the woman: Ah sir, {Yee} that God hath
said, {[indeed]} ye shall not eat of all manner trees in the garden.
And the woman said unto the serpent, of the fruit of the trees in the
garden we may eat, but of the fruit of the tree that {yt} is in the
midst {myddes} of the garden (said God) see that ye eat not, and see
that ye touch it not: lest ye die. Then said the serpent unto the
woman: tush ye shall not die: but God doth know, that whensoever ye
should eat of it, your eyes should be opened and ye should be as God
and know both good and evil. And the woman saw that it was a good tree
to eat of and lusty unto the eyes and a pleasant tree for to make wise.
And took of the fruit of it and ate, and gave unto her husband also
with her, and he ate. And the eyes of both them were opened, that they
understood how that they were naked. Then they sewed fig leaves
together and made them aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God
as he walked in the garden in the cool of the day. And Adam hid himself
and his wife also from the face of the LORD God, among the trees of the
garden. And the LORD God called Adam and said unto him where art thou?
And he answered: Thy voice I heard in the garden, but I was afraid
because I was naked, and therefore hid myself. And he said: Who told
thee that thou wast naked? hast thou eaten of the tree, of which I bade
thee that thou shouldest not eat? And Adam answered: The woman which
thou gavest to bear me company, she took me of the tree, and I ate. And
the LORD God said unto the woman: Wherefore didst thou so? And the
woman answered: The serpent deceived me and I ate. And the LORD God
said unto the serpent because thou hast so done most cursed be thou of
all cattle and of all beasts of the field: upon thy belly shalt thou
go: and earth shalt thou eat all days of thy life. Moreover I will put
hatred between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.
And that seed shall tread thee on the head, and thou shalt tread it
{hit} on the heel. And unto the woman he said: I will surely increase
thy sorrow and make thee oft with child, and with pain shalt thou be
delivered: And thy lusts shall pertain unto thy husband and he shall
rule thee. And unto Adam he said: Forasmuch as thou hast obeyed the
voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded
thee, saying: See thou eat not thereof: cursed be the earth for thy
sake. In sorrow shalt thou eat thereof all days of thy life: And it
shall bear thorns and thistles unto thee. And thou shalt eat the herbs
of the field: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, until thou
return unto the earth whence thou wast take: for earth thou art, and
unto earth shalt thou return. And Adam called his wife Heva, because
she was the mother of all that liveth. And the LORD God made Adam and
his wife garments of skins, and put them on them. And the LORD God
said: Lo, Adam is become as it were one of us, in knowledge of good and
evil. But now lest he stretch forth his hand and take also of the tree
of life and eat and live ever. And the LORD God cast him out of the
garden of Eden, to till the earth whence he was taken. And he cast Adam
out, and set at the entering of the garden Eden, Cherubim with a naked
sword moving in and out, to keep the way to the tree of life.
Chapter .iiij.
And Adam lay with Heva is wife, which conceived and bare Cain, and
said: I have gotten a man of the LORD. And she proceeded forth and bare
his brother Abel: And Abel became a shepherd, and Cain became a
plowman. And it fortuned in process of time, that Cain brought of the
fruit of the earth: an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he brought
also of the firstlings of his sheep and of the fat of them. And the
LORD looked unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and unto his
offering, looked he not. And Cain was wroth exceedingly, and lowered.
And the LORD said unto Cain: why art thou angry, and why lowerest thou?
Wotest thou not if thou dost well thou shalt receive it? But and if
thou dost evil, by and by thy sin lieth open in the door.
Notwithstanding let it be subdued unto thee, and see thou rule it. And
Cain talked with Abel his brother. And as soon as they were in the
fields, Cain fell upon Abel his brother and slew him. And the LORD said
unto Cain: where is Abel thy brother? And he said: I can not tell, am I
my brother's keeper? And he said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy
brother's blood cryeth unto me out of the earth. And now cursed be thou
as pertaining to the earth, which opened her mouth to receive thy
brother's blood of thine hand. For when thou tillest the ground she
shall henceforth not give her power unto thee. A vagabond and a
renegade shalt thou be upon the earth. And Cain said unto the LORD: my
sin is greater, than that it may be forgiven. Behold thou castest me
out this day from off the face of the earth, and from thy sight must I
hide myself, and I must be wandering and a vagabond upon the earth:
Moreover whosoever findeth me, will kill me. And the LORD said unto
him: Not so, but whosoever slayeth Cain shall be punished sevenfold.
And the LORD put a mark upon Cain that no man that found him should
kill him. And Cain went out from the face of the LORD, and dwelt in the
land Nod, on the east side of Eden. And Cain lay with his wife, which
conceived and bare Henoch. And he was building a city and called the
name of it after the name of his son, Henoch. And Henoch begat Irad.
And Irad begat Mahuiael. And Mahuiael begat Mathusael. And Mathusael
begat Lamech. And Lamech took him two wives: the one was called Ada,
and the other Zilla: And Ada bare Iabal, of whom came they that dwell
in tents and possess cattle. And his brother's name was Iubal: of him
came all that exercise them selves on the harp and on the organs. And
Zilla she also bare Tubalcain a worker in metal and a father of all
that grave in brass and iron. And Tubalcain's sister was called Naema.
Then said Lamech unto his wives Ada and Zilla: hear my voice ye wives
of Lamech and hearken unto my words, for I have slain a man and wounded
myself, and have slain a young man, and got myself stripes: For Cain
shall be avenged sevenfold: but Lamech seventy times sevenfold. Adam
also lay with his wife yet again, and she bare a son and called his
name Seth For God (said she) hath given me another son for Abel whom
Cain slew. And Seth begat a son and called his name Enos. And in that
time began men to call on the name of the LORD.
Chapter .v.
This is the book of the generation of man, in the day when God created
man and made him after the similitude of God. Male and female made he
them, and called their names man, in the day when they were created.
And when Adam was an hundred and thirty years old, he begat a son after
his likeness and similitude: and called his name Seth. And the days of
Adam after he begat Seth, were eight hundred years, and begat sons and
daughters. And all the days of Adam which he lived, were nine hundred
and thirty years, and then he died. And Seth lived an hundred and five
years, and begat Enos. And after he had begot Enos he lived eight
hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days
of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and died. And Enos lived
ninety years, and begat Kenan. And Enos after he begat Kenan, lived
eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters: and all
the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years, and then he died.
And Kenan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaliel. And Kenan after he
had begot Mahalaliel, lived eight hundred and forty years, and begat
sons and daughters: and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred and ten
years, and then he died. And Mahalaliel lived sixty five years, and
begat Iared. And Mahalaliel after he had begot Iared lived eight
hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the
days of Mahalaliel were eight hundred ninety and five years, and then
he died. And Iared lived an hundred and sixty two years, and begat
Henoch: and Iared lived after he begat Henoch, eight hundred years, and
begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Iared were nine hundred
and sixty two years, and then he died. And Henoch lived sixty five
years, and begat Mathusala. And Henoch walked with God after he had
begot Mathusalah, three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
And all the days of Henoch were three hundred and sixty five years, and
then Henoch lived a godly life, and was no more seen, for God took him
away. And Mathusala lived an hundred and eighty seven years and begat
Lamech: and Mathusala after he had begot Lamech, lived seven hundred
and eighty two years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of
Mathusala were nine hundred sixty nine years, and then he died. And
Lamech lived an hundred eighty two years and begat a son, and called
him Noe saying: This same shall comfort us: as concerning our work and
sorrow of our hands which we have about the earth that the LORD hath
cursed. And Lamech lived after he had begot Noe, five hundred, ninety
and five years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of
Lamech were seven hundred seventy seven years, and then he died. And
when Noe was five hundred years old, he begat Sem, Ham and Iapheth.
Chapter .vi.
And it came to pass, when men began to multiply upon the earth and had
begot them daughters, the sons of God saw the daughters of men that
they were fair, and took unto them wives, which they best liked among
them all. And the LORD {LORd} said: My spirit shall not alway strive
with man, for they are flesh. Nevertheless I will give them yet space,
an hundred and twenty years. There were tyrants in the world in those
days. For after that the children of God had gone in unto the daughters
of men and had begotten them children, the same children were the
mightiest of the world and men of renown. And when the LORD saw that
the wickedness of man was increased upon the earth, and that all the
imagination and thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, he
repented that he had made man upon the earth and sorrowed in his heart.
And said: I will destroy mankind which I have made, from off the face
of the earth: both man, beast, worm and fowl of the air, for it
repenteth me that I have made them. But yet Noe found grace in the
sight of the LORD. These are the generations of Noe. Noe was a
righteous man and uncorrupt in his time, and walked with God. And Noe
begat three sons: Sem, Ham and Iapheth. And the earth was corrupt in
the sight of God, and was full of mischief. And God looked upon the
earth, and lo it was corrupt: for all flesh had corrupted his way upon
the earth. Then said God to Noe: the end of all flesh is come before
me, for the earth is full of their mischief. And lo, I will destroy
them with the earth. Make thee an ark of pine tree, and make chambers
in the ark, and pitch it within and without with pitch. And of this
fashion shalt thou make it. The length of the ark shall be three
hundred cubits, and the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of
it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make above in the ark. And within
a cubit compass shalt thou finish it. And the door of the ark shalt
thou set in the side of it: and thou shalt make it with three lofts one
above an other. For behold I will bring in a flood of water upon the
earth to destroy all flesh from under heaven, wherein breath of life
is, so that all that is in the earth shall perish. But I will make mine
appointment with thee, that both thou shalt come in to the ark and thy
sons, thy wife and thy sons' wives with thee. And of all that liveth
whatsoever flesh it be, shalt thou bring into the ark, of every thing a
pair, to keep them alive with thee. And male and female see that they
be, of birds in their kind, and of beasts in their kind, and of all
manner of worms of the earth in their kind: a pair of every thing shall
come unto thee to keep them alive. And take unto thee of all manner of
meat that may be eaten and lay it up in store by thee, that it may be
meat both for thee and for them: and Noe did according to all that God
commanded him.
Chapter .vij.
And the LORD said unto Noe: Go into the ark both thou and all thy
household. For thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Of all clean beasts take unto thee seven of every kind the male and his
female, and of unclean beasts a pair, the male and his female: likewise
of the birds of the air seven of every kind, male and female to save
seed upon all the earth. For seven days hence will I send rain upon the
earth forty days and forty nights and will destroy all manner of things
that I have made, from off the face of the earth. And Noe did according
to all that the LORD {lorde} commanded him: and Noe was six hundred
years old, when the flood of water came upon the earth: and Noe went
and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him, into the ark
from the waters of the flood. And of clean beasts and of beasts that
were unclean and of birds and of all that creepeth upon the earth, came
in by couples of every kind unto Noe into the ark: a male and a female:
even as God commanded Noe. And the seventh day the waters of the flood
came upon the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noe's life, in the
second month, in the seventeenth day of the month, that same day were
all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of
heaven were opened, and there fell a rain upon the earth forty days and
forty nights. And the self same day went Noe, Sem, Ham and Iapheth,
Noe's sons, and Noe's wife and the three wives of his sons with them in
to the ark: both they and all manner of beasts in their kind, and all
manner of cattle in their kind and all manner of worms that creep upon
the earth in their kind, and all manner of birds in their kind, and all
manner of fowls whatsoever had feathers. And they came unto Noe into
the ark by couples, of all flesh that had breath of life in it. And
they that came, came male and female of every flesh according as God
commanded him: and the LORD shut the door upon him. And the flood came
forty days and forty nights upon the earth, and the water increased and
bare up the ark and it was lift up from off the earth. And the water
prevailed and increased exceedingly upon the earth: and the ark went
upon he top of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly above
measure upon the earth, so that all the high hills which are under all
the parts of heaven, were covered: even fifteen cubits high prevailed
the waters, so that the hills were covered. And all flesh that moved on
the earth, both birds, cattle and beasts perished, with all that crept
on the earth and all men: so that all that had the breath of life in
the nostrils of it thorow out all that was on dry land died. Thus was
destroyed all that was upon the earth, both man, beasts, worms and
fowls of the air so that they were destroyed from the earth: save Noe
was reserved only and they that were with him in the ark. And the
waters prevailed upon the earth, an hundred and fifty days.
Chapter .viij.
And God remembered Noe and all the beasts and all the cattle that were
with him in the ark; And God made a wind to blow upon the earth, and
the waters ceased: and the fountains of the deep and the windows of
heaven were stopped and the rain of heaven was forbidden, and the
waters returned from off the earth and abated after the end of an
hundred and fifty days. And the ark rested upon the mountains of
Ararat, the seventeenth day of the seventh month. And the waters went
away and decreased until the tenth month. And the first day of the
tenth month, the tops of the mountains appeared. And after the end of
forty days, Noe opened the window of the ark which he had made, and
sent forth a raven, which went out, ever going and coming again, until
the waters were dried up upon the earth. Then sent he forth a dove from
him, to wete whether the waters were fallen from off the earth. And
when the dove could find no resting place for her foot, she returned to
him again unto the ark, for the waters were upon the face of all the
earth. And he put out his hand and took her and pulled her to him into
the ark. And he abode yet seven days mo, and sent out the dove again
out of the ark, and the dove came to him again about eventide, and
behold: there was in her mouth a leaf of an olive tree which she had
plucked, whereby Noe perceived that the waters were abated upon the
earth. And he tarried yet seven other days, and sent forth the dove,
which from thence forth came no more again to him. And it came to pass,
the six hundred and one year and the first day of the first month, that
the waters were dried up upon the earth. And Noe took off the hatches
of the ark and looked: and behold, the face of the earth was dry. So by
the twenty seventh day of the second month the earth was dry. And God
spake unto Noe saying: Come out of the ark, both thou and thy wife and
thy sons and thy sons' wives with thee. And all the beasts that are
with thee whatsoever flesh it be, both fowl and cattle and all manner
worms that creep on the earth, bring out with thee, and let them move,
grow and multiply upon the earth. And Noe came out, and his sons and
his wife and his sons' wives with him. And all the beasts, and all the
worms, and all the fowls, and all that moved upon the earth, came also
out of the ark, all of one kind together. And Noe made an altar unto
the LORD, {LORDE} and took of all manner of clean beasts and all manner
of clean fowls, and offered sacrifice upon the altar. And the LORD
smelled a sweet savour and said in his heart: I will henceforth no more
curse the earth for man's sake, for the imagination of man's heart is
evil even from the very youth of him. Moreover I will not destroy from
henceforth all that liveth as I have done. Neither shall sowing time
and harvest, cold, and heat, summer and winter, day and night cease, as
long as the earth endureth.
Chapter .ix.
And God blessed Noe and his sons, and said unto them: Increase and
multiply and fill the earth. The fear also and dread of yow be upon all
beasts of the earth, and upon all fowls of the air, and upon all that
creepeth on the earth, and upon all fishes of the sea, which are given
unto your hands. And all that moveth upon the earth having life, shall
be your meat: Even as the green herbs, so give I yow all things. Only
the flesh with his life which is his blood, see that ye eat not. For
verily the blood of yow wherein your lives are will I require: Even of
the hand of all beasts will I require it, and of the hand of man and of
the hand of every man's brother, will I require the life of man: so
that he which sheddeth man's blood, shall have his blood shed by man
again: for God made man after his own likeness. See that ye increase,
and wax, and be occupied upon the earth, and multiply therein.
Furthermore God spake unto Noe and to his sons with him saying: See, I
make my bond with you and your seed after you, and with all living
things that is with you: both fowl and cattle, and all manner beast of
the earth that is with yow, of all that cometh out of the ark what
soever beast of the earth it be. I make my bond with yow, that
henceforth all flesh shall not be destroyed with the waters of any
flood, and that henceforth there shall not be a flood to destroy the
earth. And God said: This is the token of my bond which I make between
me and yow, and between all living thing that is with yow for ever: I
will set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the
appointment made between me and the earth: so that when I bring in
clouds upon the earth, the bow shall appear in the clouds. And then
will I think upon my testament which I have made between me and yow,
and all that liveth whatsoever flesh it be. So that henceforth there
shall be no more waters to make a flood to destroy all flesh. The bow
shall be in the clouds, and I will look upon it, to remember the
everlasting testament between God and all that liveth upon the earth,
whatsoever flesh it be. And God said unto Noe: This is the sign of the
testament which I have made between me and all flesh that is on the
earth. The sons of Noe that came out of the ark were: Sem, Ham, and
Iapheth. And Ham he is the father of Canaan. These are the three sons
of Noe, and of these was all the world overspread. And Noe being an
husbandman, went forth and planted a vineyard, and drank of the wine
and was drunk, and lay uncovered in the middest of his tent. And Ham
the father of Canaan saw his father's privates, {prevytees} and told
his two brethren that were without. And Sem and Iapheth took a mantle,
and put it on both their shoulders and went backward, and covered their
father's secrets, but their faces were backward, so that they saw not
their father's nakedness. As soon as Noe was awaked from his wine and
wist what his youngest son had done unto him, he said: Cursed be
Canaan, and a servant, of all servants be he to his brethren. And he
said: Blessed be the LORD God of Sem, and Canaan be his servant. God
increase Iapheth that he may dwell in the tents of Sem. And Canaan be
their servant. And Noe lived after the flood three hundred and fifty
years: So that all the days of Noe were nine hundred and fifty years,
and then he died.
Chapter .x.
These are the generations of the sons of Noe: of Sem, Ham and Iapheth,
which begat them children after the flood. The sons of Iapheth were:
Gomir, Magog, Madai, Iavan, Tuball, Mesech and Thyras. And the sons of
Gomir were: Ascenas, Riphat and Togarma. And the sons of Iavan were:
Elisa, Tharsis, Cithim, and Dodanim. Of these came the Isles of the
gentiles in their countries, every man in his speech, kindred and
nation. The sons of Ham were: Chus, Misraim, Phut and Canaan. The sons
of Chus: were Seba, Hevila, Sabta, Raima and Sabtema. And the sons of
Raima were: Sheba, and Dedan. Chus also begot Nimrod, which began to be
mighty in the earth. He was a mighty hunter in the sight of the LORD:
Whereof came the proverb: he is as Nimrod that mighty hunter in the
sight of the LORD. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babell, Erech,
Achad, and Chalne in the land of Sinear: Out of that land came Assur
and builded Ninive, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, and Ressen
between Nineve and Calah. That is a great city. And Mizrim begat Ludim,
Enanim, Leabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim and Casluhim: from whence came the
Philistins, and the Caphtherines. Canaan also begat Zidon his eldest
son and Heth, Iebusi, Emori, Girgosi, Hivi, Arki, Sini, Arvadi, Zemari
and Harmati. And afterward sprang the kindreds of the Cananites. And
the coasts of the Cananites were from Sidon till thou come to Gerara
and to Asa, and till thou come to Sodoma, Gomorra, Adama, Zeboim: even
unto Lasa. These were the children of Ham in their kindreds, tongues,
lands and nations. And Sem the father of all the children of Eber and
the eldest brother of Iapheth, begat children also. And his sons were:
Elam Assur, Arphachsad, Lud and Aram. And the children of Aram were:
Ur, Hul, Gether and Mas. And Arphachsad begat Sala, and Sala begat
Eber. And Eber begat two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in
his time the earth was divided. And the name of his brother was
Iaketan. Iaketan begat Almodad, Saleph, Hizarmoneth, Iarah, Hadoram,
Usal, Dikela, Obal, Abimael, Seba, Ophir, Hevila and Iobab. All these
are the sons of Iaketan. And the dwelling of them was from Mesa until
thou come unto Sephara a mountain of the east land. These are the sons
of Sem in their kindreds, languages, countries and nations. These are
the kindreds of the sons of Noe, in their generations and nations. And
of these came the people that were in the world after the flood.
Chapter .xi.
And all the world was of one tongue and one language. And as they came
from the east, they found a plain in the land of Sinear, and there they
dwelled. And they said one to another: come on, let us make brick and
burn it with fire. So brick was their stone and slime was their mortar.
And they said: Come on, let us build us a city and a tower, that the
top may reach unto heaven. And let us make us a name, for peradventure
we shall be scattered abroad over all the earth. And the LORD came down
to see the city and the tower which the children of Adam had builded.
And the LORD said: See, the people is one and have one tongue among
them all: And this have they begun to do, and will not leave off from
all that they have purposed to do. Come on, let us descend and mingle
their tongue even there, that one understand not what another sayeth.
Thus the LORD scattered them from thence upon all the earth. And they
left off to build the city. Wherefore the name of it is called Babel,
because that the LORD there confounded the tongue of all the world. And
because that the LORD from thence, scattered them abroad upon all the
earth. These are the generations of Sem: Sem was an hundred year old
and begat Arphachsad two years after the flood. And Sem lived after he
had beget Arphachsad five hundred years and begot sons and daughters.
And Arphachsad lived thirty five years and begat Sala, and lived after
he had begot Sala four hundred years and three and begat sons and
daughters. And Sala was thirty years old and begat Eber, and lived
after he had begot Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons
and daughters. When Eber was thirty four years old, he begat Peleg, and
lived after he had begot Peleg, four hundred and thirty years, and
begat sons and daughters. And Peleg when he was thirty years old begat
Regu, and lived after he had begot Regu two hundred and nine years, and
begat sons and daughters. And Regu when he had lived thirty two years
begat Serug, and lived after he had begot Serug two hundred and seven
years, and begat sons and daughters. And when Serug was thirty years
old, he begat Nahor, and lived after he had begot Nahot two hundred
years, and begat sons and daughters. And Nahor when he was twenty nine
years old, begat Terah, and lived after he had begot Terah, an hundred
and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters. And when Terah was
seventy years old, he begat Abram, Nahor and Haran. And these are the
generations of Terah. Terah begat Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran
begat Lot. And Haran died before Terah his father in the land where he
was born, at Ur in Chaldea. And Abram and Nahor took them wives.
Abram's wife was called Sarai. And Nahor's wife Milkah the daughter of
Haran which was father of Milca and of Iisca. But Sarai was barren and
had no child. Then took Terah Abram his son and Lot his son Haran's
son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law his son Abram's wife. And they went
with him from Ur in Chaldea, to go into the land of Chanaan. And they
came to Haran and dwelled there. And when Terah was two hundred year
old and five he died in Haran.
Chapter .xij.
Then the LORD said unto Abram: Get thee out of thy country and from thy
kindred, and out of thy father's house, into a land which I will shew
thee. And I will make of thee a mighty people, and will bless thee, and
make thy name great, that thou mayst be a blessing. And I will bless
them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee. And in thee shall
be blessed all the generations of the earth. And Abram went as the LORD
bade him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy five years old, when
he went out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his
brother's son, with all their goods which they had gotten and souls
which they had begotten in Haran. And they departed to go into the land
of Chanaan. And when they were come into the land of Chanaan, Abram
went forth into the land till he came unto a place called Sichem, and
unto the oak of More. And the Cananites dwelled then in the land. Then
the LORD appeared unto Abram and said: unto thy seed will I give this
land. And he builded an altar there unto the LORD which appeared to
him. Then departed he thence unto a mountain that lieth on the east
side of BETHEL and pitched his tent: BETHEL being on the west side, and
Ay on the east: and he builded there an altar unto the LORD, and called
on the name of the LORD. And then Abram departed and took his journey
southward. After this there came a dearth in the land. And Abram went
down into Egypt to sojourn there, for the dearth was sore in the land.
And when he was come nye for to enter into Egypt, he said unto Sarai
his wife. Behold, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. It
will come to pass therefore when the Egyptians see thee, that they will
say: she is his wife. And so shall they slay me and save thee. Say I
pray thee therefore that thou art my sister, that I may fare the better
by reason of thee, and that my soul may live for thy sake. As soon as
he came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw the woman that she was very fair.
And Pharao's lords saw her also, and praised her unto Pharao: So that
she was taken into Pharao's house, which entreated Abram well for her
sake, so that he had sheep, oxen and he asses, men servants, maid
servants, she asses and camels. But GOD {|The LORDE|} plagued Pharao
and his house with great plagues, because of Sarai Abram's wife. Then
Pharao called Abram and said: Why hast thou thus dealt with me?
Wherefore toldest thou me not that she was thy wife? Why saidest thou
that she was thy sister, and causedest me to take her to my wife? But
now lo, there is thy wife, take her and be walking. Pharao also gave a
charge unto his men over Abram, to lead him out, with his wife and all
that he had.
Chapter .xiij.
Then Abram departed out of Egypt, both he and his wife and all that he
had, and Lot with him unto the south. Abram was very rich in cattle,
silver and gold. And he went on his journey from the south even unto
BETHEL, and unto the place where his tent was at the first time between
BETHEL and Ay, and unto the place of the altar which he made before.
And there called Abram upon the name, of the LORD. Lot also which went
with him had sheep, cattle and tents: so that the land was not able to
receive them that they might dwell together, for the substance of their
riches was so great, that they could not dwell together. And there fell
a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle, and the herdmen of
Lot's cattle. Moreover the Cananites and the Pherisites dwelled at that
time in the land. Then said Abram unto Lot: Let there be no strife I
pray thee between thee and me and between my herdmen and thine, for we
be brethren. Is not all the hole land before thee? Depart I pray thee
from me. If thou wilt take the left hand, I will take the right: or if
thou take the right hand I will take the left. And Lot lift up his eyes
and beheld all the country about Iordan, which was a plenteous country
of water every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorra, even
as the garden of the LORD, and as the land of Egypt till thou come to
Zoar. Then Lot chose all the coasts of Iordan and took his journey from
the east. And so departed the one brother from the other. Abram dwelled
in the land of Canaan: And Lot in the cities of the plain, and tented
till he came to Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinned
exceedingly against the LORD. And the LORD said unto Abram, after that
Lot was departed from him: Lift up thine eyes and look from the place
where thou art, northward, southward, eastward and westward, for all
the land which thou seest will I give unto thee and to thy seed for
ever. And I will make thy seed, as the dust of the earth: so that if a
man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be
numbered. Arise and walk about in the land, in the length of it and in
the breadth for I will give it unto thee. Then Abram took down his
tent, and went and dwelled in the oak grove of Mamre which is in Ebron
and builded there an altar to the LORD.
Chapter .xiiij.
And it chanced within a while, that Amraphel king of Sinear, Arioch
king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer king of Elam and Thydeall king of the
nations: made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsa king of
Gomorra. And with Sineab king of Adama, and with Semeaber king of
Zeboim, and with the king of Bela which Bela is called Zoar. All these
came together unto the vale of Siddim, which is now the salt sea.
Twelve years were they subject to king Kedorlaomer, and in the
thirteenth year rebelled. Therefore in the fourteenth year came
Kedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, and smote the Raphaims in
Astaroth Karnaim, and the Susims in Ham, and the Emims in Sabe
Kariathaim, and the Horims in their own mount Seir unto the plain of
Pharan, which bordereth upon the wilderness. And then turned they and
came to the well of judgement which is Cades, and smote all the country
of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites that dwell in Hazezon Thamar.
Then went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorra, and the king
of Adama and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela now called Zoar.
And set their men in array to fight with them in the vale of Siddim,
that is to say, with Kedorlaomer the king of Elam and with Thydeall
king of the Nations, and with Amraphel king of Sinear. And with Arioch
king of Ellasar: four kings against five. And that vale of Siddim was
full of slime pits. And the kings of Sodom and Gomorra fled, and fell
there. And the residue fled to the mountains. And they took all the
goods of Sodom and Gomorra and all their vitailles, and went their way.
And they took Lot also Abram's brother's son and his goods (for he
dwelled at Sodom) and departed. Then came one that had escaped, and
told Abram the Hebrew which dwelt in the oak grove of Mamre the
Amorite, brother of Eschol and Aner: which were confederate with Abram.
When Abram heard that his brother was taken, he harnessed his servants
born in his own house three hundred and eighteen, and followed till
they came at Dan. And set himself and his servants in array, and fell
upon them by night, and smote them, and chased them away unto Hoba:
which lieth on the left hand of Damasco, and brought again all the
goods and also his brother Lot, and his goods, the women also and the
people. And as he returned again from the slaughter of Kedorlaomer and
of the kings that were with him, then came the king of Sodom against
{to meet} him unto the vale of Saue which now is called king's dale.
Then Melchisedech king of Salem brought forth bread and wine. And he
being the priest of the most highest God, blessed him saying: Blessed
be Abram unto the most highest God, possessor of heaven and earth. And
blessed be God the most highest, which hath delivered thine enemies
into thy hands. And Abram gave him tithes of all. Then said the king of
Sodom unto Abram: Give me the souls, and take the goods to thy self.
And Abram answered the king of Sodom: I lift up my hand unto the LORD
God most high possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take of
all that is thine, so much as a thread or a shoe latchet, lest thou
shouldest say I have made Abram rich. Save only that which the young
men have eaten and the parts of the men which went with me. Aner,
Eschol and Mamre. Let them take their parts.
Chapter .xv.
After these deeds, the word of GOD {|the LORDE|} came unto Abram in a
vision saying fear not Abram, I am thy shield, and thy reward shall be
exceeding great. And Abram answered: Lord Iehouah what wilt thou give
me: I go childless, and the cater of mine house, this Eleasar of
Damasco hath a son. And Abram said: See, to me hast thou given to seed:
lo, a lad born in my house shall be mine heir. And behold, the word of
the LORD spake unto Abram saying: He shall not be thine heir, but one
that shall come out of thine own body shall be thine heir. And he
brought him out at the doors and said: Look up unto heaven and tell the
stars, if thou be able to number them. And said unto him: Even so shall
thy seed be. And Abram believed the LORD, and it was counted to him for
righteousness. And he said unto him: I am the LORD that brought thee
out of Ur in Chaldea to give thee this land to possess it. And he said:
Lord GOD, {LORde God} whereby shall I know that I shall possess it? And
he said unto him: take an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of
three years old, and a three year old ram, a turtle dove and a young
pigeon. And he took all these and divided them in the midst, and laid
every piece, one over against another. But the fowls divided he not.
And the birds fell on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. And
when the sun was down, there fell a slumber upon Abram. And lo, fear
and great darkness came upon him. And he said unto Abram: know this of
a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that pertaineth
not unto them. And they shall make bondmen of them and entreat them
evil four hundred years. But the nation whom they shall serve, will I
judge. And afterward shall they come out with great substance.
Nevertheless thou shalt go unto thy fathers in peace, and shalt be
buried when thou art of a good age: and in the fourth generation they
shall come hither again, for the wickedness of the Amorites is not yet
full. When the sun was down and it was waxed dark: behold, there was a
smoking furnace and a fire brand that went between the said pieces. And
that same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram saying: unto thy seed
will I give this land, from the river of Egypt, even unto the great
river Euphrates: the Kenites, the Kenizites, the Cadmonites, the
Hethites, the Pherezites, the Raphaims, the Amorites, the Cananites,
the Gergesites and the Iebusites.
Chapter .xvi.
Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children. But she had an hand maid an
Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. Wherefore she said unto Abram: Behold
the LORD hath closed me, that I can not bear. I pray thee go in unto my
maid, peradventure I shall be multiplied by means of her; And Abram
heard the voice of Sarai. Then Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid
the Egyptian (after Abram had dwelled ten years in the land of Canaan)
and gave her to her husband Abram, to be his wife. And he went in unto
Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived her
mistress was despised in her sight. Then said Sarai unto Abram: Thou
dost me unright, for I have given my maid into thy bosom: and now
because she seeth that she hath conceived, I am despised in her sight:
the LORD judge between thee and me. Then said Abram to Sarai: behold,
thy maid is in thy hand, do with her as it pleaseth thee. And because
Sarai fared foul with her, she fled from her. And the Angel of the LORD
found her beside a fountain of water in the wilderness: even by a well
in the way to Sur. And he said: Hagar Sarai's maid, whence comest thou
and whither wilt thou go? And she answered: I flee from my mistress
Sarai. And the Angel of the LORD said unto her: return to thy mistress
again, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the LORD
said unto her: I will so increase thy seed, that it shall not be
numbered for multitude. And the LORD's angel said further unto her:
see, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name
Ismael: because the LORD hath heard thy tribulation. He will be a wild
man, and his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand
against him. And yet shall he dwell fast by all his brethren. And she
called the name of the LORD that spake unto her: thou art the God that
lookest on me, for she said: I have of a surety seen here the back
parts of him that seeth me. Wherefore she called the well, the well of
the living that seeth me which well is between Cades and Bared. And
Hagar bare Abram a son, and Abram called his son's name which Hagar
bare Ismael. And Abram was eighty six years old, when Hagar bare him
Ismael.
Chapter .xvij.
When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to him
saying: I am the almighty God: walk before me and be uncorrupt. And I
will make my bond between thee and me, and will multiply thee
exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face. And God talked moreover with
him saying: I am, behold my testament is with thee, that thou shalt be
a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram,
but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made
thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of
thee: yea and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover I will make my
bond between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their times to be
an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee and to thy
seed after thee. And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee,
the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for
an everlasting possession, and will be their God. And God said unto
Abraham: See thou keep my testament, both thou and thy seed after thee
in their times: This is my testament which ye shall keep between me and
you and thy seed after thee, that ye circumcise all your men children.
Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token
of the bond betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight
days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all
servants also born at home or bought with money though they be
strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he
also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my
testament may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be
any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut
off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my
testament. And God said unto Abraham. Sarai thy wife shall no more be
called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give
thee a son of her and will bless her: so that people, yea and kings of
people shall spring of her. And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed,
and said in his heart: shall a child be born unto him that is an
hundred year old, and shall Sara that is ninety years old, bear: And
Abraham said unto God. O that Ismael might live in thy sight. Then said
God: nay, Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his
name Isaac. And I will make my bond with him, that it shall be an
everlasting bond unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ismael
also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him,
and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he {be} beget, and I
will make a great nation of him. But my bond will I make with Isaac,
which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time twelve month. And God
left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham. And Abraham
took Ismael his son and all the servants born in his house and all that
was bought with money as many as were men children among the men of
Abraham's house, and circumcised the foreskin of their flesh, even the
selfsame day, as God had said unto him. Abraham was ninety years old
and nine when he cut off the foreskin of his flesh. And Ismael his son
was thirteen year old, when the foreskin of his flesh was circumcised.
The self same day was Abraham circumcised and Ismael his son. And all
the men in his house, whether they were born in his house or bought
with money (though they were strangers) were circumcised with him.
Chapter .xviij.
And the LORD appeared unto him in the oak grove of Mamre as he sat in
his tent door in the heat of the day. And he lift up his eyes and
looked: and lo, three men stood not far from him. And when he saw them,
he ran against {to meet} them from the tent door, and fell to the
ground and said: Lord {LORde} if I have found favour in thy sight, go
not by thy servant. Let a little water be fetched, and wash your feet,
and rest your selves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of
bread, to comfort your hearts withal. And then go your ways, for even
therefore are ye come to your servant. And they answered: Do even so as
thou hast said. And Abraham went a pace into his tent unto Sara and
said: make ready at once three pecks of fine meal, knead it, and make
cakes. And Abraham ran unto his beasts and fetched a calf that was
tender and good, and gave it unto a young man which made it ready at
once. And he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared,
and set it before them, and stood himself by them under the tree: and
they ate. And they said unto him: Where is Sara thy wife? And he said:
in the tent. And he said: I will come again unto thee as soon as the
fruit can live. And lo: Sara thy wife shall have a son. That heard
Sara, out of the tent door which was behind his back. Abraham and Sara
were both old and well stricken in age, and it ceased to be with Sara
after the manner as it is with wives. And Sara laughed in her self
saying: Now I am waxed old, shall I give my self to lust, and my lord
old also? Then said the LORD unto Abraha: wherefore doth Sara laugh
saying: shall I of a surety bear a child, now when I am old? is the
thing too hard for the LORD to do? In the time appointed will I return
unto thee, as soon as the fruit can have life. And Sara shall have a
son. Then Sara denied it saying: I laughed not, for she was afraid. But
he said: yes thou laughtest. Then the men stood up from thence and
looked toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to bring them on the
way. And the LORD said: Can I hide from Abraham that thing which I am
about to do, seeing that Abraham shall be a great and a mighty people,
and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know
him that he will command his children and his household after him, that
they keep the way of the LORD, to do after right and conscience, that
the LORD may bring upon Abraham that he hath promised him. And the LORD
said: The cry of Sodom and Gomorra is great, and their sin is exceeding
grievous. I will go down and see whether they have done altogether
according to that cry which is come unto me or not, that I may know.
And the men departed thence and went to Sodomward. But Abraham stood
yet before the LORD, and drew near and said Wilt thou destroy the
righteous with the wicked? If there be fifty righteous within the city,
wilt thou destroy it and not spare the place for the sake of fifty
righteous that are therein? That be far from thee, that thou shouldest
do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, and that
the righteous should be as the wicked: that be far from thee. Should
not the Iudge of all the world do according to right? And the LORD
said: If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare
all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answered and said: behold I
have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, {LORde} and yet am but dust
and ashes. What though there lack five of fifty righteous, wilt thou
destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said: If I find there
forty and five I will not destroy them. And he spake unto him yet again
and said: what if there be forty found there: And he said: I will not
do it for forty's sake. And he said: O let not my Lord {LORde} be
angry, that I speak. What if there be found thirty there? And he said:
I will not do it, if I find thirty there. And he said: Oh, see, I have
begun to speak unto my Lord, {LORde} what if there be twenty found
there? And he said: I will not destroy them for twenty's sake. And he
said: O let not my Lord {LORde} be angry, that I speak yet, but even
once more only. What if ten be found there? And he said: I will not
destroy them for ten's sake. And the LORD went his way as soon as he
had left communing with Abraham. And Abraham returned unto his place.
Chapter .xix.
And there came two angels to Sodom at even. And Lot sat at the gate of
the city. And Lot saw them, and rose up against {to meet} them, and he
bowed himself to the ground with his face. And he said: See lords, turn
in I pray you in to your servant's house and tarry all night and wash
your feet, and rise up early and go on your ways. And they said: nay,
but we will bide in the streets all night. And he compelled them
exceedingly. And they turned in unto him and entered into his house,
and he made them a feast and did bake sweet cakes, and they ate. But
before they went to rest, the men of the city of Sodom compassed the
house round about both old and young, all the people from all quarters.
And they called unto Lot and said unto him: where are the men which
came into thy house to night? bring them out unto us that we may do our
lust with them. And Lot went out at doors unto them and shut the door
after him and said: nay for god's {goddes} sake brethren, do not so
wickedly. Behold I have two daughters which have known no man, them
will I bring out unto you: do with them as it seemeth you good: Only
unto these men do nothing, for therefore came they under the shadow of
my roof. And they said: come hither. And they said: camest thou not in
to sojourn, and wilt thou be now a judge? we will surely deal worse
with thee than with them. And as they preased sore upon Lot and began
to break up the door, the men put forth their hands and pulled Lot into
the house to them and shut to the door. And the men that were at the
door of the house, they smote with blindness both small and great: so
that they could not find the door. And the men said moreover unto Lot:
If thou have yet here any son-in-law or sons or daughters or whatsoever
thou hast in the city, bring it out of this place: for we must destroy
this place, because the cry of them is great before the LORD. Wherefore
he hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out and spake unto his
sons-in-law which should have married his daughters, and said: stond up
and get yow out of this place, for the LORD will destroy the city. But
he seemed as though he had mocked, unto his sons-in-law. And as the
morning arose the angels caused Lot to speed him saying. Stond up, take
thy wife and thy two daughters and that that is at hand, lest thou
perish in the sin of the city. And as he prolonged the time, the men
caught both him, his wife and his two daughters by the hands, because
the LORD was merciful unto him, and they brought him forth and set him
without the city. When they had brought them out, they said: Save thy
life and look not behind thee neither tarry thou in any place of the
country, but save thyself in the mountain, lest thou perish. Then said
Lot unto them: Oh nay my Lord: {lorde} behold, inasmuch as thy servant
hath found grace in thy sight, now make thy mercy great which thou
shewest unto me in saving my life. For I can not save myself in the
mountains, lest some misfortune fall upon me and I die. Behold, here is
a city by, to flee unto, and it is a little one, let me save myself
therein: is it not a little one, that my soul may live? And he said to
him: see I have received thy request as concerning this thing, that I
will not overthrow this city for the which thou hast spoken. Haste
thee, and save thyself there, for I can do nothing till thou be come in
thither. And therefore the name of the city is called Zoar. And the sun
was upon the earth when Lot was entered into Zoar. Then the LORD rained
upon Sodom and Gomorra, brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven,
and overthrew those cities and all the region, and all that dwelled in
the cities, and that that grew upon the earth. And Lot's wife looked
behind her, and was turned in to a pillar of salt. Abraham rose up
early and got him to the place where he stood before the LORD, and
looked toward Sodom and Gomorra and toward all the land of that
country. And as he looked: behold, the smoke of the country arose as it
had been the smoke of a furnace. But yet when God destroyed the cities
of the region, he thought upon Abraha: and sent Lot out from the danger
of the overthrowing, when he overthrew the cities where Lot dwelled.
And Lot departed out of Zoar and dwelled in the mountains and his two
daughters with him for he feared to tarry in Zoar: he dwelt therefore
in a cave, both he and his two daughters also. Then said the elder unto
the younger our father is old, and there are no more men in the earth
to come in unto us after the manner of all the world. Come therefore,
let us give our father wine to drink, and let us lie with him that we
may save seed of our father. And they gave their father wine to drink
that same night. And the elder daughter went and lay with her father.
And he perceived it not, neither when she lay down, neither when she
rose up. And on the morrow the elder said unto the younger: behold,
yesternight lay I with my father. Let us give him wine to drink this
night also, and go thou and lie with him, and let us save seed of our
father. And they gave their father wine to drink that night also. And
the younger arose and lay with him. And he perceived it not: neither
when she lay down, neither when she rose up. Thus were both the
daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the elder bare a son
and called him Moab, which is the father of the Moabites unto this day.
And the younger bare a son and called him Ben Ammi, which is the father
of the children of Ammon unto this day.
Chapter .xx.
And Abraham departed thence toward the south country and dwelled
between Cades and Sur and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sara
his wife, that she was his sister. Then Abimelech king of Gerar sent
and fetched Sara away. And God came to Abimelech by night in a dream
and said to him: See, thou art but a dead man for the woman's sake
which thou hast taken away, for she is a man's wife. But Abimelech had
not yet come nye her, and therefore said: Lord {lorde} wilt thou slay
righteous people? said not he unto me, that she was his sister? yea and
said not she herself that he was her brother? with a pure heart and
innocent hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream. I
wot it well that thou didst it in the pureness of thy heart: And
therefore I kept thee that thou shouldest not sin against me, neither
suffered I thee to come nigh her. Now therefore deliver the man his
wife again, for he is a prophet. And let him pray for thee that thou
mayst live. But and if thou deliver her not again, be sure that thou
shalt die the death, with all that thou hast. Then Abimelech rose up be
times in the morning and called all his servants, and told all these
things in their ears, and the men were sore afraid. And Abimelech
called Abraham and said unto him: What hast thou done unto us, and what
have I offended thee, that thou shouldest bring on me and on my kingdom
so great a sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
And Abimelech said moreover unto Abraham: What sawest thou that moved
thee to do this thing? And Abraham answered. I thought that
peradventure the fear of God was not in this place, and that they
should slay me for my wife's sake: yet in very deed she is my sister,
the daughter of my father, but not of my mother: and became my wife.
And after God caused me to wander out of my father's house, I said unto
her: This kindness shalt thou shew unto me in all places where we come,
that thou say of me, how that I am thy brother. Then took Abimelech
sheep and oxen, menservants and womenservants and gave them unto
Abraham, and delivered him Sara his wife again. And Abimelech said:
behold the land lieth before thee, dwell where it pleaseth thee best.
And unto Sara he said: See I have given thy brother a thousand pieces
of silver, behold he {this thing} shall be a covering to thine eyes
unto all that are with thee and unto all men and an excuse. And so
Abraham prayed unto God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his
maidens, so that they bare. For the LORD had closed to, all the
matrices of the house of Abimelech, because of Sara Abraham's wife.
Chapter .xxj.
The lord visited Sara as he had said and did unto her according as he
had spoken. {promised} And Sara was with child and bare Abraham a son
in his old age even the same season which the Lorde {|God|} had
appointed. And Abraham called his son's name that was born unto him
which Sara bare him Isaac: and Abraham circumcised Isaac his son when
he was eight days old, as God commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred
year old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. And Sara said: God hath
made me a laughing stock: for all that hear, will laugh at me. She said
also: who would have said unto Abraham, that Sara should have given
children suck, or that I should have borne him a son in his old age:
The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast, the same
day that Isaac was weaned. Sara saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian which
she had borne unto Abraham, a mocking. Then she said unto Abraham: put
away this bondmaid and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not
be heir with my son Isaac: But the word seemed very grievous in
Abraham's sight, because of his son. Then the Lorde {|God|} said unto
Abraham: let it not be grievous unto thee, because of the lad and of
thy bondmaid: But in all that Sara hath said unto thee, hear her voice,
for in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Moreover of the son of the
bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed. And Abraham
rose up early in the morning and took bread and a bottle with water,
and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulders with the lad also,
and sent her away. And she departed and wandered up and down in the
wilderness of Berseba. When the water was spent that was in the bottle,
she cast the lad under a bush and went and sat her out of sight a great
way, as it were a bowshot off: For she said: I will not see the lad
die. And she sat down out of sight, and lift up her voice and wept. And
God heard the voice of the child. And the angel of God called Hagar out
of heaven and said unto her: What aileth thee Hagar? Fear not, for God
hath heard the voice of the child where he lieth. Arise and lift up the
lad, and take him in thy hand, for I will make of him a great people.
And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. And she went and
filled the bottle with water, and gave the boy drink. And God was with
the lad, and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
And he dwelt in the wilderness of Pharan. And his mother got him a wife
out of thee, land of Egypt. And it chanced the same season, that
Abimelech and Phicol his chief captain spake unto Abraham saying: God
is with thee in all that thou doest. Now therefore swear unto me even
here by God, that thou wilt not hurt me nor my children, nor my
children's children. But that thou shalt deal with me and the country
where thou art a stranger, according unto the kindness that I have
shewed thee. Then said Abraham: I will swear. And Abraham rebuked
Abimelech for a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had taken
away. And Abimelech answered I wist not who did it: Also thou toldest
me not, neither heard I of it, but this day. And Abraham took sheep and
oxen and gave them unto Abimelech. And they made both of them a bond
together. And Abraham set seven lambs by them selves. And Abimelech
said unto Abraham: what mean these seven lambs which thou hast set by
them selves. And he answered: seven lambs shalt thou take of my hand,
that it may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well:
Wherefore the place is called Berseba, because they sware both of them.
Thus made they a bond together at Berseba. Then Abimelech and Phicol
his chief Captain rose up and turned again unto the land of the
Philistines. And Abraham planted a wood in Berseba, and called there,
on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God: and dwelt in the
Philistine land a long season.
Chapter .xxij.
After these deeds, God did prove Abraham and said unto him: Abraham.
And he answered: here am I. And he said: take thy only son Isaac whom
thou lovest, and get thee unto the land of Moria, and sacrifice him
there for a sacrifice upon one of the mountains which I will shew thee.
Then Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his ass, and took
two of his meiny with him, and Isaac his sonne: and clove wood for the
sacrifice, and rose up and got him to the place which God had appointed
him. The third day Abraham lift up his eyes and saw the place afar off,
and said unto his young men: bide here with the ass. I and the lad will
go yonder and worship and come again unto you. And Abraham took the
wood of the sacrifice and laid it upon Isaac his son, and took fire in
his hand and a knife. And they went both of them together. Then spake
Isaac unto Abraham his father and said: My father? And he answered here
am I my son. And he said: See here is fire and wood, but where is the
sheep for sacrifice? And Abraham said: my son, God will provide him a
sheep for sacrifice. So went they both together. And when they came
unto the place which God shewed him, Abraham made an altar there and
dressed the wood, and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar,
above upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the
knife to have killed his son. Then the angel of the LORD called unto
him from heaven saying: Abraham, Abraham?. And he answered: here am I.
And he said: lay not thy hands upon the child, neither do anything at
all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, in that thou hast
not kept thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes and
looked about: and behold, there was a ram caught by the horns in a
thicket. And he went and took the ram and offered him up for a
sacrifice in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the
place, the LORD will see: wherefore it is a common saying this day: in
the mount will the LORD be seen. And the angel of the LORD cried unto
Abraham from heaven the second time saying: by myself have I sworn
(saith the LORD) because thou hast done this thing and hast not spared
thy only son, that I will bless thee and multiply thy seed as the stars
of heaven and as the sand upon the sea side. And thy seed shall possess
the gates of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the
earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice. So turned Abraham
again unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to
Berseba. And Abraham dwelt at Berseba. And it chanced after these
things, that one told Abraham saying: Behold, Milcha she hath also born
children unto thy brother Nachor: Hus his eldest son and Bus his
brother, and Kemuel the father of the Sirians, and Cesed, and Haso, and
Pildas, and Iedlaph, and Bethuel. And Bethuel begat Rebecca. These
eight did Milcha bear to Nachor Abraham's brother. And his concubine
called Rheuma she bare also Tebah, Gaham, Thaas and Maacha.
Chapter .xxiij.
Sara was an hundred and twenty seven years old (for so long lived she)
and then died in a head city called Hebron in the land of Canaan. Then
Abraham came to mourn Sara and to weep for her. And Abraham stood up
from the corpse, and talked with the sons of Heth saying: I am a
stranger and a foreigner among yow, give me a possession to bury in
with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. And the children of
Heth answered Abraham saying unto him: Hear us lord, thou art a prince
of God among us. In the chiefest of our sepulchers bury thy dead: None
of us shall forbid thee his sepulchre, that thou shouldest not bury thy
dead therein. Abraham stood up and bowed himself before the people of
the land the children of Heth. And he communed {comoned} with them
saying: If it be your minds that I shall bury my dead out of my sight,
hear me and speak for me to Ephron the son of Zoar: and let him give me
the double cave which he hath in the end of his field, for as much
money as it is worth, let him give it me in the presence of you, for a
possession to bury in. For Ephron dwelled among the children of Heth.
Then Ephron the Hethite answered Abraham in the audience of the
children of Heth and of all that went in at the gates of his city,
saying: Not so, my lord, but hear me: The field give I thee, and the
cave that therein is, give I thee also. And even in the presence of the
sons of my people give I it thee to bury thy dead in. Then Abraham
bowed himself before the people of the land, and spake unto Ephron in
the audience of the people of the country saying: I pray thee hear me,
I will give silver for the field, take it of me, and so will I bury my
dead there. Ephron answered Abraham saying unto him: My lord, hearken
unto me. The land is worth four hundredth sicles of silver: But what is
that betwixt thee and me? bury thy dead. And Abraham hearkened unto
Ephron and weighed him the silver which he had said in the audience of
the sons of Heth. Even four hundred silver sicles of current money
among merchants. Thus was the field of Ephron wherein the double cave
is before Mamre: even the field and the cave that is therein and all
the trees of the field which grow in all the borders round about, made
sure unto Abraham for a possession, in the sight of the children of
Heth and of all that went in at the gates of the city. And then Abraham
buried Sara his wife in the double cave of the field that lieth before
Mamre, otherwise called Ebron in the land of Canaan. And so both the
field and the cave that is therein, was made unto Abraham, a sure
possession to bury in, of the sons of Heth.
Chapter .xxiiij.
Abraham was old and stricken in days, and the LORD had blessed him in
all things. And he said unto his eldest servant of his house which had
the rule over all that he had: Put thy hand under my thigh that I may
make thee swear by the LORD that is God of heaven and God of the earth,
that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son, of the daughters of the
Cananites, among which I dwell. But shalt go unto my country and to my
kindred, and there take a wife unto my son Isaac. Then said the servant
unto him: what and if the woman will not agree to come with me unto
this land, shall I bring thy son again unto the land which thou camest
out of? And Abraham said unto him: beware of that, that thou bring not
my son thither. The LORD God of heaven which took me from my father's
house and from the land where I was born, and which spake unto me and
sware unto me saying: unto thy seed will I give this land, he shall
send his angel before thee, that thou mayest take a wife unto my son
from thence. Nevertheless if the woman will not agree to come with thee
then shalt thou be without danger of this oath. But above all things
bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the
thigh of Abraham and sware to him as concerning that matter. And the
servant took ten camels of the camels of his master and departed, and
had of all manner goods of his master with him, and stood up and went
to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And made his camels to lie down
without the city by a well's side of water, at even: about the time
that women come out to draw water, and he said: LORD God of my master
Abraham, send me good speed this day, and shew mercy unto my master
Abraham. Lo I stond here by the well of water and the daughters of the
men of this city will come out to draw water: Now the damsel to whom I
say, stoop down thy pitcher, and let me drink. If she say: Drink, and I
will give thy camels drink also, the same is she that thou hast
ordained for thy servant Isaac: yea and thereby shall I know that thou
hast shewed mercy on my master. And it came to pass yer he had left
speaking, that Rebecca came out, the daughter of Bethuel, son to Milkah
the wife of Nahor Abraham's brother, and her pitcher upon her shoulder:
The damsel was very fair to look upon, and yet a maid and unknown of
man. And she went down to the well and filled her pitcher and came up
again. Then the servant ran unto her and said: let me sip a little
water of thy pitcher. And she said: drink my lord. And she hasted and
let down her pitcher upon her arm and gave him drink. And when she had
given him drink, she said: I will draw water for thy camels also, until
they have drunk enough. And she poured out her pitcher into the trough
hastily, and ran again unto the well, to fetch water: and drew for all
his camels. And the fellow wondered at her. But held his peace, to wete
whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. And as the
camels had left drinking, he took an earing of half a sicle weight, and
two bracelets for her hands, of ten sicles weight of gold, and said
unto her: Whose daughter art thou? tell me: is there room in thy
father's house, for us to lodge in? And she said unto him: I am the
daughter of Bethuel the son of Milkah which she bare unto Nahor: and
said moreover unto him: we have litter and provender enough and also
room to lodge in. And the man bowed himself and worshipped the LORD,
and said: blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham which ceaseth
not to deal mercifully and truly with my master. And {|For the LORDe|}
hath brought me the way to my master's brother's house. And the damsel
ran and told them of her mother's house these things. And Rebecca had a
brother called Laban. And Laban ran out unto the man, to the well: for
as soon as he had seen the earings and the bracelets upon his sister's
hands, and heard the words of Rebecca his sister saying thus said the
man unto me, then he went out unto the man. And lo, he stood yet with
the camels by the well side. And Laban said: come in thou blessed of
the LORD. Wherefore stondest thou without? I have dressed the house and
made room for the camels. And then the man came in to the house: and he
unbridled the camels: and brought litter and provender for the camels,
and water to wash his feet and their feet that were with him, and there
was meat set before him to eat. But he said: I will not eat, until I
have said mine errand: And he said: say on; And he said: I am Abraham's
servant, and the LORD hath blessed my master out of measure that he is
become great and hath given him sheep, oxen, silver and gold,
menservants, maidservants, camels and asses. And Sara my master's wife
bare him a son, when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that
he hath. And my master made me swear saying: Thou shalt not take a wife
to my son, among the daughters of the Cananites in whose land I dwell.
But thou shalt go unto my father's house and to my kindred, and there
take a wife unto my son. And I said unto my master: What if the wife
will not follow me? And he said unto me: The LORD before whom I walk,
will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy journey that thou shalt
take a wife for my son, of my kindred and of my father's house. But and
if (when thou comest unto my kindred) they will not give thee one, then
shalt thou bear no peril of mine oath. And I came this day unto the
well and said: O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if it be so that
thou makest my journey which I go, prosperous: behold, I stond by this
well of water, and when a virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say
to her: give me a little water of thy pitcher to drink, and she say
again to me: drink thou, and I will also draw water for thy camels:
that same is the wife, whom the LORD hath prepared for my master's son.
And before I had made an end of speaking in mine heart: behold Rebecca
came forth, and her pitcher on her shoulder, and she went down unto the
well and drew. And I said unto her give me drink. And she made haste,
and took down her pitcher from off her, and said: drink, and I will
give thy camels drink also. And I drank, and she gave the camels drink
also. And I asked her saying: whose daughter art thou? And she
answered: the daughter of Bathuel Nahor's son, whom Milkah bare unto
him. And I put the earing upon her face and the bracelets upon her
hands. And I bowed myself, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the
LORD God of my master Abraham which had brought me the right way, to
take my master's brother's daughter unto his son. Now therefore if ye
will deal mercifully and truly with my master, tell me: And if not,
tell me also: that I may turn me to the right hand or to the left. Then
answered Laban and Bathuel saying: The thing is proceeded even out of
the LORD, {lorde} we can not therefore say unto thee, either good or
bad: Behold Rebecca before thy face, take her and go, and let her be
thy master's son's wife, even as the LORD hath said. And when Abraham's
servant heard their words, he bowed himself unto the LORD, flat upon
the earth. And the servant took forth jewels of silver and jewels of
gold and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca: But unto her brother and to
her mother, he gave spices. And then they ate and drank, both he and
the men that were with him, and tarried all night and rose up in the
morning. And he said: let me depart unto my master. But her brother and
her mother said: let the damsel abide with us a while, and it be but
even ten days, and then go thy ways. And he said unto them, hinder me
not: for the LORD {lorde} hath prospered my journey. Send me away that
I may go unto my master. And they said: let us call the damsel, and wit
what she saith to the matter. And they called forth Rebecca and said
unto her: wilt thou go with this man? And she said: Yea. Then they
brought Rebecca their sister on the way and her nurse and Abraham's
servant, and the men that were with him. And they blessed Rebecca and
said unto her: Thou art our sister, grow into thousand thousands, and
thy seed possess the gates of their enemies. And Rebecca arose and her
damsels, and sat them up upon the camels and went their way after the
man. And the servant took Rebecca and went his way. And Isaac was a
coming from the well of the living and seeing, for he dwelt in the
south country, and was gone out to walk in his meditations before the
even tide. And he lift up his eyes and looked, and behold the camels
were coming. And Rebecca lift up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she
lighted off the camel, and said unto the servant: what man is this that
cometh against us in the field? And the servant said: it is my master.
And then she took her mantle, and put it about her. And the servant
told Isaac all that he had done. Then Isaac brought her in to his
mother Sara's tent, and took Rebecca and she became his wife, and he
loved her: and so was Isaac comforted over his mother.
Chapter .xxv.
Abraham took him another wife called Ketura, which bare him Simran,
Iacksan, Medan, Midian, Iesback and Suah. And Iacksan begat Seba and
Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Assurim, Letusim and Leumim. And the
sons of Midian were Epha, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Elda. All these were
the children of Bethura. {Ketura} But Abraham gave all that he had unto
Isaac. And unto the sons of his concubines he gave gifts, and sent them
away from Isaac his son (while he yet lived) eastward, unto the east
country. These are the days of the life of Abraham which he lived: an
hundred and seventy five year and then fell sick and died, in a lusty
age (when he had lived enough) and was put unto his people. And his
sons Isaac and Ismael buried him in the double cave in the field of
Ephron son, of Zoar the Hethite before Mamre. Which field Abraham
bought of the sons of Heth: There was Abraham buried and Sara his wife.
And after the death of Abraham God blessed Isaac his son, which dwelt
by the well of the living and seeing. These are the generations of
Ismael Abraham's son, which Hagar the Egyptian Sara's handmaid bare
unto Abraham. And these are the names of the sons of Ismael, with their
names in their kindreds. The eldest son of Ismael, Nevatoth, then
Redar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Misma, Duma, Masa, Hadar, Thema, Ietur, Naphis
and Kedma. These are the sons of Ismael, and these are their names, in
their towns and castles twelve princes of nations. And these are the
years of the life of Ismael: an hundred and thirty seven years, and
then he fell sick and died, and was laid unto his people. And he dwelt
from Evila unto Sur that is before Egypt, as men go toward the
Assyrians. And he died in the presence of all his brethren. And these
are the generations of Isaac Abraham's son: Abraham begat Isaac. And
Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebecca to wife the daughter of
Bethuel the Sirian of Mesopotamia and sister to Laban the Sirian. And
Isaac made intercession unto the LORD for his wife: because she was
barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife
conceived: and the children strove together within her. Then she said:
if it should go so to pass, what helpeth it that I am with child? And
she went and asked the LORD. And the LORD said unto her there are two
manner of people in thy womb, and two nations shall spring out of thy
bowels, and the one nation shall be mightier than the other and the
eldest shall be servant unto the younger. And when her time was come to
be delivered: behold there were two twins in her womb. And he that came
out first, was red and rough over all as it were an hide: and they
called his name Esau. And afterward his brother came out and his hand
holding Esau by the heel. Wherefore his name was called Iacob. And
Isaac was forty years old when she bare them: and the boys grew, and
Esau became a cunning hunter and a tillman. But Iacob was a simple man
and dwelled in the tents. Isaac loved Esau because he did eat of his
venison, but Rebecca loved Iacob. Iacob sod pottage, and Esau came from
the field and was fainty, and said to Iacob: let me sip of that red
pottage, for I am fainty. And therefore was his name called Edom. And
Iacob said: sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau answered: Lo I am
at the point to die, and what profit shall this birthright do me? And
Iacob said, swear to me then this day. And he swore to him and sold his
birthright unto Iacob. Then Iacob gave Esau bread and pottage of red
rice. And he ate and drank and rose up and went his way. And so Esau
regarded not his birthright.
Chapter .xxvi.
And there fell a dearth in the land, passing the first dearth that fell
in the days of Abraham. Wherefore Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the
Philistines unto Gerar. Then the LORD appeared unto him and said: go
not down into Egypt, but bide in the land which I say unto thee:
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee: for
unto thee and unto thy seed I will give all these countries. And I will
perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father, and will
multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed
all these countries. And thorow thy seed shall all the nations of the
earth be blessed, because that Abraham hearkened unto my voice and kept
mine ordinances, commandments, statutes and laws. And Isaac dwelled in
Gerar. And the men of the place asked him of his wife, and he said that
she was his sister: for he feared to call her his wife lest the men of
the place should have killed him for her sake, because she was
beautiful to the eye. And it happened after he had been there long
time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window,
and saw Isaac sporting with Rebecca his wife. And Abimelech sent for
Isaac and said: see, she is of a surety thy wife, and why saidest thou
that she was thy sister? And Isaac said unto him: I thought that I
might peradventure have died for her sake. Then said Abimelech: why
hast thou done this unto us? one of the people might lightly have lain
by thy wife and so shouldest thou have brought sin upon us. Then
Abimelech charged all his people saying: he that toucheth this man or
his wife, shall surely die for it. And Isaac sowed in the land, and
found in the same year an hundred bushels: for the LORD blessed him,
and the man waxed mighty, and went forth and grew till he was exceeding
great, that he had possession of sheep, of oxen and a mighty household:
so that the Philistines had envy at him: Insomuch that they stopped and
filled up with earth, all the wells which his father's servants digged
in his father Abraham's time. Then said Abimelech unto Isaac: get thee
from me, for thou art mightier than we a great deal. Then Isaac
departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley Gerar and dwelt
there. And Isaac digged again, the wells of water which they digged in
the days of Abraham his father which the Philistines had stopped after
the death of Abraham, and gave them the same names which his father
gave them. As Isaac's servants digged in the valley, they found a well
of springing {living} water. And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with
Isaac's herdmen saying: the water is ours. Then called he the well
Eseck because they strove with him. Then digged they another well, and
they strove for that also. Therefore called he it Sitena. And then he
departed thence, and digged another well for the which they strove not:
therefore called he it Rehoboth, saying: the LORD hath now made us
room, and we are increased upon the earth. Afterward departed he thence
and came to Berseba. And the LORD appeared unto him the same night and
said: I am the God of Abraham thy father, fear not for I am with thee,
and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's
sake. And then he builded an altar there and called upon the name of
the LORD, and there pitched his tent. And there Isaac's servants digged
a well. Then came Abimelech to him from Gerar and Ahusath his friend
and Phicoll his chief captain. And Isaac said unto them: wherefore come
ye to me, seeing ye hate me and have put me away from you? Then said
they: we saw that the LORD was with thee, and therefore we said that
there should be an oath betwixt us and thee, and that we would make a
bond with thee: that thou shouldest do us no hurt, as we have not
touched thee, and have done unto thee nothing but good, and send thee
away in peace: for thou art now the blessed of the LORD. And he made
them a feast, and they ate and drank. And they rose up by times in the
morning and sware one to another. And Isaac sent them away. And they
departed from him in peace. And the same day came Isaac's servants, and
told him of a well which they had digged: and said unto him, that they
had found water. And he called it Seba, wherefore the name of the city
is called Berseba unto this day. When Esau was forty years old, he took
to wife Iudith the daughter of Bery an Hethite, and Basmath the
daughter of Elon an Hethite also, which were disobedient unto Isaac and
Rebecca.
Chapter .xxvij.
And it came to pass that Isaac waxed old and his eyes were dim, so that
he could not see. Then called he Esau his eldest son and said unto him:
my son. And he said unto him: here am I. And he said: behold, I am old
and know not the day of my death: Now therefore take thy weapons, thy
quiver and thy bow, and get thee to the fields, and take me some
venison, and make me meat such as I love, and bring it me and let me
eat that my soul may bless thee before that I die. But Rebecca heard
when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And as soon as Esau was gone to the
field to catch venison, and to bring it, she spake unto Iacob her son
saying: Behold I have heard thy father talking with Esau thy brother
and saying: bring me venison and make me meat, that I may eat and bless
thee before the LORD yer I die. Now therefore my son hear my voice in
that which I command thee: get thee to the flock, and bring me thence
two good kids, and I will make meat of them for thy father, such as he
loveth. And thou shalt bring it to thy father and he shall eat, that he
may bless thee before his death. Then said Iacob to Rebecca his mother:
Behold Esau my brother is rough and I am smooth. My father shall
peradventure feel me, and I shall seem unto him as though I went about
to beguile him, and so shall he bring a curse upon me and not a
blessing: and his mother said unto him. Upon me be thy curse my son,
only hear my voice, and go and fetch me them. And Iacob went and
fetched them and brought them to his mother. And his mother made meat
of them, according as his father loved. And she went and fetched goodly
raiment of her eldest son Esau which she had in the house with her, and
put them upon Iacob her youngest son, and she put the skins upon his
hands and upon the smooth of his neck. And she put the meat and bread
which she had made in the hand of her son Iacob. And he went in to his
father saying: my father. And he answered: here am I, who art thou my
son? And Iacob said unto his father: I am Esau thy eldest son, I have
done according as thou baddest me, up and sit and eat of my venison,
that thy soul may bless me. But Isaac said unto his son: How cometh it
that thou hast found it so quickly my son? He answered: The LORD thy
God brought it to my hand. Then said Isaac unto Iacob: come near and
let me feel thee my son, whether thou be my son Esau or not. Then went
Iacob to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said the voice is
Iacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he knew him
not, because his hands were rough as his brother Esau's hands and so he
blessed him. And he asked him, art thou my son Esau? And he said: that
I am. Then said he: bring me and let me eat of my son's venison, that
my soul may bless thee. And he brought him, and he ate. And he brought
him wine also, and he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him: come
near and kiss me my son. And he went to him and kissed him. And he
smelled the savour of his raiment and blessed him, and said See, the
smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD {lorde} hath
blessed. God give thee of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the
earth and plenty of corn and wine. People be thy servants and nations
bow unto thee. Be lord over thy brethren, and thy mother's children
stoop unto thee. Cursed be he that curseth thee, and blessed {lessed}
be he that blesseth thee. As soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing
Iacob, and Iacob was scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his
father: then came Esau his brother from his hunting: and had made also
meat, and brought it in unto his father and said unto him: Arise my
father and eat of thy son's venison, that thy soul may bless me. Then
his father Isaac said unto him: Who art thou? he answered I am thy
eldest son Esau. And Isaac was greatly astonied out of measure, and
said: Where is he then that hath hunted venison and brought it me, and
I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him, and he
shall be blessed still. When Esau heard the words of his father, he
cried out greatly and bitterly above measure, and said unto his father:
bless me also my father. And he said thy brother came with subtlety,
and hath taken away thy blessing. Then said he: He may well be called
Iacob, for he hath undermined me now two times, first he took away my
birthright: and see, now hath he taken away my blessing also. And he
said, hast thou kept never a blessing for me? Isaac answered and said
unto Esau: behold I have made him thy lord, {LORde} and all his
mother's children have I made his servants. Moreover with corn and wine
have I stablished him, what can I do unto thee now my son? And Esau
said unto his father: hast thou but that one blessing my father? bless
me also my father: so lifted up Esau his voice and wept. Then Isaac his
father answered and said unto him: Behold thy dwelling place shall have
of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. And
with thy sword shalt thou live and shalt be thy brother's servant; But
the time will come, when thou shalt get the mastery, and lowse his yoke
from off thy neck. And Esau hated Iacob, because of the blessing that
his father blessed him withal, and said in his heart: The days of my
father's sorrow are at hand, for I will slay my brother Iacob. And
these words of Esau her eldest son, were told to Rebecca. And she sent
and called Iacob her youngest son, and said unto him: behold thy
brother Esau threateneth to kill thee: Now therefore my son hear my
voice, make thee ready, and flee to Laban my brother at Haran: And
tarry with him a while, until thy brother's fierceness be swaged, and
until thy brother's wrath turn away from thee, and he forget that which
thou hast done to him. Then will I send and fetch thee away from
thence. Why should I lose you both in one day? And Rebecca spake to
Isaac: I am weary of my life, for fear of the daughters of Heth. If
Iacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such one as these are, or
of the daughters of the land, what lust should I have to live?
Chapter .xxviij.
Then Isaac called Iacob his son and blessed him, and charged him and
said unto him: see thou take not a wife of the daughters of Canaan, but
arise and get thee to Mesopotamia to the house of Bethuel thy mother's
father: and there take thee a wife of the daughters of Laban thy
mother's brother. And God almighty bless thee, increase thee, and
multiply thee that thou mayest be a number of people, and give thee the
blessing of Abraham: both to thee and to thy seed with thee, that thou
mayest possess the land (wherein thou art a stranger) which God gave
unto Abraham. Thus Isaac sent forth Iacob, to go to Mesopotamia unto
Laban, son of Bethuel the Sirien, and brother to Rebecca Iacob's and
Esau's mother. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Iacob, and sent him
to Mesopotamia, to fetch him a wife thence, and that, as he blessed him
he gave him a charge saying: see thou take not a wife of the daughters
of Canaan: and that Iacob had obeyed his father and mother, and was
gone unto Mesopotamia: and seeing also that the daughters of Canaan
pleased not Isaac his father: Then went he unto Ismael, and took unto
the wives which he had, Mahala the daughter of Ismael Abraham's son,
the sister of Nabaioth to be his wife. Iacob departed from Berseba and
went toward Haran, and came unto a place and tarried there all night,
because the son was down. And took a stone of the place, and put it
under his head, and laid him down in the same place to sleep. And he
dreamed: and behold there stood a ladder upon the earth, and the top of
it reached up to heaven. And see, the angels of God went up and down
upon it, yea and the LORD stood upon it and said: I am the LORD God of
Abraham thy father and the God of Isaac: The land which thou sleepest
upon will I give thee and thy seed. And thy seed shall be as the dust
of the earth: And thou shalt spread abroad: west, east, north and
south. And thorow thee and thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth
be blessed. And see I am with thee, and will be thy keeper in all
places whother thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land:
Neither will I leave thee until I have made good, all that I have
promised thee. When Iacob was awaked out of his sleep, he said: surely
the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware. And he was afraid and
said how fearful is this place? it is none other, but even the house of
God and the gate of heaven. And Iacob stood up early in the morning and
took the stone that he had laid under his head, and pitched it up on
end, and poured oil on the top of it. And he called the name of the
place Bethel, for indeed the name of the city was called Lus before
time. And Iacob vowed a vow, saying: If God will be with me and will
keep me in this journey which I go and will give me bread to eat, and
clothes to put on, so that I come again unto my father's house in
safety: then shall the LORD be my God, and this stone which I have set
up an end, shall be God's {godes} house. And of all that thou shalt
give me, will I give the tenth unto thee.
Chapter .xxix.
Then Iacob lift up his feet, and went toward the east country. And as
he looked about, behold there was a well in the field, and three flocks
of sheep lay thereby (for at that well were the flocks watered) and
there lay a great stone at the well mouth. And the manner was to bring
the flocks thither, and to roll the stone from the well's mouth and to
water the sheep, and to put the stone again upon the well's mouth unto
his place. And Iacob said unto them: brethren, whence be ye? And they
said: of Haran are we. And he said unto them: Know ye Laban the son of
Nahor. And they said: We know him. And he said unto them: is he in good
health? And they said: he is in good health: and behold, his daughter
Rahel cometh with the sheep. And he said: lo, it is yet a great while
to night, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered
together: water the sheep and go and feed them. And they said: we may
not, until all the flocks be brought together, and the stone be rolled
from the well's mouth, and so we water our sheep. While he yet talked
with them, Rahel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them. As
soon as Iacob saw Rahel, the daughter of Laban his mother's brother,
and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, he went and rolled the
stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep of Laban his
mother's brother. And Iacob kissed Rahel, and lift up his voice and
wept: and told her also that he was her father's brother and Rebecca's
son. Then Rahel ran and told her father. When Laban heard tell of Iacob
his sister's son, he ran against him, and embraced him and kissed him
and brought him into his house. And then Iacob told Laban all the
matter. And then Laban said: well, thou art my bone and my flesh. Abide
with me the space of a month. And afterward Laban said unto Iacob:
though thou be my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for
nought? tell me what shall thy wages be? And Laban had two daughters,
the eldest called Lea and the youngest Rahel. Lea was tender eyed, but
Rahel was beautiful and well favored. And Iacob loved her well, and
said: I will serve thee seven years for Rahel thy youngest daughter.
And Laban answered: it is better that I give her thee, than to another
man: bide therefore with me. And Iacob served seven years for Rahel,
and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
And Iacob said unto Laban: give me my wife, that I may lie with her.
For the time appointed me is come. Then Laban bade all the men of that
place, and made a feast. And when even was come, he took Lea his
daughter and brought her to him and he went in unto her. And Laban gave
unto his daughter Lea, Zilpha his maid, to be her servant. And when the
morning was come, behold it was Lea. Than said he to Laban: wherefore
hast thou played thus with me? did not I serve thee for Rahel,
wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? Laban answered: it is not the
manner of this place, to marry the youngest before the eldest. Pass out
this week, and then shall this also be given thee for the service which
thou shalt serve me yet seven years more. And Iacob did even so, and
passed out that week, and then he gave him Rahel his daughter to wife
also. And Laban gave to Rahel his daughter, Bilha his handmaid to be
her servant. So lay he by Rahel also, and loved Rahel more than Lea,
and served him yet seven years more. When the LORD saw that Lea was
despised, he made her fruitful: but Rahel was barren. And Lea conceived
and bare a son, and called his name Ruben, for she said: the LORD hath
looked upon my tribulation. And now my husband will love me. And she
conceived again and bare a son, and said: the LORD hath heard that I am
despised, and hath therefore given me this son also, and she called him
Simeon. And she conceived yet and bare a son, and said: now this once
will my husband keep me company, because I have borne him three sons:
and therefore she called his name Levi. And she conceived yet again,
and bare a son saying: Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called
his name Iuda, and left bearing.
Chapter .xxx.
When Rahel saw that she bare Iacob no children, she envied her sister
and said unto Iacob: give me children, or else I am but dead. Then was
Iacob wroth with Rahel saying: Am I in God's {godes} stead which
keepeth from thee the fruit of thy womb? Then she said: here is my maid
Bilha: go in unto her, that she may bear upon my lap, that I may be
increased by her. And she gave him Bilha her handmaid to wife. And
Iacob went in unto her: And Bilha conceived and bare Iacob a son. Then
said Rahel: God hath given sentence on my side, and hath also heard my
voice, and hath given me a son. Therefore called she him Dan. And Bilha
Rahel's maid conceived again, and bare Iacob another son. And Rahel
said. God is turned, and I have made a change with my sister, and have
gotten the upper hand. And she called his name Naphtali. When Lea saw
that she had left bearing, she took Silpha her maid, and gave her Iacob
to wife. And Silpha Lea's maid bare Iacob a son. Then said Lea: Good
luck: and called his name Gad. And Silpha Lea's maid bare Iacob another
son. Then said Lea: happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed.
And called his name Asser. And Ruben went out in the wheat harvest and
found mandragoras in the fields, and brought them unto his mother Lea.
Then said Rahel to Lea give me of thy son's mandragoras. And Lea
answered: Is it not enough, that thou hast taken away my husband, but
wouldest take away my son's mandragoras also? Then said Rahel well, let
him sleep with thee this night, for thy son's mandragoras. And when
Iacob came from the fields at even, Lea went out to meet him, and said:
come in to me, for I have bought thee with my son's mandragoras. And he
slept with her that night. And God heard Lea, that she conceived and
bare unto Iacob the fifth son. Then said Lea: God hath given me my
reward, because I gave my maiden to my husband, and she called him
Isachar. And Lea conceived yet again and bare Iacob the sixth son. Then
said she: God hath endued me with a good dowry. Now will my husband
dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and called his name
Zabulon. After that she bare a daughter, and called her Dina. And God
remembered Rahel, heard her, and made her fruitful: so that she
conceived and bare a son, and said God hath taken away my rebuke. And
she called his name Ioseph saying: The LORD {lorde} give me yet another
son. As soon as Rahel had borne Ioseph, Iacob said to Laban: Send me
away that I may go unto mine own place and country, give me my wives
and my children for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou
knowest what service I have done thee. Then said Laban unto him: If I
have found favour in thy sight (for I suppose that the LORD {|God|}
hath blessed me for thy sake) appoint what thy reward shall be, and I
will give it thee. But he said unto him, thou knowest what service I
have done thee, and in what taking thy cattle have been under me: For
it was but little that thou hadst before I came, and now it is
increased into a multitude, and the LORD hath blessed thee for my sake.
But now when shall I make provision for mine own house also? And he
said: what shall I give thee? And Iacob answered: thou shalt give me
nothing at all, if thou wilt do this one thing for me: And then will I
turn again and feed thy sheep and keep them. I will go about all thy
sheep this day, and separate from them all the sheep that are spotted
and of divers colours, and all black sheep among the lambs and the
party and spotted among the kids: And then such shall be my reward. So
shall my righteousness answer for me: when the time cometh that I shall
receive my reward of thee: So that whatsoever is not speckled and party
among the goats and black among the lambs, let that be theft with me.
Then said Laban: Lo, I am content, that it be according as thou hast
said. And he took out that same day the he goats that were party and of
divers colours, and all the goats that were spotted and party coloured,
and all that had white in them, and all the black among the lambs: and
put them in the keeping of his sons, and set three days' journey
betwixt himself and Iacob. And so Iacob kept the rest of Laban's sheep.
Iacob took rods of green poplar, hazel, and of chestnut trees, and
pilled white streaks in them and made the white appear in the staves:
And he put the staves which he had pilled, even before the sheep, in
the gutters and watering troughs, when the sheep came to drink: that
they should conceive when they came to drink. And the sheep conceived
before the staves, and brought forth streaked, spotted and party. Then
Iacob parted the lambs, and turned the faces of the sheep toward
spotted things, and toward all manner of black things thorow out the
flocks of Laban. And he made him flocks of his own by them self, which
he put not unto the flocks of Laban. And alway in the first bucking
time of the sheep, Iacob put the staves before the sheep in the
gutters, that they might conceive before the staves: But in the latter
bucking time, he put them not there: so the last brood was Laban's and
the first Iacob's. And the man became exceeding rich and had many
sheep, maidservants, menservants, camels and asses.
Chapter .xxxj.
And Iacob heard the words of Laban's sons how they said: Iacob hath
taken away all that was our father's, and of our father's goods, hath
he gotten all this honour. And Iacob beheld the countenance of Laban,
that it was not toward him as it was in times past. And the LORD said
unto Iacob: turn again into the land of thy fathers and to thy kindred,
and I will be with thee. Then Iacob sent and called Rahel and Lea to
the field unto his sheep, and said unto them: I see your father's
countenance, that it is not toward me as in times past. Moreover the
God of my father hath been with me. And ye know how that I have served
your father with all my might. And your father hath deceived
{disceaved} me and changed my wages ten times: But God suffered him not
to hurt me. When he said the spotted shall be thy wages, then all the
sheep bare spotted. If he said, the streaked shall be thy reward, then
bare all the sheep streaked: thus hath God taken away your father's
cattle and given them me. For in bucking time, I lifted up mine eyes
and saw in a dream: and behold, the rams that bucked the sheep were
streaked, spotted and party. And the angel of God spake unto me in a
dream saying: Iacob?. And I answered: here am I. And he said: lift up
thine eyes and see how all the rams that leap upon the sheep are
streaked, spotted and party: for I have seen all that Laban doth unto
thee. I am the God of Bethel where thou anointedest the stone and where
thou vowdest a vow unto me. Now arise and get thee out of this country,
and return unto the land where thou wast born. Then answered Rahel and
Lea and said unto him: we have no part nor inheritance in our father's
house: he counteth us even as strangers, for he hath sold us, and hath
even eaten up the price of us. Moreover all the riches which God hath
taken from our father, that is ours and our children's. Now therefore
whatsoever God hath said unto thee, that do. Then Iacob rose up and set
his sons and wives up upon camels, and carried away all his cattle and
all his substance which he had gotten in Mesopotamia, for to go to
Isaac his father unto the land of Canaan Laban was gone to shear his
sheep, and Rahel had stolen her father's images. And Iacob went away
unknowing to {Iacob stale away the heart of} Laban the Sirian, and told
him not that he fled. So fled he and all that he had, and made himself
ready, and passed over the rivers, and set his face straight toward the
mount Gilead. Upon the third day after, was it told Laban that Iacob
was fled. Then he took his brethren with him and followed after him
seven days' journey, and overtook him at the mount Gilead. And God came
to Laban the Sirian in a dream by night, and said unto him: take heed
to thyself, that thou speak not to Iacob ought save good. And Laban
overtook Iacob: and Iacob had pitched his tent in that mount. And Laban
with his brethren pitched their tent also upon the mount Gilead. Then
said Laban to Iacob: why hast thou this done unknowing to me, {done to
steal away my heart} and hast carried away my daughters as though they
had been taken captive with sword? Wherefore wentest thou away secretly
unknown to me and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on
the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps, and hast not suffered
me to kiss my children and my daughters?. Thou wast a fool to do it,
for I am able to do you evil. But the God of your father spake unto me
yesterday saying take heed that thou speak not to Iacob ought save
good. And now though thou wentest thy way because thou longest after
thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? Iacob
answered and said to Laba: because I was afraid, and thought that thou
wouldest have taken away thy daughters from me. But with whomsoever
thou findest thy gods, let him die here before our brethren. Seek that
thine is by me, and take it to thee: for Iacob wist not that Rahel had
stolen them. Then went Laban into Iacob's tent, and into Lea's tent,
and into two maidens' tents: but found them not. Then went he out of
Lea's tent, and entered into Rahel's tent. And Rahel took the images,
and put them in the camel's straw, and sat down upon them. And Laban
searched all the tent: but found them not. Then said she to her father:
my lord, be not angry that I can not rise up before thee, for the
disease of women is come upon me. So searched he, but found them not.
Iacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: Iacob also answered and said to
him: what have I trespassed or what have I offended, that thou
followedest after me? Thou hast searched all my stuff, and what hast
thou found of all thy household stuff? put it here before thy brethren
and mine, and let them judge betwixt us both. This twenty years that I
have been with thee, thy sheep and thy goats have not been barren, and
the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. Whatsoever was torn of beasts I
brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself: of my hand didst
thou require it, whether it was stolen by day or night. Moreover by day
the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep departed from
mine eyes. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house, and served thee
fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy sheep, and
thou hast changed my reward ten times. And except the God of my father,
the God of Abraham, and the God whom Isaac feareth, had been with me:
surely thou hadst sent me away now all empty. But God beheld my
tribulation, and the labour of my, hands: and rebuked thee yesterday.
Laban answered and said unto Iacob: the daughters are my daughters, and
the children are my children, and the sheep are my sheep, and all that
thou seest is mine. And what can I do this day unto these my daughters,
or unto their children which they have born? Now therefore come on, let
us make a bond, I and thou together, and let it be a witness between
thee and me. Then took Iacob a stone and set it up on end, and said
unto his brethren, gather stones. And they took stones, and made an
heap, and they ate there, upon the heap. And Laban called it Zegar
Sahadutha, but Iacob called Gilead. Then said Laban: this heap be
witness between thee and me this day (therefore is it called Gilead)
and this toot hill which the LORD {lorde} seeth (said he) be witness
between me and thee when we are departed one from another: that thou
shalt not vex my daughters neither shalt take other wives unto them.
Here is no man with us: behold, God is witness betwixt thee and me. And
Laban said moreover to Iacob: behold, this heap and this mark which I
have set here, betwixt me and thee: this heap be witness and also this
mark, that I will not come over this heap to thee, and thou shalt not
come over this heap and this mark, to do any harm. The God of Abraham,
the God of Nahor and the God of their fathers, be judge betwixt us. And
Iacob sware by him that his father Isaac feared. Then Iacob did
sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread. And
they ate bread and tarried all night in the hill. And early in the
morning Laban rose up and kissed his children and his daughters, and
blessed them and departed and went unto his place again.
Chapter .xxxij.
But Iacob went forth on his journey. And the angels of God came and met
him. And when Iacob saw them, he said: this is God's {godes} host: and
called the name of that same place Mahanaim. Iacob sent messengers
before him to Esau his brother, unto the land of Seir and the field of
Edom. And he commanded them saying: see that ye speak after this manner
to my lord Esau: thy servant, Iacob sayeth thus; I have sojourned and
been a stranger with Laban unto this time: and have gotten oxen, asses
and sheep, menservants and womenservants, and have sent to shew it my
lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. And the messengers came again
to Iacob saying: we came unto thy brother Esau, and he cometh against
thee and four hundred men with him. Then was Iacob greatly afraid, and
wist not which way to turn himself, and divided the people that was
with him and the sheep, oxen and camels, into two companies, and said:
If Esau come to the one part and smite it, the other may save itself.
And Iacob said: O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac:
LORD, which saidest unto me, return unto thy country and to thy
kindred, and I will deal well with thee. I am not worthy of the least
of all the mercies and truth which thou hast shewed unto thy servant.
For with my staff came I over this Iordan, and now have I gotten two
droves. Deliver me from the hands of my brother Esau, for I fear him:
lest he will come and smite the mother with the children. Thou saidest
that thou wouldest surely do me good, and wouldest make my seed as the
sand of the sea which can not be numbered for multitude. And he tarried
there that same night, and took of that which came to hand, a present,
unto Esau his brother: Two hundred she goats and twenty he goats: two
hundred sheep and twenty rams: thirty milch camels with their colts:
forty kine and ten bulls: twenty she asses and ten foals and delivered
them unto his servants, every drove by them selves, and said unto them:
go forth before me and put a space betwixt every drove. And he
commanded the foremost, saying: When Esau my brother meeteth thee and
asketh thee saying: whose servant art thou and whither goest thou, and
whose are these that go before thee: thou shalt say, they be thy
servant Iacob's, and are a present sent unto my lord Esau, and behold,
he himself cometh after us. And so commanded he the second, and even so
the third, and likewise all that followed the droves saying, of this
manner see that ye speak unto Esau when ye meet him, and say moreover.
Behold thy servant Iacob cometh after us, for he said. I will pease his
wrath with the present that goeth before me and afterward I will see
him myself, so peradventure he will receive me to grace. So went the
present before him and he tarried all that night in the tent, and rose
up the same night and took his two wives and his two maidens and his
eleven sons, and went over the ford Iabok. And he took them and sent
them over the river, and sent over that he had and tarried behind
himself alone. And there wrestled a man with him unto the breaking of
the day. And when he saw that he could not prevail against him, he
smote him under the thigh, and the sinew of Iacob's thigh shrank as he
wrestled with him. And he said: let me go, for the day breaketh. And he
said: I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto
him: what is thy name? He answered: Iacob. And he said: thou shalt be
called Iacob no more, but Israel. For thou hast wrestled with God and
with men and hast prevailed. And Iacob asked him saying, tell me thy
name. And he said, wherefore dost thou ask after my name? and he
blessed him there. And Iacob called the name of the place Pheniel, for
I have seen God face to face, and yet is my life reserved. And as he
went over Peniel, the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh:
wherefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew that shrank under
the thigh, unto this day: because that he smote Iacob under the thigh
in the sinew that shrank.
Chapter .xxxiij.
Iacob lift up his eyes and saw his brother Esau come, and with him four
hundred men. And he divided the children unto Lea and unto Rahel and
unto the two maidens. And he put the maidens and their children
foremost, and Lea and her children after, and Rahel and Ioseph
hindermost. And he went before them and fell on the ground seven times,
until he came unto his brother. Esau ran against {to meet} him and
embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And he
lift up his eyes and saw the wives and their children, and said: what
are these which thou there hast? And he said: they are the children
which God hath given thy servant. Then came the maidens forth, and did
their obeisance. Lea also and her children came and did their
obeisance. And last of all came Ioseph and Rahel and did their
obeisance. And he said: what meanest thou with all the droves which I
met? And he answered: to find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau
said: I have enough my brother, keep that thou hast unto thyself. Iacob
answered: oh nay but if I have found grace in thy sight, receive my
present of my hand: for I have seen thy face as though I had seen the
face of God: wherefore receive me to grace and take my blessing that I
have brought thee, for God hath given it me freely. And I have enough
of all things. And so he compelled him to take it. And he said: let us
take our journey and go, and I will go in thy company. And he said unto
him: my lord knoweth that I have tender children, ewes and kine with
young, under mine hand, which if men should overdrive but even one day,
the whole flock would die. Let my lord therefore go before his servant
and I will drive fair and softly, according as the cattle that goeth
before me and the children, be able to endure: until I come to my lord
unto Seir. And Esau said: let me yet leave some of my folk with thee.
And he said: what needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my
lord. So Esau went his way again that same day unto Seir. And Iacob
took his journey toward Sucoth, and built him an house, and made booths
for his cattle: whereof the name of the place is called Sucoth. And
Iacob went to Salem {came peaceably in} to the city of Sichem in the
land of Canaan, after that he was come from Mesopotamia, and pitched
before the city, and bought a parcel of ground where he pitched his
tent, of the children of Hemor Sichem's father, for an hundred lambs;
And he made there an altar, and there called upon the mighty God of
Israel.
Chapter .xxxiiij.
Dina the daughter of Lea which she bare unto Iacob, went out to see the
daughters of the land. And Sichem the son of Hemor the Hevite lord of
the country, saw her, and took her, and lay with her, and forced her:
and his heart lay unto Dina the daughter of Iacob. And he loved the
damsel and spake kindly unto her, and spake unto his father Hemor
saying, get me this maiden unto my wife. And Iacob heard that he had
defiled Dina his daughter, but his sons were with the cattle in the
field, and therefore he held his peace, until they were come. Then
Hemor the father of Sichem went out unto Iacob, to commune with him.
And the sons of Iacob came out of the field as soon as they heard it,
for it grieved them, and they were not a little wroth, because he had
wrought folly in Israel, in that he had lain with Iacob's daughter,
which thing ought not to be done. And Hemor communed with them saying:
the soul of my son Sichem longeth for your daughter: give her him to
wife, and make marriages with us: give your daughters unto us, and take
our daughters unto you, and dwell with us, and the land shall be at
your pleasure, dwell and do your business, and have your possessions
therein. And Sichem said unto her father and her brethren: let me find
grace in your eyes, and whatsoever ye appoint me, that will I give. Ask
freely of me both the dowry and gifts, and I will give according as ye
say unto me, and give me the damsel to wife. Then the sons of Iacob
answered to Sichem and Hemor his father deceitfully, because he had
defiled Dina their sister. And they said unto them, we can not do this
thing, that we should give our sister to one that is uncircumcised, for
that were a shame unto us. Only in this will we consent unto you: If ye
will be as we be, that all the men children among you be circumcised,
then will we give our daughter to you and take yours to us, and will
dwell with you and be one people. But and if ye will not hearken unto
us to be circumcised, than will we take our daughter and go our ways.
And their words pleased Hemor and Sichem his son. And the young man
deferred not for to do the thing, because he had a lust to Iacob's
daughter: he was also most set by of all that were in his father's
house. Then Hemor and Sichem went unto the gate of their city, and
communed with the men of their city saying: These men are peaceable
with us, and will dwell in the land and do their occupation therein;
And in the land is room enough for them, let us take their daughters to
wives and give them ours: only herein will they consent unto us for to
dwell with us and to be one people: if all the men children that are
among us be circumcised as they are. Their goods and their substance
and all their cattle are ours, only let us consent unto them, that they
may dwell with us. And unto Hemor and Sichem his son hearkened all that
went out at the gate of his city. And all the men children were
circumcised whatsoever went out at the gates of his city. And the third
day when it was painful to them, two of the sons of Iacob, Simeon and
Levi Dina's brethren, took either of them his sword and went into the
city boldly, and slew all that was male, and slew also Hemor and Sichem
his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dina their sister out of
Sichem's house, and went their way. Then came the sons of Iacob upon
the deed, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister:
and took their sheep, oxen, asses and whatsoever was in the city and
also in the fields. And all their goods, all their children and their
wives took they captive, and made havoc of all that was in the houses.
And Iacob said to Simeon and Levi: ye have troubled me and made me
stink unto the inhabiters of the land, both to the Cananites and also
unto the Pherezites. And I am few in number. Wherefore they shall
gather them selves together against me and slay me, and so shall I and
my house be destroyed. And they answered: should they deal with our
sister as with an whore?
Chapter .xxxv.
And God said unto Iacob, arise and get thee up to Bethel, and dwell
there. And make there an altar unto God that appeared unto thee, when
thou fleddest from Esau thy brother. Then said Iacob unto his household
and to all that were with him, put away the strange gods that are among
you and make your selves clean, and change your garments, and let us
arise and go up to Bethel, that I may make an altar there, unto God
which heard me in the day of my tribulation and was with me in the way
which I went. And they gave unto Iacob all the strange gods which were
under their hands, and all their earings which were in their ears, and
Iacob hid them under an oak at Sichem. And they departed. And the fear
of God fell upon the cities that were round about them, that they durst
not follow after the sons of Iacob. So came Iacob to Lus in the land of
Canaan, otherwise called Bethel, with all the people that was with him.
And he builded there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because
that God {|the LORDe|} appeared unto him there, when he fled from his
brother. Then died Debora Rebecca's nurse, and was buried beneath
Bethel under an oak. And the name of it was called the oak of
lamentation. And God appeared unto Iacob again after he came out of
Mesopotamia, and blessed him and said unto him: Thy name is Iacob.
Notwithstanding thou shalt be no more called Iacob, but Israel shall be
thy name. And so was his name called Israel. And God said unto him: I
am God allmighty, grow and multiply: for people and a multitude of
people shall spring of thee, yea and kings shall come out of thy loins.
And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, will I give unto thee, and
unto thy seed after thee will I give it also. And God departed from him
in the place where he talked with him. And Iacob set up a mark in the
place where he talked with him: even a pillar of stone, and poured
drink offering thereon and poured also oil thereon, and called the name
of the place where God spake with him, Bethel. And they departed from
Bethel, and when he was but a field brede from Ephrath, Rahel began to
travail. And in travailing she was in peril. And as she was in pains of
her labour, the midwife said unto her: fear not, for thou shalt have
this son also. Then as her soul was departing, that she must die: she
called his name Ben Oni. But his father called him Ben Iamin. and thus
died Rahel and was buried in the way to Ephrath which now is called
Bethlehem. And Iacob set up a pillar upon her grave, which is called
Rahel's grave pillar unto this day. And Israel went thence and pitched
up his tent beyond the tower of Eder. And it chanced as Israel dwelt in
that land, that Ruben went and lay with Bilha his father's concubine,
and it came to Israel's ear. The sons of Iacob were twelve in number.
The sons of Lea: Ruben, Iacob's eldest son, and Simeon, Levi, Iuda,
Isachar, and Zabulon. The sons of Rahel: Ioseph and Ben Iamin. The sons
of Bilha Rahel's maid: Dan and Nephtali. The sons of Zilpha Lea's maid
Gad and Asser. These are the sons which were born him in Mesopotamia.
Then Iacob went unto Isaac his father to Mamre a principal city,
otherwise called Hebron: where Abraham and Isaac sojourned as
strangers. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and eighty years: and
then fell he sick and died, and was put unto his people being old and
full of days. And his sons Esau and Iacob buried him.
Chapter .xxxvi.
These are the generations of Esau which is called Edom. Esau took his
wives of the daughters of Canaan Ada the daughter of Elon an Hethite,
and Ahalibama the daughter of Ana, which Ana was the son of Zibeon an
Hevite; And Basmath Ismael's daughter and sister of Nebaioth. And Ada
bare unto Esau, Eliphas: and Basmath bare Reguel: And Ahalibama bare
Ieus, Iaelam and Korah. These are the sons of Esau which were born him
in the land of Canaan. And Esau took his wives, his sons and daughters
and all the souls of his house: his goods and all his cattle and all
his substance which he had got in the land of Canaan, and went into a
country away from his brother Iacob: for their riches was so much, that
they could not dwell together, and that the land wherein they were
strangers, could not receive them: because of their cattle. Thus dwelt
Esau in mount Seir, which Esau is called Edom. These are the
generations of Esau father of the Edomites in mount Seir, and these are
the names of Esau's sons: Eliphas the son of Ada the wife of Esau, and
Reguel the son of Basmath the wife of Esau also. And the sons of
Eliphas were: Theman, Omar, Zepho, Gaetham and Kenas. And Thimna was
concubine to Eliphas Esau's son, and bare unto Eliphas, Amalek. And
these, be the sons of Ada Esau's wife. And these are the sons of
Reguel: Nahath, Serah, Samma and Misa: these were the sons of Basmath
Esau's wife. And these were the sons of Ahalibama Esau's wife the
daughter of Ana son of Zebeon, which she bare unto Esau: Ieus, Iaelam
and Korah. These were dukes of the sons of Esau. The children of
Eliphas the first son of Esau were these: duke Theman, duke Omar, duke
Zepho, duke Kenas, duke Korah, duke Gaetham and duke Amaleck: these are
the dukes that came of Eliphas in the land of Edom, and these were the
sons of Ada. These were the children of Reguel Esau's sonne: duke
Nahath, duke Serah, duke Samma, duke Misa. These are the dukes that
came of Reguel in the land of Edom, and these were the sons of Basmath
Esau's wife. These were the children of Ahalibama Esau's wife: duke
Ieus, duke Gaelam, duke Korah these dukes came of Ahalibama the
daughter of Ana Esau's wife. These are the children of Esau, and these
are the dukes of them: which Esau is called Edom: These are the
children of Seir the Horite, the inhabiter of the land: Lothan, Sobal,
Zibeon, Ana, Dison, Eser and Disan. These are the dukes of the Horites
the children of Seir in the land of Edom. And the children of Lothan
were: Hori and Hemam. And Lothan's sister was called Thimna. The
children of Sobal were these: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Sepho and Onam.
These were the children of Zibeon. Aia and Ana, this was that Ana that
found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed his father Zibeon's asses.
The children of Ana were these. Dison and Ahalibama the daughter of
Ana. These are the children of Dison. Hemdan, Esban, Iethran, and
Cheran. The children of Ezer were these, Bilhan, Seavan and Akan. The
children of Disan were: Ur and Aran. These are the dukes that came of
Hori: duke Lothan, duke Sobal, duke Zibeon, duke Ana, duke Dison, duke
Ezer, duke Disan. These be the dukes that came of Hori in their
dukedoms in the land of Seir. These are the kings that reigned in the
land of Edom before there reigned any king among the children of
Israel. Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edomea, and the name of his
city was Dinhaba. And when Bela died, Iobab the son of Serah out of
Bezara, reigned in his stead. When Iobab was dead, Husam of the land of
Themany reigned in his stead. And after the death of Husam, Hadad the
son of Bedad which slew the Madianites in the field of the Moabites,
reigned in his stead, and the name of his city was Avith. When Hadad
was dead, Samla of Masreka reigned in his stead. When Samla was dead,
Saul of the river Rehoboth reigned in his stead. When Saul was dead,
Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And after the death
of Baal Hanan the son of Achbor, Hadad reigned in his stead, and the
name of his city was Pagu. And his wife's name Mehetabeel the daughter
of Matred the daughter of Mesaab. These are the names of the dukes that
came of Esau, in their kindreds, places and names: Duke Thimma, duke
Alua, duke Ietheth, duke Ahalibama, duke Ela, duke Pinon, duke Kenas,
duke Theman, duke Mibzar, duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These be the dukes
of Edomea in their habitations, in the land of their possessions. This
Esau is the father of the Edomites.
Chapter .xxxvij.
And Iacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, that is
to say in the land of Canaan. And these are the generations of Iacob:
when Ioseph was seventeen years old, he kept sheep with his brethren,
and the lad was with the sons of Bilha and of Zilpha his father's
wives. And he brought unto their father an evil saying that was of
them. And Israel loved Ioseph more than all his children, because he
begat him in his old age, and he made him a coat of many colours. When
his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his
brethren, they hated him and could not speak one kind word unto him.
Moreover Ioseph dreamed a dream and told it his brethren: wherefore
they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them hear I pray yow this
dream which I have dreamed: Behold we were making sheaves in the field:
and lo, my sheaf arose and stood upright, and yours stood round about
and made obeisance to my sheaf. Then said his brethren unto him: what,
shalt thou be our king or shalt thou reign over us? And they hated him
yet the more, because of his dream and of his words. And he dreamed yet
another dream and told it his brethren saying: behold, I have had one
dream more: me thought the sonne and the moon and eleven stars made
obeisance to me. And when he had told it unto his father and his
brethren, his father rebuked him and said unto him: what meaneth this
dream which thou hast dreamed: shall I and thy mother and thy brethren
come and fall on the ground before thee? And his brethren hated him,
but his father noted the saying. His brethren went to keep their
father's sheep in Sichem, and Israel said unto Ioseph: do not thy
brethren keep in Sichem? come that I may send thee to them. And he
answered here am I. And he said unto him: go and see whether it be well
with thy brethren and the sheep, and bring me word again: And sent him
out of the vale of Hebron, for to go to Sichem. And a certain man found
him wandering out of his way in the field, and asked him what he
sought. And he answered: I seek my brethren, tell me I pray thee where
they keep sheep. And the man said, they are departed hence, for I heard
them say, let us go unto Dothan. Thus went Ioseph after his brethren,
and found them in Dothan. And when they saw him afar off before he came
at them, they took counsel {councell} against him, for to slay him, and
said one to another: Behold this dreamer cometh, come now and let us
slay him and cast him into some pit, and let us say that sonne wicked
beast hath devoured him, and let us see what his dreams will come to.
When Ruben heard that, he went about to rid him out of their hands and
said, let us not kill him. And Ruben said moreover unto them, shed not
his blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and
lay no hands upon him: for he would have rid him out of their hands and
delivered him to his father again. And as soon as Ioseph was come unto
his brethren, they stripped him out, of his gay coat that was upon him,
and they took him and cast him into a pit. But the pit was empty and
had no water therein. And they sat them down to eat bread. And as they
lift up their eyes and looked about, there came a company of Ismaelites
from Gilead, and their camels laden with spicery, balm, and myrrh, and
were going down into Egypt. Then said Iuda to his brethren, what
availeth it that we slay our brother, and keep his blood secret? come
on, let us sell him to the Ismaelites, and let not our hands be defiled
upon him: for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were
content. Then as the Madianites merchant men passed by, they drew
Ioseph out of the pit and sold him unto the Ismaelites for twenty
pieces of silver. And they brought him into Egypt. And when Ruben came
again unto the pit and found not Ioseph there, he rent his clothes and
went again unto his brethren saying: the lad is not yonder, and whither
shall I go? And they took Ioseph's coat and killed a goat, and dipped
the coat in the blood. And they sent that gay coat and caused it to be
brought unto their father and said: This have we found: see, whether it
be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it saying: it is my son's coat: a
wicked beast hath devoured him, and Ioseph is rent in pieces. And Iacob
rent his clothes, and put sack cloth about his loins, and sorrowed for
his son a long season. Then came all his sons and all his daughters to
comfort him. And he would not be comforted, but said: I will go down
into the grave unto my son, mourning. And thus his father wept for him.
And the Madianites sold him in Egypt unto Putiphar a lord of Pharao's:
and his chief marshal.
Chapter .xxxviij.
And it fortuned at that time that Iudas went from his brethren and gat
him to a man called Hira of Odollam, and there he saw the daughter of a
man called Sua a Cananite. And he took her and went in unto her. And
she conceived and bare a son and called his name Er. And she conceived
again and bare a son and called him Onan. And she conceived the third
time and bare a son, whom she called Sela: and he was at Chesib when
she bare him. And Iudas gave Er his eldest son, a wife whose name was
Thamar. But this Er Iuda's eldest son was wicked in the sight of the
LORD, wherefore the LORD slew him. Then said Iudas unto Onan: go in to
thy brother's wife and marry her, and stir up seed unto thy brother.
And when Onan perceived that the seed should not be his: therefore when
he went in to his brother's wife, he spilled it on the ground, because
he would not give seed unto his brother. And the thing which he did,
displeased the LORD, wherefore he slew him also. Then said Iuda to
Thamar his daughter-in-law: remain a widow at thy father's house, till
Sela my son be grown: for he feared lest he should have died also, as
his brethren did. Thus went Thamar and dwelt in her father's house. And
in process of time, the daughter of Sua Iuda's wife died. Then Iudas
when he had left mourning, went unto his sheep shearers to Thimnath
with his friend Hira of Odollam. And one told Thamar saying: behold,
thy father-in-law goeth up to Thimnath, to shear his sheep. And she put
her widow's garments off from her and covered her with a cloak, and
disguised herself: And sat her down at the entering of Enaim which is
by the high way's side to Thimnath, for because she saw that Sela was
grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. When Iuda saw her he
thought it had been an whore, because she had covered her face. And
turned to her unto the way and said, come I pray thee, let me lie with
thee, for he knew not that it was his daughter-in-law. And she said
what wilt thou give me, for to lie with me? Then said he, I will send
thee a kid from the flock. She answered: Then give me a pledge till
thou send it. Then said he, what pledge shall I give thee? And she
said: thy signet, thy necklace, and thy staff that is in thy hand. And
he gave it her and lay by her, and she was with child by him. And she
gat her up and went and put her mantle from her, and put on her widow's
raiment again. And Iudas sent the kid by his neighbour of Odollam, for
to fetch out his pledge again from the wife's hand. But he found her
not. Then asked he the men of the same place saying: where is the whore
that sat at Enaim in the way? And they said: there was no whore here.
And he came to Iuda again saying: I can not find her, and also the men
of the place said: that there was no whore there. And Iuda said: let
her take it to her, lest we be shamed: for I sent the kid and thou
couldest not find her. And it came to pass that after three months, one
told Iuda saying: Thamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the whore, and
with playing the whore is become great with child. And Iuda said: bring
her forth and let her be brent. And when they brought her forth, she
sent to her father-in-law saying: by the man unto whom these things
pertain, am I with child. And said also: look whose are this seal,
necklace, and staff. And Iuda knew them saying: she is more righteous
than I, because I gave her not to Sela my son. But he lay with her no
more. When time was come that she should be delivered, behold there was
two twins in her womb. And as she travailed, the one put out his hand
and the midwife took and bound a red thread about it saying: this will
come out first. But he plucked his hand back again, and his brother
came out. And she said: wherefore hast thou rent a rent upon thee? and
called him Pharez. And afterward came out his brother that had the red
thread about his hand, which was called Zarah.
Chapter .xxxix.
Ioseph was brought unto Egypt, and Putiphar a lord of Pharao's: and his
chief marshal an Egyptian, bought him of the Ismaelites which brought
him thither. And the LORD was with Ioseph, and he was a lucky fellow
and continued in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master
saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all that he did
prosper in his hand: Wherefore he found grace in his master's sight,
and served him. And his master made him ruler of his house, and put all
that he had in his hand. And as soon as he had made him ruler over his
house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed this Egyptian's house
for Ioseph's sake, and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he
had: both in the house and also in the fields. And therefore he left
all that he had in Ioseph's hand, and looked upon nothing that was with
him, save only on the bread which he ate. And Ioseph was a goodly
person and a well favored. And it fortuned after this, that his
master's wife cast her eyes upon Ioseph and said come lie with me. But
he denied and said to her: Behold, my master woteth not what he hath in
the house with me, but hath committed all that he hath to my hand. He
himself is not greater in the house than I, and hath kept nothing from
me, but only thee because thou art his wife. How then can I do this
great wickedness, for to sin against God? And after this manner spake
she to Ioseph day by day: but he hearkened not unto her, to sleep near
her or to be in her company. And it fortuned about the same season,
that Ioseph entered into the house, to do his business: and there was
none of the household by, in the house. And she caught him by the
garment saying: come sleep with me. And he left his garment in her hand
and fled and got him out. When she saw that he had left his garment in
her hand, and was fled out, she called unto the men of the house, and
told them saying: See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to do us
shame: for he came in to me, for to have slept with me. But I cried
with a loud voice. And when he heard, that I lift up my voice and
cried, he left his garment with me and fled away and got him out. And
she laid up his garment by her, until her lord came home. And she told
him according to these words saying. This Hebrews' servant which thou
hast brought unto us came in to me to do me shame. But as soon as I
lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled out.
When his master heard the words of his wife which she told him saying:
after this manner did thy servant to me, he waxed wroth. And he took
Ioseph and put him in prison: even in the place where the king's
prisoners lay bound. And there continued he in prison, but the LORD was
with Ioseph and shewed him mercy, and got him favour in the sight of
the keeper of the prison which committed to Ioseph's hand all the
prisoners that were in the prison house. And whatsoever was done there,
that did he. And the keeper of the prison looked unto nothing that was
under his hand, because the LORD was with him, and because that
whatsoever he did, the LORD made it come luckily to pass.
Chapter .xl.
And it chanced after this, that the chief butler of the king of Egypt
and his chief baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And
Pharao was angry with them and put them in ward in his chief marshal's
house: even in the prison where Ioseph was bound. And the chief marshal
gave Ioseph a charge with them, and he served them. And they continued
a season in ward. And they dreamed either of them in one night: both
the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt which were bound in the
prison house, either of them his dream, and each man's dream of a
sundry interpretation. When Ioseph came in unto them in the morning,
and looked upon them: behold, they were sad. And he asked them saying,
wherefore look ye so sadly today? They answered him, we have dreamed a
dream, and have no man to declare it. And Ioseph said unto them.
Interpreting belongeth to God, but tell me yet. And the chief butler
told his dream to Ioseph and said unto him: In my dream me thought
there stood a vine before me, and in the vine were three branches, and
it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth: and the grapes
thereof waxed ripe. And I had Pharao's cup in my hand, and took of the
grapes and wrung them into Pharao's cup, and delivered Pharao's cup
into his hand. And Ioseph said unto him, this is the interpretation of
it. The three branches are three days: for within three days shall
Pharao lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thine office again,
and thou shalt deliver Pharao's cup into his hand, after the old
manner, even as thou didst when thou wast his butler. But think on me
with thee, when thou art in good case, and shew mercy unto me. And make
mention of me to Pharao, and help to bring me out of this house: for I
was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done
nothing at all wherefore they should have put me into this dungeon.
When the chief baker saw that he had well interpreted it, he said unto
Ioseph, me thought also in my dream, that I had three wicker baskets on
my head? And in the uppermost basket, of all manner bakemeats for
Pharao. And the birds ate them out of the basket upon my head. Ioseph
answered and said: this is the interpretation thereof. The three
baskets are three days, for this day three days shall Pharao take thy
head from thee, and shall hang thee on a tree, and the birds shall eat
thy flesh from off thee. And it came to pass the third day which was
Pharao's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants. And he
lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his
servants. And restored the chief butler unto his butlership again, and
he reached the cup into Pharao's hand, and hanged the chief baker: even
as Ioseph had interpreted unto them. Notwithstanding the chief butler
remembered not Ioseph, but forgot him.
Chapter .xlj.
And it fortuned at two years' end, that Pharao dreamed, and thought
that he stood by a river's side, and that there came out of the river
seven goodly kine and fat fleshed, and fed in a meadow. And him thought
that seven other kine came up after them out of the river evil favored
and lean fleshed and stood by the other upon the brink of the river.
And the evil favored and lean fleshed kine: ate up the seven well
favored and fat kine: and he awoke therewith. And he slept again and
dreamed the second time, that seven ears of corn grew upon one stalk
rank and goodly. And that seven thin ears blasted with the wind, sprang
up after them: and that the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and
full ears. And then Pharao awaked: and see, here is his dream. When the
morning came, his spirit was troubled; And he sent and called for all
the soothsayers of Egypt and all the wise men thereof, and told them
his dream: but there was none of them that could interpret it unto
Pharao. Then spake the chief butler unto Pharao saying. I do remember
my fault this day. Pharao was angry with his servants, and put in ward
in the chief marshal's house both me and the chief baker. And we
dreamed both of us in one night and each man's dream of a sundry
interpretation. And there was with us a young man, an Hebrew born,
servant unto the chief marshal. And we told him, and he declared our
dreams to us according to either of our dreams. And as he declared them
unto us, even so it came to pass. I was restored to mine office again,
and he was hanged. Then Pharao sent and called Ioseph. And they made
him haste out of prison. And he shaved himself and changed his raiment,
and went in to Pharao. And Pharao said unto Ioseph: I have dreamed a
dream and no man can interpretate it, but I have heard say of thee that
as soon as thou hearest a dream, thou dost interpretate it. And Ioseph
answered Pharao saying: God shall give Pharao an answer of peace
without me. Pharao said unto Ioseph: in my dream me thought I stood by
a river's side, and there came out of the river seven fat fleshed and
well favored kine, and fed in the meadow. And then seven other kine
came up after them, poor and very evil favored and lean fleshed: so
that I never saw their like in all the land of Egypt in evil
favoredness. And the seven lean and evil favored kine ate up the first
seven fat kine. And when they had eaten them up, a man could not
perceive that they had eaten them: for they were still as evil favored
as they were at the beginning. And I awoke. And I saw again in my dream
seven ears spring out of one stalk full and good, and seven other ears
withered, thin and blasted with wind, spring up after them. And the
thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I have told it unto the
soothsayers, but no man can tell me what it meaneth. Then Ioseph said
unto Pharao: both Pharao's dreams are one. And God doth shew Pharao
what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years: and the
seven good ears are seven years also, and is but one dream. Likewise,
the seven thin and evil favored kine that came out after them, are
seven years: and the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years
of hunger. This is that which I said unto Pharao, that God doth shew
Pharao what he is about to do. Behold there shall come seven year of
great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall
arise after them seven years of hunger. So that all the plenteousness
shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume
the land: so that the plenteousness shall not be once a seen in the
land by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be
exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto
Pharao the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly
prepared of God, and that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now
therefore let Pharao provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and
set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharao make officers over the
land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven
plenteous years and let them gather all the food of these good years
that come, and lay up corn under the power of Pharao: that there may be
food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food
in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall
come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not thorow hunger.
And the saying pleased Pharao and all his servants. Then said Pharao
unto his servants: where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath
the spirit of God in him? wherefore Pharao said unto Ioseph: forasmuch
as God hath shewed thee all this, there is no man of understanding nor
of wisdom like unto thee. Thou therefore shalt be over my house, and
according to thy word shall all my people obey: only in the king's seat
will I be above thee. And he said unto Ioseph: behold, I have set thee
over all the land of Egypt. And he took off his ring from his finger,
and put it upon Ioseph's finger, and arrayed him in raiment of byss,
and put a golden chain about his neck and set him upon the best chariot
that he had save one. And they cried before him Abrech, and that Pharao
had made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharao said unto
Ioseph: I am Pharao, without thy will, shall no man lift up either his
hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. And he called Ioseph's name
Zaphnath Paenea. And he gave him to wife Asnath the daughter of
Potiphar priest of On. Then went Ioseph abroad in the land of Egypt.
And he was thirty years old when he stood before Pharao king of Egypt.
And then Ioseph departed from Pharao, and went thorow out all the land
of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years they made sheaves and
gathered up all the food of the seven plenteous years which were in the
land of Egypt and put it into the cities. And he put the food of the
fields that grew round about every city: even in the same. And Ioseph
laid up corn in store, like unto the sand of the sea in multitude out
of measure, until he left numbering: For it was without number. And
unto Ioseph were born two sons before the years of hunger came, which
Asnath the daughter of Potiphar priest of On, bare unto him. And he
called the name of the first son Manasse, for God (said he) hath made
me forget all my labour and all my father's household. The second
called he Ephraim, for God (said he) hath caused me to grow in the land
of my trouble. And when the seven years of plenteousness that was in
the land of Egypt were ended, then came the seven years of dearth,
according as Ioseph had said. And the dearth was in all lands: but in
the land of Egypt was there yet food. When now all the land of Egypt
began to hunger, then cried the people to Pharao for bread. And Pharao
said unto all Egypt: go unto Ioseph, and what he saith to you that do.
And when the dearth was thorow out all the land, Ioseph opened all that
was in the cities, and sold unto the Egyptians. And hunger waxed sore
in the land of Egypt. And all countries came to Egypt to Ioseph for to
buy corn: because that the hunger was so sore in all lands.
Chapter .xlij.
When Iacob saw that there was corn to be sold in Egypt, he said unto
his sons: why are ye negligent? behold, I have heard that there is corn
to be sold in Egypt. Get you thither and buy us corn from thence, that
we may live and not die. So went Ioseph's ten brethren down to buy corn
in Egypt, for Ben Iamin Ioseph's brother would not Iacob send with his
other brethren: for he said: some misfortune might happen him. And the
sons of Israel came to buy corn among other that came, for there was
dearth also in the land of Canaan. And Ioseph was governor in the land,
and sold corn to all the people of the land. And his brethren came, and
fell flat on the ground before him. When Ioseph saw his brethren, he
knew them: But made strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them
saying: Whence come ye? and they said: out of the land of Canaan, to
buy vitaille. Ioseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And
Ioseph remembered his dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto
them: ye are spies, and to see where the land is weak is your coming.
And they said unto him: nay, my lord: but to buy vitaille thy servants
are come. We are all one man's sons, and mean truly, and thy servants
are no spies. And he said unto them: nay verily, but even to see where
the land is weak is your coming. And they said: we thy servants are
twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The
youngest is yet with our father, and one no man woteth where he is.
Ioseph said unto them, that is it that I said unto you, that ye are
surely spies. Here by ye shall be proved. For by the life of Pharao, ye
shall not go hence, until your youngest brother be come hither. Send
therefore one of you and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be in
prison in the mean season. And thereby shall your words be proved,
whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharao, ye
are but spies. And he put them in ward three days. And Ioseph said unto
the third day: This do and live, for I fear God. {Gode} If ye mean no
hurt, let one of your brethren be bound in the prison, and go ye and
bring the necessary food unto your households, and bring your youngest
brother unto me: that your words may be believed, and that ye die not;
And they did so. Then they said one to another: we have verily sinned
against our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he
besought us, and would not hear him: therefore is this trouble come
upon us. Ruben answered them saying: said I not unto you that ye should
not sin against the lad? but ye would not hear; And now verily see, his
blood is required. They were not aware that Ioseph understood them, for
he spake unto them by an interpreter. And he turned from them and wept,
and then turned to them again and communed with them, and took out
Simeon from among them and bound him before their eyes, and commanded
to fill their sacks with corn, and to put every man's money in his
sack, and to give them vitaille to spend by the way. And so it was done
to them. And they laded their asses with the corn and departed thence.
And as one of them opened his sack, for to give his ass provender in
the Inn, he spied his money in his sack's mouth. And he said unto his
brethren: my money is restored me again, and is even in my sack's
mouth. Then their hearts failed them, and were astonied and said one to
another: how cometh it that God dealeth thus with us? And they came
unto Iacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that
had happened them saying: The lord of the land spake roughly to us, and
took us for spies to search the country. And we said unto him: we mean
truly and are no spies. We be twelve brethren sons of our father, one
is away, and the youngest is now with our father in the land of Canaan.
And the lord of the country said unto us: hereby shall I know if ye
mean truly: leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food
necessary for your households and get you away, and bring your youngest
brother unto me; And thereby shall I know that ye are no spies, but
mean truly: So will I deliver you your brother again, and ye shall
occupy in the land. And as they emptied their sacks, behold: every
man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when both they and their
father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And Iacob their
father said unto them: Me have ye robbed of my children: Ioseph is
away, and Simeon is away, and ye will take Ben Iamin away. All these
things fall upon me. Ruben answered his father saying: Slay my two
sons, if I bring him not to thee again. Deliver him therefore to my
hand, and I will bring him to thee again: And he said: my son shall not
go down with you. For his brother is dead, and he is left alone.
Moreover some misfortune might happen upon him by the way which ye go.
And so should ye bring my gray head with sorrow unto the grave.
Chapter .xliij.
And the dearth waxed sore in the land. And when they had eaten up that
corn which they brought out of the land of Egypt, their father said
unto them: go again and buy us a little food. Then said Iuda unto him:
the man did testify unto us saying: look that ye see not my face except
your brother be with you. Therefore if thou wilt send our brother with
us, we will go and buy the food. But if thou wilt not send him, we will
not go: for the man said unto us: look that ye see not my face, except
your brother be with you. And Israel said: wherefore dealt ye so
cruelly with me, as to tell the man that ye had yet another brother?
And they said: The man asked us of our kindred saying: is your father
yet alive? have ye not another brother? And we told him according to
these words. How could we know that he would bid us bring our brother
down with us? Then said Iuda unto Israel his father: Send the lad with
me, and we will rise and go, that we may live and not die: both we,
thou and also our children. I will be surety for him, and of my hands
require him. If I bring him not to thee and set him before thine eyes,
then let me bear the blame for ever. For except we had made this
tarrying: by this we had been there twice and come again. Then their
father Israel said unto them: if it must needs be so now: then do thus,
take of the best fruits of the land in your vessels, and bring the man
a present, a courtesy balm, and a courtesy of honey, spices and myrrh,
dates and almonds. And take as much money more with you. And the money
that was brought again in your sacks, take it again with you in your
hands, peradventure it was some oversight. Take also your brother with
you, and arise and go again to the man. And God almighty give you mercy
in the sight of the man and send you your other brother and also Ben
Iamin, and I will be as a man robbed of his children. Thus took they
the present and twice so much more money with them, and Ben Iamin. And
rose up, went down to Egypt, and presented themself to Ioseph. When
Ioseph saw Ben Iamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house:
bring these men home, and slay and make ready: for they shall dine with
me at noon. And the man did as Ioseph bade, and brought them in to
Ioseph's house. When they were brought to Ioseph's house, they were
afraid, and said: because of the money that came in our sacks' mouths
at the first time, are we brought, to pick a quarrel with us and to lay
some thing to our charge: to bring us in bondage and our asses also.
Therefore came they to the man that was the ruler over Ioseph's house,
and communed with him at the door and said: Sir, we came hither at the
first time to buy food, and as we came to an inn and opened our sacks:
behold, every man's money was in his sack with full weight: But we have
brought it again with us, and other money have we brought also in our
hands, to buy food, but we can not tell who put our money in our sacks.
And he said: be of good cheer, fear not: Your God and the God of your
fathers hath put you that treasure in your sacks, for I had your money.
And he brought Simeon out to them and led them into Ioseph's house, and
gave them water to wash their feet, and gave their asses provender: And
they made ready their present against Ioseph came at noon, for they
heard say that they should dine there. When Ioseph came home, they
brought the present into the house to him, which they had in their
hands, and fell flat on the ground before him. And he welcomed them
courteously saying: is your father that old man which ye told me of, in
good health? and is he yet alive? they answered: thy servant our father
is in good health, and is yet alive. And they bowed them selves and
fell to the ground. And he lift up his eyes and beheld his brother Ben
Iamin his mother's son, and said: is this your youngest brother of whom
ye said unto me? And said: God be merciful unto thee my son. And Ioseph
made haste (for his heart did melt upon his brother) and sought for to
weep, and entered into his chamber, for to weep there. And he washed
his face and came out and refrained himself, and bade set bread on the
table. And they prepared for him by himself, and for them by them
selves, and for the Egyptians which ate with him by them selves,
because the Egyptians may not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is
an abomination unto the Egyptians. And they sat before him: the eldest
according unto his age, and the youngest according unto his youth. And
the men marvelled among them selves. And they brought rewards unto them
from before him: but Ben Iamin's part was five times so much as any of
theirs. And they ate and they drank, and were drunk with him.
Chapter .xliiij.
And he commanded the ruler of his house saying: fill the men's sacks
with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his
bag mouth, and put my silver cup in the sack's mouth of the youngest
and his corn money also. And he did as Ioseph had said. And in the
morning as soon as it was light, the men were let go with their asses.
And when they were out of the city and not yet far away, Ioseph said
unto the ruler of his house: up and follow after the men and overtake
them, and say unto them: wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? is
that not the cup of which my lord drinketh, and doth he not prophesy
therein? ye have evil done that ye have done. And he overtook them and
said the same words unto them. And they answered him: wherefore saith
my lord such words? God forbid that thy servants should do so. Behold,
the money which we found in our sack's mouths, we brought again unto
thee, out of the land of Canaa: how then should we steal out of my
lord's house, either silver or gold? with whosoever of thy servants it
be found let him die, and let us also be my lord's bondmen. And he
said: Now therefore according unto your words, he with whom it is
found, shall be my servant: but ye, shall be harmless. And at once
every man took down his sack to the ground, and every man opened his
sack. And he searched, and began at the eldest and left at the
youngest. And the cup was found in Ben Iamin's sack. Then they rent
their clothes, and laded every man his ass and went again unto the
city. And Iuda and his brethren came to Ioseph's house, for he was yet
there, and they fell before him on the ground. And Ioseph said unto
them: what deed is this which ye have done? wist ye not that such a man
as I can prophesy? Then said Iuda: what shall we say unto my lord, what
shall we speak or what excuse can we make? God hath found out the
wickedness of thy servants. Behold, both we and he with whom the cup is
found, are thy servants. And he answered: God forbid that I should do
so, the man with whom the cup is found, he shall be my servant: but go
ye in peace unto your father. Then Iuda went unto him and said: oh my
lord, let thy servant speak a word in my lord's audience, {ear} and be
not wroth with thy servant: for thou art even as Pharao. My lord asked
his servant saying: have ye a father or a brother? And we answered my
lord, we have a father that is old, and a young lad which he begat in
his age: and the brother of the said lad is dead, and he is all that is
left of that mother. And his father loveth him. Then said my lord unto
his servants bring him unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. And
we answered my lord, that the lad could not go from his father, for if
he should leave his father, he were but a dead man. Then saidest thou
unto thy servants: except your youngest brother come with you, look
that ye see my face no more. And when we came unto thy servant our
father, we shewed him what my lord had said. And when our father said
unto us, go again and buy us a little food: we said, that we could not
go. Nevertheless if our youngest brother go with us then will we go,
for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with
us. Then said thy servant our father unto us. Ye know that my wife bare
me two sons. And the one went out from me and it is said of a surety
that he is torn in pieces of wild beasts, and I saw him not since. If
ye shall take this also away from me and some misfortune happen upon
him, then shall ye bring my gray head with sorrow unto the grave. Now
therefore when I come to thy servant my father, if the lad be not with
me: seeing that his life hangeth by the lad's life, then as soon as he
seeth that the lad is not come, he will die. So shall we thy servants
bring the gray head of thy servant our father with sorrow unto the
grave. For I thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father and
said: if I bring him not unto thee again. I will bear the blame all my
life long. Now therefore let me thy servant bide here for the lad, and
be my lord's bondman: and let the lad go home with his brethren. For
how can I go unto my father, and the lad not with me: lest I should see
the wretchedness that shall come on my father.
Chapter .xlv.
And Ioseph could no longer refrain before all them that stood about
him, but commanded that they should go all out from him, and that there
should be no man with him, while he uttered himself unto his brethren.
And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians and the house of Pharao heard
it. And he said unto his brethren: I am Ioseph: doth my father yet
live? But his brethren could not answer him, for they were abashed at
his presence. And Ioseph said unto his brethren: come near to me, and
they came near. And he said: I am Ioseph your brother whom ye sold into
Egypt. And now be not grieved therewith, neither let it seem a cruel
thing in your eyes, that ye sold me hither. For God did send me before
you to save life. For this is the second year of dearth in the land,
and five more are behind in which there shall neither be earing nor
harvest. Wherefore God sent me before you to make provision, that ye
might continue in the earth and to save your lives by a great
deliverance. So now it was not ye that sent me hither, but God: and he
hath made me father unto Pharao and lord over all his house, and ruler
in all the land of Egypt. Haste you and go to my father and tell him,
this sayeth thy son Ioseph: God hath made me lord over all Egypt. Come
down unto me and tarry not. And thou shalt dwell in the land of Gosan
and be by me: both thou and thy children, and thy children's children:
and thy sheep, and beasts and all that thou hast. There will I make
provision for thee: for there remain yet five years of dearth, lest
thou and thy household and all that thou hast perish. Behold, your eyes
do see, and the eyes also of my brother Ben Iamin, that I speak to you
by mouth. Therefore tell my father of all my honour which I have in
Egypt and of all that ye have seen, and make haste and bring in father
hither. And he fell on his brother Ben Iamin's neck and wept, and Ben
Iamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren and wept
upon them. And after that, his brethren talked with him. And when the
tidings was come unto Pharao's house that Ioseph's brethren were come,
it pleased Pharao well and all his servants. And Pharao spake unto
Ioseph: say unto thy brethren, this do ye: lade your beasts and get you
hence. And when ye be come unto the land of Canaan, take your father
and your households and come unto me, and I will give you the best of
the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. And commanded
also. This do ye: take chariots with you out of the land of Egypt, for
your children and for your wives: and bring your father and come. Also,
regard not your stuff, for the goods of all the land of Egypt shall be
yours. And the children of Israel did even so. And Ioseph gave them
chariots at the commandment of Pharao, and gave them vitaille also to
spend by the way. And he gave unto each of them change of raiment: but
unto Ben Iamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes
of raiment. And unto his father he sent after the same manner: ten he
asses laden with goods out of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn,
bread and meat: to serve his father by the way. So sent he his brethren
away, and they departed. And he said unto them: see that ye fall not
out by the way. And they departed from Egypt and came into the land of
Canaan unto Iacob their father, and told him saying. Ioseph is yet
alive and is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Iacob's heart
wavered, for he believed them not. And they told him all the words of
Ioseph which he had said unto them. But when he saw the chariots which
Ioseph had sent to carry him, then his spirits revived. And Israel
said: I have enough, if Ioseph my son be yet alive: I will go and see
him, yer that I die.
Chapter .xlvi.
Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came unto Berseba and
offered offerings unto the God of his father Isaac. And God said unto
Israel in a vision by night, and called unto him: Iacob, Iacob. And he
answered: here am I. And he said: I am that mighty God of thy father,
fear not to go down into Egypt. For I will make of thee there a great
people. I will go down with thee into Egypt, and I will also bring thee
up again, and Ioseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. And Iacob rose
up from Berseba. And the sons of Israel carried Iacob their father, and
their children and their wives in the chariots which Pharao had sent to
carry him. And they took their cattle and the goods which they had
gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt: both Iacob and all
his seed with him, his sons and his sons' sons with him: his daughters
and his sons daughters and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.
These are the names of the children of Israel which came into Egypt,
both Iacob and his sons: Ruben Iacob's first son. The children of
Ruben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron and Charmi. The children of Simeon:
Iemuel, Iami, Ohad, Iachin, Zohar and Saul the son of a Cananitish
woman. The children of Levi: Gerson, Kahath and Merari. The children of
Iuda: Er, Onan, Sela, Pharez and Zerah, but Er and Onan died in the
land of Canaan. The children of Pharez, Hezron, and Hamul. The children
of Isachar: Tola, Phua, Iob and Semnon. The children of Zabulon: Sered,
Elon and Iaheleel. These be the children of Lea which she bare unto
Iacob in Mesopotamia with his daughter Dina. All these souls of his
sons and daughters make thirty and six. {.xxx. and .iij.} The children
of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Suni, Ezbon, Eri Arodi and Areli. The children
of Asser: Iemna, Iesua, Iesui, Bria and Serah their sister. And the
children of Bria were Heber and Malchiel. These are the children of
Silpha whom Laban gave to Lea his daughter. And these she bare unto
Iacob in number sixteen souls. The children of Rahel Iacob's wife:
Ioseph and Ben Iamin. And unto Ioseph in the land of Egypt were borne:
Manasses and Ephraim which Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On
bare unto him. The children of Ben Iamin: Bela, Becher, Asbel, Gera,
Naeman, Ehi, Ros, Mupim, Hupim and Ard. These are the children of Rahel
which were born unto Iacob: fourteen souls altogether. The children of
Dan: Husim. The children Nepthali: Iahezeel, Guni, Iezer and Sillem.
These are the sons of Bilha which Laban gave unto Rahel his daughter,
and she bare these unto Iacob, altogether seven souls. All the souls
that came with Iacob into Egypt which came out of his loins (beside his
son's wives) were all together sixty and six souls. And the sons of
Ioseph, which were born him in Egypt were: two souls. So that all the
souls of the house of Iacob which came into Egypt are seventy. And he
sent Iuda before him unto Ioseph that the way might be shewed him unto
Gosan, and they came into the land of Gosan. And Ioseph made ready his
chariot and went against {to meet} Israel his father unto Gosan, and
presented himself unto him, and fell on his neck and wept upon his neck
a good while. And Israel said unto Ioseph: Now I am content to die,
insomuch I have seen thee, that thou art yet alive. And Ioseph said
unto his brethren and unto his father's house: I will go and shew
Pharao and tell him: that my brethren and my father's house which were
in the land of Canaan are come unto me, and how they are shepherds (for
they were men of cattle) and they have brought their sheep and their
oxen and all that they have with them. If Pharao call you and ask you
what your occupation is, say: thy servants have been occupied about
cattle, from our childhood unto this time: both we and our fathers,
that ye may dwell in the land of Gosan. For an abomination unto the
Egyptians are all that feed sheep. {For the Egyptians abhor all
shepherds.}
Chapter .xlvij.
And Ioseph went and told Pharao and said: my father and my brethren
their sheep and their beasts and all that they have, are come out of
the land of Canaan and are in the land of Gosan. And Ioseph took a part
of his brethren: even five of them, and presented them unto Pharao. And
Pharao said unto his brethren: what is your occupation? And they said
unto Pharao: feeders of sheep {shepherds} are thy servants, both we and
also our fathers. They said moreover unto Pharao: for to sojourn in the
land are we come, for thy servants have no pasture for their sheep so
sore is the famishment in the land of Canaan. Now therefore let thy
servants dwell in the land of Gosan. And Pharao said unto Ioseph: thy
father and thy brethren are come unto thee. The land of Egypt is open
before thee: In the best place of the land make both thy father and thy
brethren dwell: And even in the land of Gosan let them dwell. Moreover
if thou know any men of activity among them, make them rulers over my
cattle. And Ioseph brought in Iacob his father and set him before
Pharao. And Iacob blessed Pharao. And Pharao asked Iacob, how old art
thou? And Iacob said unto Pharao: the days of my pilgrimage are an
hundred and thirty years. Few and evil have the days of my life been,
and have not attained unto the years of the life of my fathers in the
days of their pilgrimages. And Iacob blessed Pharao and went out from
him. And Ioseph prepared dwellings for his father and his brethren, and
gave them possessions in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land:
even in the land of Rameses, as Pharao commanded. And Ioseph made
provision for his father, his brethren and all his father's household,
as young children are fed with bread. There was no bread in all the
land, for the dearth was exceeding sore: so that the land of Egypt and
the land of Canaan, were famished by the reason of the dearth. And
Ioseph brought together all the money that was found in the land of
Egypt and of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and he laid up the
money in Pharao's house. When money failed in the land of Egypt and of
Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Ioseph and said: give us
sustenance: wherefore sufferest thou us to die before thee: for our
money is spent. Then said Ioseph: bring your cattle, and I will give
yow for your cattle, if ye be without money. And they brought their
cattle unto Ioseph. And he gave them bread for horses and sheep, and
oxen and asses: so he fed them with bread for all their cattle that
year. When that year was ended, they came unto him the next year and
said unto him: we will not hide it from my lord, how that we have
neither money nor cattle for my lord: there is no more left for my
lord, but even our bodies and our lands. Wherefore lettest thou us die
before thine eyes, and the land to go to nought? buy us and our lands
for bread: and let both us and our lands be bond to Pharao. Give us
seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land go not to waste.
And Ioseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharao. For the Egyptians
sold every man his land because the dearth was sore upon them: and so
the land became Pharao's. And he appointed the people unto the cities,
from one side of Egypt unto the other: only the land of the Priests
bought he not. For there was an ordinance made by Pharao for the
priests, that they should eat that which was appointed unto them: which
Pharao had given them wherefore they sold not their lands. Then Ioseph
said unto the folk: behold I have bought you this day and your lands
for Pharao. Take there seed and go sow the land. And of the increase,
ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharao, and four parts shall be your
own, for seed to sow the field: and for you, and them of your
households, and for your children, to eat. And they answered: Thou hast
saved our lives. Let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and let us
be Pharao's servants. And Ioseph made it a law over the land of Egypt
unto this day: that men must give Pharao the fifth part, except the
land of the priests only, which was not bond unto Pharao. And Israel
dwelt in Egypt: even in the country of Gosan. And they had their
possessions therein, and they grew and multiplied exceedingly. Moreover
Iacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years, so that the hole age
of Iacob was an hundred and forty seven years. When the time drew nye,
that Israel must die: he sent for his son Ioseph and said unto him: If
I have found grace in thy sight, put thy hand under my thigh and deal
mercifully and truly with me, that thou bury me not in Egypt: but let
me lie by my fathers, and carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their
burial. And he answered: I will do as thou hast said. And he said:
swear unto me: and he sware unto him. And then Israel bowed him unto
the bed's head.
Chapter .xlviij.
After these deeds, tidings were brought unto Ioseph, that his father
was sick. And he took with him his two sons, Manasse and Ephraim. Then
was it said unto Iacob: behold, thy son Ioseph cometh unto thee. And
Israel took his strength unto him, and sat up on the bed, and said unto
Ioseph: God all mighty appeared unto me at Lus in the land of Canaan,
and blessed me, and said unto me: behold, I will make thee grow and
will multiply thee, and will make a great number of people of thee, and
will give this land unto thee and unto thy seed after thee unto an
everlasting possession. Now therefore thy two sons Manasse and Ephraim
which were born unto thee before I came to thee, into Egypt, shall be
mine: even as Ruben and Simeon shall they be unto me. And the children
which thou gettest after them, shall be thine own: but shall be called
with the names of their brethren in their inheritances. And after I
came from Mesopotamia, Rahel died upon my hand in the land of Canaan,
by the way: when I had but a field's brede to go unto Ephrat. And I
buried her there in the way to Ephrat which is now called Bethlehem.
And Israel beheld Ioseph's sons and said: what are these? And Ioseph
said unto his father: they are my sons, which God hath given me here.
And he said: bring them to me, and let me bless them. And the eyes of
Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them
to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said unto
Ioseph: I had not thought to have seen thy face, and yet lo, God hath
shewed it me and also thy seed. And Ioseph took them away from his lap,
and they fell on the ground before him. Then took Ioseph them both:
Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand and Manasse in his
left hand, toward Israel's right hand, and brought them unto him. And
Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head
which was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasse's head, crossing
his hands, for Manasse was the elder. And he blessed Ioseph saying: God
before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, and the God which
hath fed me all my life long unto this day; And the angel which hath
delivered me from all evil, bless these lads: that they may be called
after my name, and after my father Abraham and Isaac, and that they may
grow and multiply upon the earth. When Ioseph saw that his father laid
his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. And he lift
up his father's hand, to have removed it from Ephraim's head unto
Manasse's head, and said unto his father: Not so my father, for this is
the eldest. Put thy right hand upon his head. And his father would not,
but said: I know it well my son, I know it well. He shall be also a
people and shall be great. But of a troth his younger brother shall be
greater than he, and his seed shall be full of people. And he blessed
them saying: At the example of these, the Israelites shall bless and
say: God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasse. Thus set he Ephraim
before Manasse. And Israel said unto Ioseph: behold, I die. And God
shall be with you and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
Moreover I give unto thee, a portion of land above thy brethren which I
gat out of the hands of the Amorites with my sword and with my bow.
Chapter .xlix.
And Iacob called for his sons and said: come together, that I may tell
you what shall happen you in the last days. Gather you together and
hear ye sons of Iacob, and hearken unto Israel your father. Ruben, thou
art mine eldest son, my might and the beginning of my strength, chief
in receiving and chief in power. As unstable as water wast thou: thou
shalt therefore not be the chiefest, for thou wentest up upon thy
father's bed, and then defiledest thou my couch with going up. The
brethren Simeon and Levi, wicked instruments are their weapons. Into
their secrets come not my soul, and unto their congregation be my
honour not coupled: for in their wrath they slew a man, and in their
self will they houghed an ox. Cursed be their wrath for it was strong,
and their fierceness for it was cruel. I will therefore divide them in
Iacob, and scatter them in Israel. Iuda, thy brethren shall praise
thee, and thine hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies, and thy
father's children shall stoop unto thee. Iuda is a lion's whelp. From
spoil my son thou art come on high: {an hye} he laid him down and
couched himself as a lion, and as a lioness. Who dare stir him up? The
sceptre shall not depart from Iuda, nor a ruler from between his legs,
until Silo come, unto whom the people shall hearken. He shall bind his
foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the vine branch, and shall
wash his garment in wine and his mantle in the blood of grapes: his
eyes are roudier than wine, and his teeth whiter then milk. Zabulon
shall dwell in the haven of the sea and in the port of ships, and shall
reach unto Sidon. Isachar is a strong ass, he couched him down between
two borders, and saw that rest was good and the land that it was
pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto
tribute. Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Dan shall be a serpent in the way, and an adder in the path, and bite
the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. After thy
saving look I, LORD. Gad, men of war shall invade him. And he shall
turn them to flight. Of Asser cometh fat bread, and he shall give
pleasures for a king. Nephtali is a swift hind, and giveth goodly
words. That flourishing child Ioseph, that flourishing child and goodly
unto the eye: the daughters come forth to bear rule. {ran upon the
wall.} The shooters have envied him and chide with him and hated him,
and yet his bow bode fast, and his arms and his hands were strong, by
the hands of the mighty God of Iacob: out of him shall come an herdman,
a stone in Israel. Thy father's God shall help thee, and the almighty
shall bless thee with blessings from heaven above, and with blessings
of the water that lieth under, and with blessings of the breasts and of
the womb. The blessings of thy father were strong: even as the
blessings of my elders, after the desire of the highest {hiest} in the
world, and these blessings shall fall on the head of Ioseph, and on the
top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren. Ben Iamin
is a ravishing wolf. In the morning he shall devour his prey, and at
night he shall divide his spoil. All these are the twelve tribes of
Israel, and this is that which their father spake unto them when he
blessed them, every man with a several blessing. And he charged them
and said unto them. I shall be put unto my people: see that ye bury me
with my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the
Hethite, in the double cave that is in the field before Mamre in the
land of Canaan. Which field Abraham bought of Ephron the Hethite for a
possession to bury in. There they buried Abraham and Sara his wife,
there they buried Isaac and Rebecca his wife. And there I buried Lea:
which field and the cave that is therein, was bought of the children of
Heth. When Iacob had commanded all that he would unto his sons, he
plucked up his feet upon the bed and died, and was put unto his people;
Chapter .l.
And Ioseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed
him. And Ioseph commanded his servants that were Physicians, to embalm
his father, and the Physicians embalmed Israel forty days long, for so
long doth the embalming last, and the Egyptians bewept him seventy
days. And when the days of weeping were ended, Ioseph spake unto the
house of Pharao saying: If I have found favour in your eyes, speak unto
Pharao and tell him, how that my father made me swear and said: lo, I
die, see that thou bury me in my grave which I have made me in the land
of Canaan. Now therefore let me go and bury my father, and then will I
come again. And Pharao said, go and bury thy father, according as he
made thee swear. And Ioseph went up to bury his father, and with him
went all the servants of Pharao that were the elders of his house, and
all the elders of Egypt, and all the house of Ioseph and his brethren
and his father's house: only their children and their sheep and their
cattle left they behind them in the land of Gosan. And there went with
him also Chariots and horsemen: so that they were an exceeding great
company. And when they came to the field of Atad beyond Iordan, there
they made great and exceeding sore lamentation. And he mourned for his
father seven days. When the inhabiters of the land the Cananites saw
the mourning in the field of Atad, they said: this is a great mourning
which the Egyptians make. Wherefore the name of the place is called
Abel mizraim, which place lieth beyond Iordan. And his sons did unto
him according as he had commanded them. And his sons carried him into
the land of Canaan and buried him in the double cave which Abraham had
bought with the field to be a place to bury in, of Ephron the Hethite
before Mamre. And Ioseph returned to Egypt again and his brethren, and
all that went up with him to bury his father, as soon as he had buried
him. When Ioseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said:
Ioseph might fortune to hate us and reward us again all the evil which
we did unto him. They did therefore a commandment unto Ioseph saying:
thy father charged before his death saying: This wise say unto Ioseph,
forgive I pray thee the trespass of thy brethren and their sin, for
they rewarded thee evil. Now therefore we pray thee, forgive the
trespass of the servants of thy father's God. And Ioseph wept when they
spake unto him. And his brethren came and fell before him and said:
behold we be thy servants. And Ioseph said unto them: fear not, for am
not I under God? Ye thought evil unto me: but God turned it unto good
to bring to pass, as it is this day, even to save much people alive.
Fear not therefore, for I will care for you and for your children, and
he spake kindly unto them. Ioseph dwelt in Egypt and his father's house
also, and lived an hundred and ten years. And Ioseph saw Ephraim's
children, even unto the third generation. And unto Machir the son of
Manasse were children born, and sat on Ioseph's knees. And Ioseph said
unto his brethren: I die; And God will surely visit you and bring you
out of this land, unto the land which he sware unto Abraham, Isaac and
Iacob. And Ioseph took an oath of the children of Israel and said: God
will not fail but visit you: see therefore that ye carry my bones
hence. And so Ioseph died, when he was an hundred and ten years old.
And they embalmed him and put him in a chest in Egypt.
The end of the first book of Moses.
The Second Book of Moses, called Exodus
Chapter .j.
These are the names of the children of Israel, which came to Egypt with
Iacob, every man with his household: Ruben, Simeon, Levi, Iuda,
Isachar, Zabulon, Ben Iamin, Dan, Nephtali, Gad and Aser. All the souls
that came out of the loins of Iacob, were seventy, and Ioseph was in
Egypt already. When Ioseph was dead and all his brethren and all that
generation: the children of Israel grew, increased, multiplied and
waxed exceeding mighty: so that the land was full of them. Then there
rose up a new king in Egypt which knew not Ioseph. And he said unto his
folk: behold the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier
than we. Come on, let us play wisely with them: lest they multiply, and
then (if there chance any war) they join them selves unto our enemies
and fight against us, and so get them out of the land. And he set
taskmasters over them, to keep them under with burthens. And they built
unto Pharao treasure cities: Phiton and Raamses. But the more they
vexed them, the more they multiplied and grew: so that they abhorred
the children of Israel. And the Egyptians held the children of Israel
in bondage without mercy, and made their lives bitter unto them with
cruel labour in clay and brick, and all manner work in the fields, and
in all manner of service, which they caused them to work cruelly. And
the king of Egypt said unto the midwives of the Hebrews' women, of
which the one's name was Sephora and the other Phua: when ye midwife
the women of the Hebrews and see in the birth time that it is a boy,
kill it. But if it be a maid, let it live. Notwithstanding the midwives
feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them: but saved
the men children. Then the king of Egypt called for the midwives and
said unto them: why have ye dealt on this manner and have saved the men
children? And the midwives answered Pharao, that the Hebrews' women
were not as the women of Egypt: but were sturdy women, and were
delivered yer the midwives came at them. And God therefore dealt well
with the midwives. And the people multiplied and waxed very mighty. And
because the midwives feared God, he made them houses. Then Pharao
charged all his people saying: All the men children that are born, cast
into the river and save the maid children alive.
Chapter .ij.
And there went a man of the house of Levi and took a daughter of Levi.
And the wife conceived and bare a son. And when she saw that it was a
proper child, she hid him three months long. And when she could no
longer hide him, she took a basket of bulrushes and daubed it with
slime and pitch, and laid the child therein, and put it in the flags by
the river's brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wete what would
come of it. And the daughter of Pharao came down to the river to wash
herself, and her maidens walked along by the river's side. And when she
saw the basket among the flags, she sent one of her maids and caused it
to be fetched. And when she had opened it she saw the child, and
behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on it and said: it is one
of the Hebrew's children. Then said his sister unto Pharao's daughter:
shall I go and call unto thee a nurse of the Hebrew's women, to nurse
the child? And the maid ran and called the child's mother. Then
Pharao's daughter said unto her. Take this child away and nurse it for
me, and I will reward thee for thy labour. And the woman took the child
and nursed it up. And when the child was grown, she brought it unto
Pharao's daughter, and it was made her son, and she called it Moses,
because (said she) I took him out of the water. And it happened in
these days when Moses was waxed great, that he went out unto his
brethren and looked on their burthens, and spied an Egyptian smiting
one of his brethren an Hebrew. And he looked round about: and when he
saw that there was no man by, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the
sand. And he went out another day: and behold, two Hebrews strove
together. And he said unto him that did the wrong: wherefore smitest
thou thine neighbour? And he answered: who hath made thee a ruler or a
judge over us? Intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the
Egyptian? Then Moses feared and said: of a surety the thing is known.
And Pharao heard of it and went about to slay Moses: but he fled from
Pharao and dwelt in the land of Madian, and he sat down by a well's
side. The priest of Madian had seven daughters which came and drew
water and filled the troughs, for to water their father's sheep. And
the shepherds came and drove them away: But Moses stood up and helped
them and watered their sheep. And when they came to Raguel their
father, he said: how happeneth it that ye are come so soon today? And
they answered: there was an Egyptian that delivered us from the
shepherds, and so drew us water and watered the sheep. And he said unto
his daughters: where is he? why have ye left the man? Go call him that
he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man. And he
gave Moses Zephora his daughter which bare a son, and he called him
Gerson: for he said. I have been a stranger in a strange land. [And she
bare yet another son, whom he called Elieser saying: the God of my
father is mine helper, and hath rid me out of the hands of Pharao.] And
it chanced in process of time, that the king of Egypt died, and the
children of Israel sighed by the reason of labour, and cried. And their
complaint came up unto God from the labour. And God remembered his
promise with Abraham, Isaac and Iacob. And God looked upon the children
of Israel and knew them.
Chapter .iij.
Moses kept the sheep of Iethro his father-in-law priest of Madian, and
he drove the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the
mountain of God, Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in
a flame of fire out of a bush. And he perceived that the bush burned
with fire, and consumed not. Then Moses said: I will go hence and see
this great sight, how it cometh that the bush burneth not. And when the
LORD saw that he came for to see, he called unto him out of the bush
and said: Moses Moses; And he answered: here am I. And he said: come
not hither, but put thy shoes off thy feet: for the place whereon thou
stondest is holy ground. And he said: I am the God of thy father, the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob. And Moses hid
his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Then the LORD said: I
have surely seen the trouble of my people which are in Egypt, and have
heard their cry, which they have of their taskmasters. For I know their
sorrow, and am come down to deliver them out of the hands of the
Egyptians, and to bring them out of that land unto a good land and a
large, and unto a land that floweth with milk and honey: even unto the
place of the Cananites, Hethites, Amorites, Pherezites, Hevites, and of
the Iebusites. Now therefore behold, the complaint of the children of
Israel is come unto me and I have also seen the oppression, wherewith
the Egyptians oppress them. But come, I will send thee unto Pharao,
that thou mayst bring my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
And Moses said unto God: what, am I to go to Pharao and to bring the
children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said: I will be with thee. And
this shall be a token unto thee that I have sent thee: after that thou
hast brought the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this
mountain. Then said Moses unto God: when I come unto the children of
Israel and say unto them, the God of your fathers hath sent me unto
you, and they say unto me, what is his name, what answer shall I give
them? Then said God unto Moses: I will be what I will be: and he said,
this shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: I will be did send me
to you. And God spake further unto Moses: thus shalt thou say unto the
children of Israel: the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob hath sent me unto you: this is
my name for ever, and this is my memorial thorowout all generations. Go
therefore and gather the elders of Israel together and say unto them:
the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and
the God of Iacob, appeared unto me and said: I have been and seen both
you and that which is done to you in Egypt. And I have said it, that I
will bring you out of the tribulation of Egypt unto the land of the
Cananites, Hethites, Amorites, Pherezites, Hevites and Iebusites: even
a land that floweth with milk and honey. If it come to pass that they
hear thy voice, then go, both thou and the elders of Israel unto the
king of Egypt, and say unto him: The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met
with us: Let us go therefore three days' journey into the wilderness,
that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God. Notwithstanding I am sure
that the king of Egypt will not let you go, except it be with a mighty
hand: yea and I will therefore stretch out mine hand, and smite Egypt
with all my wonders which I will do therein. And after that he will let
you go. And I will get this people favour in the sight of the
Egyptians: so that when ye go, ye shall not go empty: but every wife
shall borrow of her neighbouress and of her that sojourneth in her
house, jewels of silver and of gold and raiment. And ye shall put them
on your sons and daughters, and shall rob the Egyptians.
Chapter .iiij.
Moses answered and said: See, they will not believe me nor hearken unto
my voice: but will say, the LORD hath not appeared unto thee. Then the
LORD said unto him: what is that in thine hand? and he said, a rod. And
he said, cast it on the ground, and it turned unto a serpent. And Moses
ran away from it. And the LORD said unto Moses: put forth thine hand
and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand and caught it, and
it became a rod again in his hand, that they may believe that the LORD
God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God
of Iacob hath appeared unto thee. And the LORD said furthermore unto
him: thrust thine hand into thy bosom. And he thrust his hand into his
bosom and took it out. And behold, his hand was leprous even as snow.
And he said: put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand
into his bosom again, and plucked it out of his bosom, and behold, it
was turned again as his other flesh. If they will not believe thee
neither hear the voice of the first token: yet will they believe the
voice of the second token. But and if they will not believe the two
signs neither hearken unto thy voice, then take of the water of the
river and pour it upon the dry land. And the water which thou takest
out of the river shall turn to blood upon the dry land. And Moses said
unto the LORD: Oh my Lord. {the Lorde: oh my Lorde.} I am not eloquent,
no not in times past and namely since thou hast spoken unto thy
servant: but I am slow mouthed and slow tongued. And the LORD said unto
him: who hath made man's mouth, or who hath made the dumb or the deaf,
the seeing or the blind? have not I the LORD? Go therefore and I will
be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say. And he said: Oh
my Lord, {Lorde} {|LORDE|} send I pray thee whom thou wilt. And the
LORD was angry with Moses and said: I know Aaron thy brother the Levite
that he can speak. And moreover behold, he cometh out against {to meet}
thee, and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou
shalt speak unto him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with
thy mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And
he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: he shall be thy mouth, and
thou shalt be his God: and take this rod in thy hand, wherewith thou
shalt do miracles. And Moses went and returned to Iethro his
father-in-law again and said unto him: let me go (I pray thee) and turn
again unto my brethren which are in Egypt, that I may see whether they
be yet alive. And Iethro said to Moses: go in peace. And the LORD said
unto Moses in Madian: return again into Egypt for they are dead which
went about to kill thee. And Moses took his wife and his sons and put
them on an ass, and went again to Egypt, and took the rod of God in his
hand. And the LORD said unto Moses: when thou art come into Egypt
again, see that thou do all the wonders before Pharao which I have put
in thy hand: but I will harden his heart, so that he shall not let the
people go. And tell Pharao, thus sayeth the LORD: Israel is mine eldest
son, and therefore sayeth unto thee: let my son go, that he may serve
me. If thou wilt not let him go: behold, I will slay thine eldest son.
And it chanced by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him and would
have killed him. Then Zepora took a stone and circumcised her son, and
fell at his feet, and said: a bloody husband art thou unto me. And he
let him go. She said a bloody husband, because of the circumcision.
Then said the LORD unto Aaron: go meet Moses in the wilderness. And he
went and met him in the mount of God and kissed him. And Moses told
Aaron all the words of the LORD which he had sent by him, and all the
tokens which he had charged him withal. So went Moses and Aaron and
gathered all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron told all
the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the miracles in
the sight of the people, and the people believed. And when they heard
that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and had looked upon
their tribulation, they bowed them selves, and worshipped.
Chapter .v.
Then Moses and Aaron went and told Pharao, thus sayeth the LORD God of
Israel. Let my people go, that they may keep holy day unto me in the
wilderness. And Pharao answered: what fellow is the LORD, that I should
hear his voice for to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will
let Israel go. And they said: the God of the Hebrews hath met with us:
let us go (we pray thee) three days' journey into the desert, that we
may sacrifice unto the LORD our God: lest he smite us either with
pestilence or with sword. Then said the king of Egypt unto them:
wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their work, get
you unto your labour. And Pharao said furthermore: behold, there is
much people in the land, and ye make them play and let their work
stond. And Pharao commanded the same day unto the taskmasters over the
people and unto the officers saying: see that ye give the people no
more straw to make brick withal, as ye did in time past: let them go
and gather them straw them selves, and the number of bricks which they
were wont to make in time past, lay unto their charge also, and minish
nothing thereof. For they be idle and therefore cry saying: let us go
and do sacrifice unto our God. They must have more work laid upon them,
that they may labour therein, and then will they not turn them selves
to false words. Then went the taskmasters of the people and the
officers out and told the people saying: Thus sayeth Pharao: I will
give you no more straw, but go your selves and gather you straw where
ye can find it, yet shall none of your labour be minished. Then the
people scattered abroad thorowout all the land of Egypt for to gather
them stubble to be instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them
forward saying: fulfil your work day by day, even as when straw was
given you. And the officers of the children of Israel which Pharao's
taskmasters had set over them, were beaten. And it was said unto them:
wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick, both
yesterday and today, as well as in times past? Then went the officers
of the children of Israel and complained unto Pharao saying: wherefore
dealest thou thus with thy servants? there is no straw given unto thy
servants, and yet they say unto us: make brick. And lo, thy servants
are beaten, and thy people is foul entreated. And he answered: idle are
ye idle, and therefore ye say: let us go and do sacrifice unto the
LORD. Go therefore and work, for there shall no straw be given you, and
yet see that ye deliver the hole tale of brick. When the officers of
the children of Israel saw themself in shrewd case (in that he said ye
shall minish nothing of your daily making of brick) then they met Moses
and Aaron stonding in their way as they came out from Pharao, and said
unto them: The LORD look unto you and judge, for ye have made the
savour of us stink in the sight of Pharao and of his servants, and have
put a sword into their hands to slay us. Moses returned unto the LORD
{Lorde} {|LORDE|} and said: Lord {|LORDE|} wherefore dealest thou
cruelly with this people: and wherefore hast thou sent me? For since I
came to Pharao to speak in thy name, he hath fared foul with this folk,
and yet thou hast not delivered thy people at all;
Chapter .vi.
Then the LORD said unto Moses. Now shalt thou see what I will do unto
Pharao, for with a mighty hand shall he let them go, and with a mighty
hand shall he drive them out of his land. And God spake unto Moses
saying unto him: I am the LORD, and I appeared unto Abraham, Isaac and
Iacob an almighty God: but in my name Iehouah was I not known unto
them. Moreover I made an appointment with them to give them the land of
Canaa: the land of their pilgrimage wherein they were strangers. And I
have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, because the
Egyptians keep them in bondage, and have remembered my promise.
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel: I am the LORD, and will
bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and will rid you
out of their bondage, and will deliver you with a stretched out arm and
with great judgements. And I will take you for my people and will be to
you a God. And ye shall know that I am the LORD your God which brings
you out from under the burthens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you
unto the land over the which I did lift up my hand to give it unto
Abraham, Isaac and Iacob, and will give it unto you for a possession:
even I the LORD. And Moses told the children of Israel even so: But
they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit and for cruel
bondage. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Go and bid Pharao king
of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And
Moses spake before the LORD saying: behold, the children of Israel
hearken not unto me, how then shall Pharao hear me: seeing that I have
uncircumcised lips. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron and gave
them a charge unto the children of Israel and unto Pharao king of
Egypt: to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. These
be the heads of their father's houses. The children of Ruben the eldest
son of Israel are these: Hanoh, Pallu, Hezron, Charmi, these be the
householders of Ruben. The children of Simeon are these: Gemuel, Iamin,
Ohad, Iachin, Zohar, and Saul the son of a Cananitish wife: these are
the kindreds of Simeon. These are the names of the children of Levi in
their generations: Gerson, Kahath and Merari. And Levi lived an hundred
and thirty seven years. The sons of Gerson: Libni and Semei in their
kindreds. The children of Kahath: Amram, Iesear, Hebron and Usiel. And
Kahath lived an hundred and thirty three years. The children of Merari
are these: Maheli and Musi: these are the kindreds of Levi in their
generations. And Amram took Iochebed his niece to wife which bare him
Aaron and Moses. And Amram lived an hundred and thirty seven years. The
children of Iezear: Korah, Nepheg and Sichri. The children of Usiel:
Misael, Elzaphan and Sithri. And Aaron took Elizaba daughter of
Aminadab and sister of Nahason, to wife: which bare him Nadab, Abehu,
Eleazar and Ithamar. The children of Korah: Assir, Elkana and
Abiassaph: these are the kindreds of the Korahites. And Eleazar Aaron's
son took him one of the daughters of Putuel to wife: which bare him
Pinehas: these be the principal fathers of the Levites in their
kindreds. These are that Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: carry
the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, with their armies.
These are that Moses and Aaron which spake to Pharao king of Egypt,
that they might bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. And in the
day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, he spake unto
him saying, I am the LORD, see that thou speak unto Pharao the king of
Egypt all that I say unto thee. And Moses answered before the LORD: I
am of uncircumcised lips, how shall Pharao then give me audience?
Chapter .vij.
And the LORD said unto Moses: behold, I have made thee Pharao's God,
and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I
command thee and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharao: that he
send the children of Israel out of his land. But I will harden Pharao's
heart, that I may multiply my miracles and my wonders in the land of
Egypt. And yet Pharao shall not hearken unto you, that I may set mine
hand upon Egypt and bring out mine armies, even my people the children
of Israel out of the land of Egypt, with great judgements. And the
Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD when I have stretched forth my
hand upon Egypt, and have brought out the children of Israel from among
them. Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them. And Moses was
eighty years old and Aaron eighty three when they spake unto Pharao.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: when Pharao speaketh
unto you and sayeth: shew a wonder, then shalt thou say unto Aaron,
take the rod and cast it before Pharao, and it shall turn to a serpent.
Then went Moses and Aaron in unto Pharao, and did even as the LORD had
commanded. And Aaron cast forth his rod before Pharao and before his
servants, and it turned to a serpent. Then Pharao called for the wise
men, and enchanters of Egypt did in like manner with their sorcery. And
they cast down every man his rod, and they turned to serpents: but
Aaron's rod ate up their rods: and yet for all that Pharao's heart was
hardened, so that he hearkened not unto them, even as the LORD had
said. Then said the LORD unto Moses: Pharao's heart is hardened, and he
refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharao in the morning, for
he will come unto the water, and stond {stode} thou upon the river's
brink against he come, and the rod which turned to a serpent take in
thine hand. And say unto him: the LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me
unto thee saying: let my people go, that they may serve me in the
wilderness: but hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Wherefore thus sayeth
the LORD: hereby thou shalt know that I am the LORD. Behold, I will
smite with the staff that is in mine hand upon the waters that are in
the river, and they shall turn to blood. And the fish that is in the
river shall die, and the river shall stink: so that it shall grieve the
Egyptians to drink of the water of the river. And the LORD spake unto
Moses, say unto Aaron: take thy staff and stretch out thine hand over
the waters of Egypt, over their streams, rivers, ponds and all pools of
water, that they may be blood, and that there may be blood in all the
land of Egypt: both in vessels of wood and also of stone. And Moses and
Aaron did even as the LORD commanded. And he lift up the staff and
smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharao and in
the sight of his servants, and all the water that was in the river,
turned into blood. And the fish that was in the river died, and the
river stank: so that the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the
river. And there was blood thorowout all the land of Egypt. And the
enchanters of Egypt did likewise with their enchantments, so that
Pharao's heart was hardened and did not regard them as the LORD had
said. And Pharao turned himself and went into his house, and set not
his heart thereunto. And the Egyptians digged round about the river for
water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the river. And
it continued a week after that the LORD had smote the river.
Chapter .viij.
The LORD spake unto Moses: Go unto Pharao and tell him, thus sayeth the
LORD: let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou wilt not let
them go: behold I will smite all thy land with frogs. And the river
shall scrale with frogs, and they shall come up and go into thine house
and into thy chamber where thou sleepest and upon thy bed, and into the
houses of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and
upon thy vitailles which thou hast in store. And the frogs shall come
upon thee and on thy people and upon all thy servants. And the LORD
spake unto Moses, say unto Aaron: stretch forth thine hand with thy rod
over the streams, rivers, and ponds. And bring up frogs upon the land
of Egypt. And Aaron stretched his hand over the water of Egypt, and the
frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. And the sorcerers did
likewise with their sorcery, and the frogs came up upon the land of
Egypt. Then Pharao called for Moses and Aaron and said, pray ye unto
the LORD that he may take away the frogs from me and from my people,
and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice unto the LORD.
And Moses said unto Pharao: Appoint thou the time unto me, when I shall
pray for thee and thy servants and thy people, to drive away the frogs
from thee and thy house, so that they shall remain but in the river
only. And he said tomorrow. And he said: even as thou hast said, that
thou mayst know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. And the
frogs shall depart from thee and from thine houses, and from thy
servants and from thy people, and shall remain in the river only. And
Moses and Aaron went out from Pharao, and Moses cried unto the LORD
upon the appointment of frogs which he had made unto Pharao. And the
LORD did according to the saying of Moses. And the frogs died out of
the houses, courts and fields. And they gathered them together upon
heaps: so that the land stank of them. But when Pharao saw that he had
rest given him, he hardened his heart and hearkened not unto them, as
the LORD had said. And the LORD said unto Moses: Say unto Aaron:
stretch out thy rod and smite the dust of the land that it may turn to
lice in all the land of Egypt. And they did so. And Aaron stretched out
his hand with his rod and smote the dust of the earth, and it turned to
lice both in man and beast, so that all the dust of the land turned to
lice, thorowout all the land of Egypt. And the enchanters assayed
likewise with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could
not. And the lice were both upon man and beast. Then said the
enchanters unto Pharao: it is the finger of God. Neverthelater Pharao's
heart was hardened and he regarded them not, as the LORD had said. And
the LORD said unto Moses: rise up early in the morning and stond before
Pharao, for he will come unto the water: and say unto him, thus sayeth
the LORD: let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou wilt not
let my people go, behold, I will send all manner flies both upon thee
and thy servants, and thy people, and into thy houses. And the houses
of the Egyptians shall be full of flies, and the ground whereon they
are. But I will separate the same day the land of Gosan where my people
are, so that there shall no flies be there: that thou mayest know that
I am the LORD upon the earth. And I will put a division between my
people and thine. And even tomorrow shall this miracle be done. And the
LORD did even so: and there came noisome flies into the house of
Pharao, and into his servants' houses and into all the land of Egypt:
so that the land was marred with flies. Then Pharao sent for Moses and
Aaron and said: Go and do sacrifice unto your God in the land. And
Moses answered: it is not mete so to do. For we must offer unto the
LORD our God, that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians: behold
shall we sacrifice that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians
before their eyes, and shall they not stone us? we will therefore go
three days' journey into the desert and sacrifice unto the LORD our God
as he hath commanded us. And Pharao said: I will let you go, that ye
may sacrifice unto the LORD your God in the wilderness: only go not far
away, and see that ye pray for me. And Moses said: behold, I will go
out from thee and pray unto the LORD, and the flies shall depart from
Pharao and from his servants and from his people tomorrow. But let
Pharao from henceforth deceive no more, that he would not let the
people go to sacrifice unto the LORD. And Moses went out from Pharao
and prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD did as Moses had said, and took
away the flies from Pharao and from his servants and from his people,
so that there remained not one. But for all that, Pharao hardened his
heart even then also and would not let the people go.
Chapter .ix.
And the LORD said unto Moses: go unto Pharao and tell him, thus sayeth
the LORD God of the Hebrews: send out my people that they may serve me.
If thou wilt not let them go but wilt hold them still: behold, the hand
of the LORD shall be upon thy cattle which thou hast in the field, upon
horses, asses, camels, oxen, and sheep, with a mighty great murrain.
But the LORD shall make a division between the beasts of the
Israelites, and the beasts of the Egyptians: so that there shall
nothing die of all that pertaineth to the children of Israel. And the
LORD appointed a time saying: tomorrow the LORD shall do this thing in
the land. And the LORD did the thing on the morrow, and all the cattle
of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not
one. And Pharao sent to wete: but there was not one of the cattle of
the Israelites dead. Notwithstanding the heart of Pharao hardened, and
he would not let the people go. And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron:
take your hands full of ashes out of the furnace, and let Moses
sprinkle it up into the air in the sight of Pharao, and it shall turn
to dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall make swelling sores with
blains both on man and beast in all the land of Egypt. And they took
ashes out of the furnace, and stood before Pharao, and Moses sprinkled
it up into the air: And there brake out sores with blains both in man
and beast: so that the sorcerers could not stond before Moses, by the
reason of botches on the enchanters and upon all the Egyptians. But the
LORD hardened the heart of Pharao, that he hearkened not unto them, as
the LORD had said unto Moses. And the LORD said unto Moses: rise up
early in the morning and stond before Pharao and tell him, thus sayeth
the LORD God of the Hebrews: Let my people go, that they may serve me,
or else I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart and
upon thy servants and on thy people, that you mayst know that there is
none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand and
will smite thee and thy people with pestilence: so that thou shalt
perish from the earth. Yet in very deed for this cause have I stirred
thee up, for to shew my power in thee, and to declare my name thorowout
all the world. If it be so that thou stoppest my people, that thou wilt
not let them go: behold, tomorrow this time, I will send down a mighty
great hail: even such one as was not in Egypt since it was grounded
unto this time. Send therefore and fetch home thy beasts and all that
thou hast in the field. For upon all the men and beasts which are found
in the field and not brought home, shall the hail fall, and they shall
die. And as many as feared the word of the LORD among the servants of
Pharao made their servants and their beasts flee to house: and they
that regarded not the word of the LORD, left their servants and their
beasts in the field. And the LORD said unto Moses: stretch forth thine
hand unto heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt: upon
man and beast, and upon all the herbs of the field in the field of
Egypt. And Moses stretched out his rod unto heaven, and the LORD
thundered and hailed, so that the fire ran along upon the ground. And
the LORD so hailed in the land of Egypt, that there was hail and fire
mingled with the hail, so grievous, that there was none such in all the
land of Egypt, since people inhabited it. And the hail smote in the
land of Egypt all that was in the field both man and beast. And the
hail smote all the herbs of the field and broke all the trees of the
field: only in the land of Gosan where the children of Israel were, was
there no hail. And Pharao sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said
unto them: I have now sinned, the LORD is righteous and I and my people
are wicked. Pray ye unto the LORD, that the thunder of God and hail may
cease, and I will let you go, and ye shall tarry no longer. And Moses
said unto him: as soon as I am out of the city, I will spread abroad my
hands unto the LORD, and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there
be any more hail: that thou mayst know, how that the earth is the
LORD's. But I know that thou and thy servants yet fear not the LORD
God. The flax and the barley were smitten, for the barley was shot up
and the flax was bolled: but the wheat and the rye were not smitten,
for they were late sown. And Moses went out of the city from Pharao and
spread abroad his hands unto the LORD, and the thunder and hail ceased,
neither rained it any more upon the earth. When Pharao saw that the
rain and the hail and thunder were ceased, he sinned again and hardened
his heart: both he and his servants. So was the heart of Pharao
hardened, that he would not let the children of Israel go, as the LORD
had said by Moses.
Chapter .x.
The LORD said unto Moses: go unto Pharao, nevertheless I have hardened
his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I might shew these my
signs amongst them, and that thou tell in the audience of thy son and
of thy son's son, the pageants which I have played in Egypt, and the
miracles which I have done among them: that ye may know how that I am
the LORD. Then Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharao, and said unto him:
Thus sayeth the LORD God of the Hebrews: how long shall it be, or thou
wilt submit thyself unto me? Let my people go that they may serve me.
If thou wilt not let my people go: behold, tomorrow will I bring
grasshoppers into thy land, and they shall cover the face of the earth
that it can not be seen, and they shall eat the residue which remaineth
unto you and escaped the hail, and they shall eat all your green trees
upon the field, and they shall fill thy houses and all thy servants'
houses, and the houses of all the Egyptians after such a manner: as
neither thy fathers nor thy fathers fathers have seen, since the time
they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself about,
and went out from Pharao. And Pharao's servants said unto him: How long
shall this fellow thus plague us? {How long shall we be thus evilly
entreated?} Let the men go that they may serve the LORD their God, or
else wilt thou see Egypt first destroyed? And then Moses and Aaron were
brought again unto Pharao, and he said unto them: Go and serve the LORD
your God but who are they that shall go? And Moses answered: we must go
with young and old: yea and with our sons and with our daughters, and
with our sheep and oxen must we go. For we must hold a feast unto the
LORD. And he said unto them: shall it be so? The LORD be with you,
should I let you go, and your children also? Take heed, for ye have
some mischief in hand. Nay not so: but go ye that are men and serve the
LORD, for that was your desire. And they thrust them out of Pharao's
presence. And the LORD said unto Moses: Stretch out thine hand over the
land of Egypt for grasshoppers, that they come upon the land of Egypt
and eat all the herbs of the land, and all that the hail left
untouched. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt,
and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land, all that day and all
night. And in the morning the east wind brought the grasshoppers, and
the grasshoppers went up over all the land of Egypt and lighted in all
quarters of Egypt very grievously: so that before them were there no
such grasshoppers, neither after them shall be. And they covered all
the face of the earth, so that the land was dark therewith. And they
ate all the herbs of the land and all the fruits of the trees which the
hail had left: so that there was no green thing left in the trees and
herbs of the field thorow all the land of Egypt. Then Pharao called for
Moses and Aaron in haste and said: I have sinned against the LORD your
God and against you. Forgive me yet my sin only this once, and pray
unto the LORD your God that he may take away from me this death only.
And he went out from Pharao and prayed unto the LORD, and the LORD
turned the wind into a mighty strong west wind, and it took away the
grasshoppers and cast them into the reed sea: so that there was not one
grasshopper left in all the coasts of Egypt. But the LORD hardened
Pharao's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. And
the LORD said unto Moses: Stretch out thy hand unto heaven, and let
there be darkness upon the land of Egypt: even that they may feel the
darkness. And Moses stretched forth his hand unto heaven, and there was
a dark mist {thick darkness} upon all the land of Egypt three days
long, so that no man saw another, neither rose up from the place where
he was by the space of three days, but all the children of Israel had
light where they dwelled. Then Pharao called for Moses and said: go and
serve the LORD, only let your sheep, and your oxen abide, but let your
children go with you. And Moses answered: thou must give us also
offerings and burnt offerings for to sacrifice unto the LORD our God.
Our cattle therefore shall go with us, and there shall not one hoof be
left behind, for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God.
Moreover we can not know wherewith we shall serve the LORD, until we
come thither. But the LORD hardened Pharao's heart, so that he would
not let them go. And Pharao said unto him: get thee from me and take
heed to thyself that thou see my face no more. For whensoever thou
comest in my sight, thou shalt die. And Moses said: Let it be as thou
hast said: I will see thy face no more.
Chapter .xi.
And the LORD said unto Moses: yet will I bring one plague more upon
Pharao and upon Egypt, and after that he will let you go hence. And
when he letteth you go, he shall utterly drive you hence. But bid the
people that every man borrow of his neighbour and every woman of her
neighbouress: jewels of silver and jewels of gold. And the LORD gat the
people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover Moses was very
great in the land of Egypt: both in the sight of Pharao, and also in
the sight of the people. And Moses said: thus sayeth the LORD. About
midnight will I go out among the Egyptians, and all the firstborn in
the land of Egypt shall die: even from the firstborn of Pharao that
sitteth on his seat, unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is in
the mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. And there shall be a
great cry thorowout all the land of Egypt: so that there was never none
like nor shall be. And among all the children of Israel shall not a dog
move his tongue, nor yet man or beast: that ye may know, how the LORD
putteth a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And all these
thy servants shall come down unto me, and fall before me and say: get
thee out and all the people that are under thee, and then will I
depart. And he went out from Pharao in a great anger. And the LORD said
unto Moses: Pharao shall not regard you, that many wonders may be
wrought in the land of Egypt. And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders
before Pharao. But the LORD hardened Pharao's heart, so that he would
not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
Chapter .xij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying:
This month shall be your chief month: even the first month of the year
shall it be unto you. Speak ye unto all the fellowship of Israel
saying: that they take the tenth day of this month to every household,
a sheep. If the household be too few for a sheep, then let him and his
neighbour that is next unto this house, take according to the number of
souls, and count unto a sheep according to every man's eating. A sheep
without spot and a male of one year old shall it be, and from among the
lambs and the goats shall ye take it. And ye shall keep him in ward,
until the fourteenth day of the same month. And every man of the
multitude of Israel shall kill him about even. And they shall take of
the blood and strike on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of
the houses, wherein they eat him. And they shall eat the flesh the same
night, roast with fire, and with unleavened bread, and with sour herbs
they shall eat it. See that ye eat not thereof sodden in water, but
roast with fire: both head, feet, and purtenance together. And see that
ye let nothing of it remain unto the morning: if ought remain burn it
with fire. Of this manner shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, and
shoes on your feet, and your staves in your hands. And ye shall eat it
in haste, for it is the LORD's passover, for I will go about in the
land of Egypt this same night, and will smite all the firstborn in the
land of Egypt, both of man and beast, and upon all the gods of Egypt
will I the LORD do execution. And the blood shall be unto you a token
upon the houses wherein ye are, for when I see the blood, I will pass
over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I
smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you a remembrance,
and ye shall keep it holy unto the LORD: even thorowout your
generations after you shall ye keep it holy day, that it be a custom
for ever. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread, so that even the
first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses. For whosoever
eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that
soul shall be plucked out from Israel. The first day shall be a holy
feast unto you, and the seventh also. There shall be no manner of work
done in them, save about that only which every man must eat: that only
may ye do. And see that ye keep you to unleavened bread. For upon that
same day I will bring your armies out of the land of Egypt, therefore
ye shall observe this day and all your children after you, that it be a
custom for ever. The first month and the fourteenth day of the month at
even, ye shall eat sweet bread unto the twenty first day of the month
at even again. Seven days see that there be no leavened bread found in
your houses. For whosoever eateth leavened bread, that soul shall be
rooted out from the multitude of Israel: whether he be a stranger or
born in the land. Therefore see that ye eat no leavened bread, but in
all your habitations eat sweet bread. And Moses called for the elders
of Israel and said unto them: choose out and take to every household a
sheep, and kill passover. And take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the
blood that is in the basin, and strike it upon the upper post and on
the two side posts, and see that none of you go out at the door of his
house until the morning. For the LORD will go about and smite Egypt.
And when he seeth the blood upon the upper door post and on the two
side posts, he will pass over the door and will not suffer the
destroyer to come into your house to plague you. Therefore see that
thou observe this thing, that it be an ordinance to thee, and thy sons
for ever. And when ye be come into the land which the LORD will give
you according as he hath promised, see that ye keep this service. And
when your children ask you what manner of service is this ye do. Ye
shall say: it is the sacrifice of the LORD's passover, which passed
over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, as he smote the
Egyptians and saved our houses. Then the people bowed them selves and
worshipped. And the children of Israel went and did as the LORD had
commanded Moses and Aaron. And at midnight the LORD smote all the
firstborn in the land of Egypt: from the firstborn of Pharao that sat
on his seat, unto the firstborn of the captive that was in prison, and
all firstborn of the cattle. Then Pharao arose the same night and all
his servants and all the Egyptians, and there was a great crying
thorowout Egypt, for there was no house where there was not one dead.
And he called unto Moses and Aaron by night saying: Rise up, and get
you out from among my people: both ye and also the children of Israel,
and go and serve the LORD as ye have said. And take your sheep and your
oxen with you as ye have said, and depart and bless me also. And the
Egyptians were fierce upon the people and made haste to send them out
of the land: for they said: we be all dead men. And the people took the
dough before it was soured which they had in store, and bound it in
cloths, and put it upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did
according to the saying of Moses: and they borrowed of the Egyptians
jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment. And the LORD gat the
people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and so they borrowed and
robbed the Egyptians. Thus took the children of Israel their journey
from Rameses to Sucoth six hundred thousand men of foot, beside
children. And much common people went also with them, and sheep, and
oxen, and cattle exceeding much. And they baked sweet cakes of the
dough which they brought out of Egypt, for it was not soured: because
they were thrust out of Egypt and could not tarry, neither had they
prepared them any other provision of meat. And the time of the dwelling
of the children of Israel which they dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred
and thirty years. And when the four hundred and thirty years were
expired, even the self same day departed all the hosts of the LORD out
of the land of Egypt. This is a night to be observed to the LORD,
because he brought them out of the land of Egypt. This is a night of
the LORD, to be kept of all the children of Israel and of their
generations after them. And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron: this is
the manner of passover: there shall no stranger eat thereof, but all
the servants that are bought for money shall ye circumcise, and then
let them eat thereof. A stranger and a hired servant shall not eat
thereof. In one house shall it be eaten. Ye shall carry none of the
flesh out at the doors: moreover, see that ye break not a bone thereof.
All the multitude of the children of Israel shall observe it. If a
stranger dwell among you, and will hold Passover unto the LORD, let him
circumcise all that be males, and then let him come and observe it, and
be taken as one that is born in the land. No uncircumcised person shall
eat thereof. One manner of law shall be unto them that are born in the
land, and unto the strangers that dwell among you. And all the children
of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. And even the self
same day did the LORD bring the children of Israel out of the land of
Egypt with their armies.
Chapter .xiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Sanctify unto me all the
firstborn that open all manner matrices among the children of Israel,
as well of men as of beasts: for they are mine. And Moses said unto the
people: think on this day in which ye came out of Egypt and out of the
house of bondage: for with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out from
thence. See therefore that ye eat no leavened bread. This day come ye
out of Egypt in the month of Abib. When the LORD hath brought thee in
to the land of the Cananites, Hethites, Amorites, Hevites and
Iebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers that he would give thee: a
land wherein milk and honey floweth, then see that thou keep this
service in this same month. Seven days thou shalt eat sweet bread, and
the seventh day shall be feastful unto the LORD. Therefore thou shalt
eat sweet bread seven days, and see that there be no leavened bread
seen nor yet leaven among you in all your quarters. And thou shalt shew
thy son at that time saying: this is done, because of that which the
LORD did unto me when I came out of Egypt. Therefore it shall be a sign
unto thee upon thine hand and a remembrance between thine eyes, that
the LORD's law may be in thy mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD
brought thee out of Egypt, see thou keep therefore this ordinance in
his season from year to year. Moreover when the LORD hath brought thee
into the land of the Cananites, as he hath sworn unto thee and to thy
fathers, and hath given it thee, then thou shalt appoint unto the LORD
all that openeth the matrice, and all the firstborn among the beasts
which thou hast if they be males. And all the firstborn of the asses,
thou shalt redeem with a sheep: if thou redeem him not, then break his
neck. But all the firstborn among thy children shalt thou buy out. And
when thy son asketh thee in time to come saying: what is this? thou
shalt say unto him: with a mighty hand and LORD brought us out of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And when Pharao was loth to let us
go, the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt: as well the
firstborn of men as of beasts. And therefore I sacrifice unto the LORD
all the males that open the matrice, but all the firstborn of my
children I must redeem. And this shall be as a token in thine hand, and
as a thing hanged up between thine eyes: because the LORD brought us
out of Egypt with a mighty hand. When Pharao had let the people go, God
carried them not thorow the land of the Philistines, though it were a
nye way. For God said: the people might haply repent when they see war,
and so turn again to Egypt: therefore God led thee about thorow the
wilderness that bordereth on the red sea. The children of Israel went
harnessed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took the bones of Ioseph
with him: for he made the children of Israel swear saying: God will
surely visit you, take my bones therefore away hence with you. And they
took their journey from Sucoth: and pitched their tents in Etham in the
edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a
pillar of a cloud to lead them the way: and by night in a pillar of
fire to give them light: that they might go both by day and night. And
the pillar of the cloud never departed by day nor the pillar of fire by
night out of the people's sight.
Chapter .xiiij.
Then the LORD spake unto Moses saying: bid the children of Israel that
they turn and pitch their tents before the entering of Hiroth between
Migdol and the sea toward Baal Zephon: even before that shall ye pitch
upon the sea. For Pharao will say of the children of Israel: they are
tangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will
harden his heart, that he shall follow after them, that I may get me
honour upon Pharao and upon all his host, that the Egyptians may know
that I am the LORD. And they did even so. And when it was told the king
of Egypt that the people fled, then Pharao's heart and all his servants
turned unto the people and said: why have we this done, that we have
let Israel go out of our service? and he made ready his chariots and
took his people with him and took six hundred chosen chariots and all
the chariots of Egypt and captains upon all his people. For the LORD
hardened the heart of Pharao king of Egypt, that he followed after the
children of Israel which for all that went out thorow an high hand. And
the Egyptians followed after them and overtook them where they pitched
by the sea, with all the horsses and chariots of Pharao and with his
horsemen and his host: even fast by the entering of Hiroth before Baal
Zephon. And Pharao drew nye, and when the children of Israel lift up
their eyes and saw how the Egyptians followed after them, they were
sore afraid and cried out unto the LORD. Then said they unto Moses:
were there no graves for us in Egypt, but thou must bring us away for
to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou served us thus, for to
carry us out of Egypt? Did not we tell thee this in Egypt saying, let
us be in rest and serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to
have served the Egyptians, than for to die in the wilderness. And Moses
said unto the people: fear ye not but stond still and behold how the
LORD shall save you this day: For as ye see the Egyptians this day,
shall ye see them no more for ever till the world's end. The LORD shall
fight for you and ye shall hold your peace. The LORD said unto Moses:
wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel that
they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod and stretch out thy hand over
the sea and divide it asunder, that the children of Israel may go on
dry ground thorow the middest thereof. And behold I will harden the
hearts of the Egyptians that they may follow you. And I will get me
honour upon Pharao and upon all his host, upon his chariots and upon
his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD when I
have gotten me honour upon Pharao, upon his chariots and upon his
horsemen. And the angel of God which went before the host of Israel,
removed and went behind them. And the clouden pillar that was before
them removed and stood behind them and went between the host of the
Egyptians and the host of Israel. It was a dark cloud, and gave light
by night: so that all the night long the one could not come at the
other. When now Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, the LORD
carried away the sea with a strong east wind that blew all night, and
made the sea dry land and the water divided itself. And the children of
Israel went in thorow the middest of the sea upon the dry ground. And
the water was a wall unto them, both on their right hand and on their
left hand. And the Egyptians followed and went in after them to the
middest of the sea, with all Pharao's horses, and his chariots and his
horsemen. And in the morning watch, the LORD looked unto the host of
the Egyptians out of the fiery and cloudy pillar, and troubled their
host and smote off their chariot wheels and cast them down to the
ground. Then said the Egyptians: Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD
fighteth for them against us. Then said the LORD unto Moses: stretch
out thine hand over the sea, that the water may come again upon the
Egyptians upon their chariots and horsemen. Then stretched forth Moses
his hand over the sea, and it came again to his course early in the
morning, and the Egyptians fled against it. Thus the LORD overthrew the
Egyptians in the middest of the sea, and the water returned and covered
the chariots and the horsemen: so that of all the host of Pharao that
came into the sea after them, there remained not one. But the children
of Israel went upon dry land in the middest of the sea, and the water
was a wall unto them: both on the right hand of them and also on the
left. Thus the LORD delivered Israel the self same day out of the hand
of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea side.
And when Israel saw that mighty hand which the LORD had shewed upon the
Egyptians, they feared the LORD: and believed both the LORD and also
his servant Moses.
Chapter .xv.
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song unto the LORD and
said: Let us sing unto the LORD, for he is become glorious, the horse
and him that rode upon him hath he overthrown in the sea. The LORD is
my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. He is my God and I
will glorify him, he is my father's God and I will lift him up on high.
{an hie} The LORD is a man of war, Iehouah is his name: Pharao's
chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea. His jolly captains are
drowned in the redde {reed} sea, the deep waters have covered them:
they sank to the bottom as a stone. Thine hand LORD is glorious in
power, thine hand LORD hath all to dashed the enemy. And with thy great
glory thou hast destroyed thine adversaries, thou sentest forth thy
wrath and it consumed them, even as stubble. With the breath of thine
anger the water gathered together and the floods stood still as a rock,
and the deep water congealed together in the middest of the sea. The
enemy said: I will follow and overtake them, and will divide the spoil:
I will satisfy my lust upon them: I will draw my sword, and mine hand
shall destroy them. Thou blewest with thy breath and the sea covered
them, and they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee
o LORD among gods: who is like thee, so glorious in holiness, fearful,
laudable and that shewest wonders? Thou stretchedest out thy right
hand, and in the earth swallowed them. And thou carriedest with thy
mercy this people which thou deliveredest, and broughtest them with thy
strength unto thy holy habitation. The nations heard, and were afraid,
pangs came upon the Philistines. Then the dukes of the Edomites were
amazed, and trembling came upon the mightiest of the Moabites, and all
the inhabiters of Canaan waxed faint hearted. Let fear and dread fall
upon them thorow the greatness of thine arm, and let them be as still
as a stone, while thy people pass thorow o LORD, while the people pass
thorow, which thou hast gotten. Bring them in and plant them in the
mountains of thine inheritance, the place LORD {Lorde} which thou hast
made for to dwell in, the sanctuary Lord, which thy hands have
prepared. The LORD reign ever and allway. For Pharao went in on
horseback with his chariots and horsemen into the sea, and the LORD
brought the waters of the sea upon them. And the children of Israel
went on dry land thorow the middest of the sea. And Miriam a prophetess
the sister of Aaron took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women came
out after her with timbrels in a dance. And Miriam sang before them:
sing ye unto the LORD, for he is become glorious indeed: the horse and
his rider hath he overthrown in the sea. Moses brought Israel from the
redde {reed} sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Sur. And
they went three days long in the wilderness, and could find no water.
At the last they came to Mara: but they could not drink of the waters
for bitterness, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of the place
was called Mara. Then the people murmured against Moses, saying: what
shall we drink? And Moses cried unto the LORD, and he shewed him a
tree: {tre} and he cast it into the water, and they waxed sweet. There
he made them an ordinance and a law, and there he tempted them and
said: If ye will hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God, and will
do that which is right in his sight and will give an ear unto his
commandments, and keep all his ordinances: then will I put none of
these diseases upon thee which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am
the LORD thy surgeon. And they came to Elim where were twelve wells of
water and seventy date trees, and they pitched there by the water.
Chapter .xvi.
And they took their journey from Elim, and all the whole company of the
children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which lieth between
Elim and Sinai: the fifteenth day of the second month after that they
were come out of the land of Egypt. And the hole multitude of the
children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness,
and said unto them: would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in
the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and ate bread our
bellies' full for ye have brought us out into this wilderness to kill
this hole multitude for hunger. Then said the LORD unto Moses: behold,
I will rain bread from heaven down to you, and let the people go out,
and gather day by day, that I may prove them whether they will walk in
my law or no. The sixth day let them prepare that which they will bring
in, and let it be twice as much as they gather in daily. And Moses and
Aaron said unto all the children of Israel: at even ye shall know that
it is the LORD, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the
morning ye shall see the glory of the LORD: because he hath heard your
grudgings against the LORD: for what are we that ye should murmur
against us? And moreover spake Moses: At evening the LORD will give you
flesh to eat, and in the morning bread enough, because the LORD hath
heard your murmur which ye murmur against him: for what are we? your
murmuring is not against us, but against the LORD. And Moses spake unto
Aaron: Say unto all the company of the children of Israel, come forth
before the LORD, for he hath heard your grudgings. And as Aaron spake
unto the hole multitude of the children of Israel, they looked toward
the wilderness: and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in a cloud.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: I have heard the murmuring of the
children of Israel, tell them therefore and say that at evening they
shall eat flesh, and in the morning they shall be filled with bread,
and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God. And at evening the
quails came and covered the ground where they lay. And in the morning
the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew was fallen: behold,
it lay upon the ground in the wilderness, small and round and thin as
the hoar frost on the ground. When the children of Israel saw it, they
said one to another: what is this? for they wist not what it was; And
Moses said: this is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.
This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, that ye gather every
man enough for him to eat: a gomer full for a man according to the
number of you, and gather every man for them which are in his tent. And
the children of Israel did even so, and gathered some more some less,
and did mete it with a gomer. And unto him that had gathered much
remained nothing over, and unto him that had gathered little was there
no lack: but every man had gathered sufficient for his eating. And
Moses said unto them: See that no man let ought remain of it till the
morning. Notwithstonding they hearkened not unto Moses: but some of the
left of it until the mornynge, and it waxed full of worms and stank,
and Moses was angry with them. And they gathered it all mornings: every
man as much as sufficed for his eating, for as soon as the heat of the
sonne came it melted. And the sixth day they gathered twice so much
bread, two gomers for one man, and the rulers of the multitude came and
told Moses. And he said unto them: this is that which the LORD hath
said: tomorrow is the Sabbath of the holy rest of the LORD: bake that
which ye will bake and fetch that ye will fetch, and that which
remaineth lay up for you, and keep it till the morning. And they laid
it up till the morning as Moses bade, and it stank not, neither was
there any worms therein. And Moses said: that eat this day: for today
it is the LORD's Sabbath: today ye shall find none in the field. Six
days ye shall gather it, for the seventh is the Sabbath: there shall be
none therein. Notwithstanding there went out of the people in the
seventh day for to gather: but they found none. Then the LORD said unto
Moses: how long shall it be, yer ye will keep my commandments and laws?
See because the LORD hath given you a Sabbath, therefore he giveth you
the sixth day bread for two days. Bide therefore every man at home, and
let no man go out of his place the seventh day. And the people rested
the seventh day. And the house of Israel called it Man. And it was like
unto Coriander seed and white, and the taste of it was like unto wafers
made with honey. And Moses said: this is that which the LORD
commandeth: fill a gomer of it, that it may be kept for your children
after you: that they may see the bread wherewith he fed you in
wilderness, when he had brought you out of the land of Egypt. And Moses
spake unto Aaron: take a cruse and put a gomer full of Man therein, and
lay it up before the LORD to be kept for your children after you, as
the LORD commanded Moses. And Aaron laid it up before the testimony
there to be kept. And the children of Israel ate man forty years until
they came unto a land inhabited. And so they ate Man, even until they
came unto the borders of the land of Canaan, and a gomer is the tenth
part of an Epha.
Chapter .xvij.
And all the company of the children of Israel went on their journeys
from the wilderness of Sin at the commandment of the LORD, and pitched
in Raphidim: where was no water for the people to drink. And the people
chode with Moses and said: give us water to drink. And Moses said unto
them: why chide ye with me, and wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? There
the people thirsted for water, and murmured against Moses and said:
wherefore hast thou brought us out of Egypt, to kill us and our
children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD
saying, what shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone
me. And the LORD said unto Moses: go before the people, and take with
thee of the elders of Israel: and thy rod wherewith thou smotest the
river, take in thine hand and go. Behold, I will stond there before
thee upon a rock in Horeb: and thou shalt smite the rock, and there
shall come water out thereof, that the people may drink. And Moses did
even so before the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the
place: Massa and Meriba: because of the chiding of the children of
Israel, and because they tempted the LORD saying: is the LORD among us
or not? Then came Amalek and fought with Israel in Raphidim. And Moses
said unto Iosua: choose out men and go fight with Amelech. Tomorrow I
will stond on the top of the hill and the rod of God in mine hand. And
Iosua did as Moses bade him, and fought with the Amalekites. And Moses,
Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And when Moses held up
his hand, Israel had the better. And when he let his hand down, Amelech
had the better. When Moses' hands were weary, they took a stone and put
it under him, and he sat down there on. And Aaron and Hur stayed up his
hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side. And his
hands were steady until the son was down. And Iosua discomfited Amalek
and his people with the edge of his sword. And the LORD said unto
Moses: write this for a remembrance in a book and tell it unto Iosua,
for I will put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And
Moses made an altar and called the name of it Iehouah Nissi, {The LORD
is he that exalteth, or worketh miracles for me.} for he said: the hand
is on the seat of the LORD, that the LORD will have war with Amalek
thorowout all generations.
Chapter .xviij.
Iethro the priest of Madian Moses' father-in-law heard of all that God
had done unto Moses and to Israel his people, how that the LORD had
brought Israel out of Egypt. And he took Zippora Moses' wife, after she
was sent back, and her two sons, of which the one was called Gerson,
for he said: I have been an alien {alient} in a strange land. And the
other was called Eliesar: for the God of my father was mine help and
delivered me from the sword of Pharao. And Iethro Moses' father-in-law
came with his two sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness:
where he had pitched his tent by the mount of God. And he sent word to
Moses: I thy father-in- law Iethro am come to thee, and thy wife also,
and her two sons with her. And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law
and did obeisance and kissed him, and they saluted each other and came
into the tent. And Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had
done unto Pharao and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the
travail that had happened them by the way, and how the LORD had
delivered them. And Iethro rejoiced over all the good which the LORD
had done to Israel, and because he had delivered them out of the hand
of the Egyptians. And Iethro said: blessed be the LORD which hath
delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of
Pharao, which hath delivered his people from under the power of the
Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, for
because that they dealt proudly with them. And Iethro Moses'
father-in-law offered burnt offerings and sacrifices unto God. And
Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat bread with Moses'
father-in-law before God. And it chanced on the morrow, that Moses sat
to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from morning unto
evening. When his father-in- law saw all that he did unto the people,
he said: what is this that thou doest unto the people? why sittest thou
thyself and lettest all the people stond about thee from morning unto
even? And Moses said unto his father-in-law: because the people came
unto me to seek counsel, {councell} of God. For when they have a
matter, they come unto me, and I must judge between every man and his
neighbour, and must shew them the ordinances of God and his laws. And
his father-in-law said unto him: it is not well that thou doest. Thou
doest unwisely and also this people that is with thee: because the
thing is too grievous for thee, and thou art not able to do it thy self
alone. But hear my voice, and I will give thee counsel, {councell} and
God shall be with thee. Be thou unto the people to Godward, and bring
the causes unto God and provide them ordinances and laws, and shew them
the way wherein they must walk and the works that they must do.
Moreover seek out among all the people, men of activity which fear God,
and men that are true and hate covetousness: and make them heads over
the people, captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and
over ten. And let them judge the people at all seasons: If there be any
great matter, let them bring that unto thee, and let them judge all
small causes them selves, and ease thy self, and let them bear with
thee. If thou shalt do this thing, then thou shalt be able to endure
that which God chargeth thee with all, and all this people shall go to
their places quietly. And Moses heard the voice of his father-in-law,
and did all that he had said, and chose active men out of all Israel
and made them heads over the people, captains over thousands, over
hundreds, over fifty and over ten. And they judged the people at all
seasons, and brought the hard causes unto Moses: and judged all small
matters them selves. And then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and
he went in to his own land.
Chapter .xix.
The third month after the children of Israel were gone out of Egypt:
the same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. For they were
departed from Raphidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai and had
pitched their tents in the wilderness. And there Israel pitched before
the mount. And Moses went up unto God. And the LORD called to him out
of the mountain saying: thus say unto the house of Iacob, and tell the
children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians and how
I took you up upon Eagles' wings, and have brought you unto myself. Now
therefore if ye will hear my voice and keep mine appointment: ye shall
be mine own above all nations, for all the earth is mine. Ye shall be
unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy people: these are the words
which thou shalt say unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and
called for the elders of Israel, and laid before them all these words
which the LORD had commanded him. And the people answered all together
and said: All that the LORD hath said, we will do. And Moses brought
the words of the people unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Moses:
Lo, I will come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear
when I talk with thee, and also believe thee for ever. And Moses shewed
the words of the people unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Moses: Go
unto the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash
their clothes: that they may be ready against the third day. For the
third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon
mount Sinai. And set marks round about the people and say: beware that
ye go not up into the mount, and that ye twich not the borders of it,
for whosoever twicheth the mount, shall surely die. There shall not an
hand twich it, but that he shall either be stoned or else shot thorow:
whether it be beast or man, it shall not live, when the horn bloweth:
then let them come up in to the mountain. And Moses went down from the
mount unto the people and sanctified them, and they washed their
clothes: And he said unto the people: be ready against the third day,
and see that ye come not at your wives. And the third day in the
morning there was thunder, and lightning and a thick cloud upon the
mount, and the voice of the horn waxed exceeding loud, and all the
people that was in the host was afraid. And Moses brought the people
out of the tents to meet with God, and they stood under the hill. And
mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke: because the LORD descended down
upon it in fire. And the smoke thereof ascended up, as it had been the
smoke of a kiln, and all the mount was exceeding fearful. And the voice
of the horn blew and waxed louder, and louder. Moses spake, and God
answered him and that with a voice. And the LORD came down upon mount
Sinai, even in the top of the hill, and called Moses up into the top of
the hill. And Moses went up. And the LORD said unto Moses: go down and
charge the people that they prease not up unto the LORD for to see him,
and so many of them perish. And let the priests also which come to the
LORD's presence, sanctify them selves: lest the LORD smite them. Then
Moses said unto the LORD: the people can not come up in to mount Sinai,
for thou chargedest us saying: set marks about the hill and sanctify
it. And the LORD said unto him: away, and get thee down: and come up
both thou and Aaron with thee. But let not the priests and the people
presume for to come up unto the LORD: lest he smite them. And Moses
went down unto the people and told them.
Chapter .xx.
And God spake all these words and said: I am the LORD thy God, which
have brought thee out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of
bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods in my sight. Thou shalt make
thee no graven image, neither any similitude that is in heaven above,
either in the earth beneath, or in the water that is beneath the earth.
See that thou neither bow thyself unto them neither serve them: for I
the LORD thy God, am a jealous God, and visit the sin of the fathers
upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me: and yet shew mercy unto thousands among them that love me and
keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God
in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name
in vain. Remember the Sabbath day that thou sanctify it. Six days mayst
thou labour and do all that thou hast to do: but the seventh day is the
Sabbath of the LORD thy God, in it thou shalt do no manner work:
neither thou nor thy son, nor thy daughter, neither thy manservant nor
thy maidservant, neither thy cattle neither yet the stranger that is
within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made both heaven and earth
and the sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Honour thy
father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the
LORD thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not break
wedlock. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt bear no false witness against
thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house: neither
shalt covet thy neighbour's wife, his manservant, his maid, his ox, his
ass or ought that is his. And all the people saw the thunder and the
lightning and the noise of the horn, and how the mountain smoked. And
when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off and said unto
Moses: talk thou with us and we will hear, but let not God talk with
us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people fear not, for God is
come to prove you, and that his fear may be among you that ye sin not.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses went into the thick cloud
where God was. And the LORD said unto Moses: thus thou shalt say unto
the children of Israel: Ye have seen how that I have talked with you
from out of heaven. Ye shall not make therefore with me gods of silver
nor gods of gold: in no wise shall ye do it. An altar of earth thou
shalt make unto me and thereon offer thy burnt offerings and thy peace
offerings, and thy sheep and thine oxen. And in all places where I
shall put the remembrance of my name, thither I will come unto thee and
bless thee. But and if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, see thou
make it not of hewed stone, for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou
shalt pollute it. Moreover thou shalt not go up with steps unto mine
altar, that thy nakedness be not shewed thereon.
Chapter .xxj.
These are the laws which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy a
servant that is an Hebrew, six years he shall serve, and the seventh he
shall go out free paying nothing. If he came alone, he shall go out
alone: If he came married, his wife shall go out with him. And if his
master have given him a wife and she have borne him sons or daughters:
then the wife and her children shall be her master's and he shall go
out alone. But and if the servant say I love my master and my wife and
my children, I will not go out free. Then let his master bring him unto
the Gods and set him to the door or the doorpost, and bore his ear
thorow with an nawl, and let him be his servant forever. If a man sell
his daughter to be a servant: she shall not go out as the menservants
do. If she please not her master, so that he hath given her to no man
to wife, then shall he let her go free: to sell her unto a strange
nation shall he have no power, because he despised her. If he have
promised her unto his son to wife, he shall deal with her as men do
with their daughters. If he take him another wife, yet her food,
raiment and duty of marriage shall he not minish. If he do not these
three unto her, then shall she go out free and pay no money. He that
smiteth a man that he die, shall be slain for it. If a man lay not
await but God deliver him into his hand, then I will point thee a place
whither he shall flee. If a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour
and slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from mine altar that he
die. And he that smiteth his father or his mother, shall die for it. He
that stealeth a man and selleth him (if it be proved upon him) shall be
slain for it. And he that curseth his father or mother, shall be put to
death for it. If men strive together and one smite another with a stone
or with his fist, so that he die not, but lieth in bed: if he rise
again and walk without upon his staff, then shall he that smote him go
quite: save only he shall bear his charges while he lay in bed and pay
for his healing. If a man smite his servant or his maid with a staff
that they die under his hand, it shall be avenged. But and if they
continue a day or two, it shall not be avenged for they are his money.
When men strive and smite a woman with child so that her fruit depart
from her and yet no misfortune followeth: then shall he be merced,
according as the woman's husband will lay to his charge, and he shall
pay as the daysmen appoint him. But and if any misfortune follow, then
shall he pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for
hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound and stripe
for stripe. If a man smite his servant or his maid in the eye and put
it out, he shall let them go free for the eye's sake. Also if he smite
out his servant's or his maid's tooth, he shall let them go out free
for the tooth's sake. If an ox gore a man or a woman that they die,
then the ox shall be stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten: and his
master shall go quite. If the ox were wont to run at men in time past
and it hath been told his master, and he hath not kept him, but that he
hath killed a man or a woman: then the ox shall be stoned and his
master shall die also. If he be set to a sum of money, then he shall
give for the deliverance of his life, according to all that is put unto
him. And whether he hath gored a son or a daughter, he shall be served
after the same manner. But if it be a servant or a maid that the ox
hath gored, then he shall give unto their master the sum of thirty
sicles, and the ox shall be stoned. If a man open a well or dig a pit
and cover it not, but that an ox or an ass fall therein, the owner of
the pit shall make it good and give money unto their master, and the
dead beast shall be his. If one man's ox hurt another's that he die:
then they shall sell the live ox and divide the money, and the dead ox
also they shall divide. But and if it be known that the ox hath used to
push in time's past, then because his master hath not kept him, he
shall pay ox for ox, and the dead shall be his own.
Chapter .xxij.
If a man steal an ox or sheep and kill it or sell it, he shall restore
five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief be found
breaking up and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed
for him: except the sonne be up when he is found, then there shall be
blood shed for him. A thief shall make restitution: If he have not
wherewith, he shall be sold for his theft. If the theft be found in his
hand alive (whether it be ox, ass or sheep) he shall restore double. If
a man do hurt field or vineyard, so that he put in his beast to feed in
another man's field: of the best of his own field, and of the best of
his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. If fire break out and
catch in the thorns, so that the stacks {stoukes} of corn or the
stonding corn or field be consumed therewith: he that kindled the fire
shall make restitution. If a man deliver his neighbour money or stuff
to keep, and it be stolen out of his house: If the thief be found, he
shall pay double. If the thief be not found, then the goodman of the
house shall be brought unto the gods and swear, whether he have put his
hand unto his neighbour's good. And in all manner of trespass, whether
it be ox, ass, sheep, raiment or any manner lost thing which another
challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the
gods. And whom the gods condemn: the same shall pay double unto his
neighbour. If a man deliver unto his neighbour to keep, ass, ox, sheep
or whatsoever beast it be and it die or be hurt or driven away and no
man see it: then shall an oath of the LORD go between them, whether he
have put his hand unto his neighbour's good, and the owner of it shall
take the oath, and the other shall not make it good. If it be stolen
from him, then he shall make restitution unto the owner: If it be torn
with wild beasts, then let him bring record of the tearing: and he
shall not make it good. When a man borroweth ought of his neighbour if
it be hurt or else die, and if the owner thereof be not by, he shall
make it good: If the owner thereof be by, he shall not make it good,
namely if it be an hired thing and came for hire. If a man beguile a
maid that is not betrothed and lie with her, he shall endote her and
take her to his wife: If her father refuse to give her unto him, he
shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. Thou shalt not
suffer a witch to live. Whosoever lieth with a beast, shall be slain
for it. He that offereth unto any gods save unto the LORD only, let him
die without redemption. Vex not a stranger neither oppress him for ye
were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall trouble no widow nor
fatherless child: If ye shall trouble them: they shall cry unto me, and
I will surely hear their cry and then will my wrath wax hot and I will
kill you with sword, and your wives shall be widows and your children
fatherless. If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by
thee, thou shalt not be as an usurer unto him, neither shalt oppress
him with usury. If thou take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, see
that thou deliver it unto him again by that the sonne go down. For that
is his coverlet only: even the raiment for his skin wherein he
sleepeth: or else he will cry unto me and I will hear him, for I am
merciful. Thou shalt not rail upon the gods, neither curse the ruler of
thy people. Thy fruits (whether they be dry or moist) see thou keep not
back. Thy firstborn son thou shalt give me: likewise shalt thou do of
thine oxen and of thy sheep. Seven days it shall be with the dam, and
the eighth day thou shalt give it me. Ye shall be holy people unto me,
and therefore shall ye eat no flesh that is torn of beasts in the
field. But shall cast it to dogs.
Chapter .xxiij.
Thou shalt not accept a vain tale, neither shalt put thine hand with
the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a
multitude to do evil: neither answer in a matter of plea that thou
wouldest to follow many turn aside from the truth, neither shalt thou
paint a poor man's cause. When thou meetest thine enemy's ox or ass
going astray, thou shalt bring them to him again. If thou see thine
enemy's ass sink under his burthen, thou shalt not pass by and let him
alone: but shalt help him to lift him up again. Thou shalt not hinder
the right of the poor that are among you in their suit. Keep thee far
from a false matter, and the Innocent and righteous see thou slay not,
for I will not justify the wicked. Thou shalt take no gifts, for gifts
blind the seeing and pervert the words of the righteous. Thou shalt not
oppress a stranger, for I know the heart of stranger, because ye were
strangers in Egypt. Six years thou shalt sow thy land and gather in the
fruits thereof: and the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie
still, that the poor of thy people may eat, and what they leave, the
beasts of the field shall eat: In like manner thou shalt do with thy
vineyard and thine olive trees. Six days thou shalt do thy work and the
seventh day thou shalt keep holy day, that thine ox and thine ass may
rest and the son of thy maid and the stranger may be refreshed. And in
all things that I have said unto you be circumspect. And make no
rehearsal of the names of strange gods, neither let any man hear them
out of your mouths. Three feasts thou shalt hold unto me in a year.
Thou shalt keep the feast of sweet bread, that thou eat unleavened
bread seven days long as I commanded thee in the time appointed of the
month of Abib, for in that month thou camest out of Egypt: and see that
no man appear before me empty. And the feast of Harvest, when thou
reapest the first fruits of thy labours which thou hast sown in the
field. And the feast of ingathering, in the end of the year: when thou
hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. Three times in a year
shall all thy men children appear before the Lord Iehouah. Thou shalt
not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread: neither shall
the fat of my feast remain until the morning. The first of the
firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy
God thou shalt also not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. Behold, I
send mine angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee
into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him and hear his voice
and anger him not: for he will not spare your misdeeds, yea and my name
is in him. But and if thou shalt hearken unto his voice and keep all
that I shall tell thee, then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies and
an adversary unto thine adversaries. When mine angel goeth before thee
and hath brought thee in unto the Amorites, Hethites, Pherezites,
Cananites, Hevites and Iebusites, and I shall have destroyed them, see
thou worship not their gods neither serve them, neither do after the
works of them, but overthrow them and break down the places of them.
And see that ye serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread
and thy water, and I will take all sicknesses away from among you.
Moreover there shall be no woman childless or unfruitful in thy land,
and the number of thy days I will fulfill. I will send my fear before
thee and will kill all the people whither thou shalt go. And I will
make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee, and I will send
hornets before thee, and they shall drive out the Hevites, the
Cananites and the Hethites before thee. I will not cast them out in one
year, lest the land grow to a wilderness: and the beasts of the field
multiply upon thee. But a little and a little I will drive them out
before thee, until thou be increased that thou mayst inherit the land.
And I will make thy coasts from the red sea unto the sea of the
Philistines and from the desert unto the river. I will deliver the
inhabiters of the land into thine hand, and thou shalt drive them out
before thee. And thou shalt make none appointment with them nor with
their gods. Neither shall they dwell in thy land, lest they make thee
sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be thy
decay.
Chapter .xxiiij.
And he said unto Moses: come unto the LORD: both thou and Aaron, Nadab
and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel, and worship afar off. And
Moses went himself alone unto the LORD, but they came not nye, neither
came the people up with him. And Moses came and told the people all the
words of the LORD and all the laws. And all the people answered with
one voice and said: all the words which the LORD hath said, will we do.
Then Moses wrote all the words of the LORD and rose up early and made
an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars according to the number of
the twelve tribes of Israel, and sent young men of the children of
Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings and to offer peace offerings of
oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took half of the blood and put it in
basins, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the
book of the appointment and read it in the audience of the people. And
they said: All that the LORD hath said, we will do and hear. And Moses
took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said: behold, this is
the blood of the appointment which the LORD hath made with you upon all
these words. Then went Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy
elders of Israel up, and saw the God of Israel, and under his feet as
it were a brick work of Saphir and as it were the fashion of heaven
when is clear, and upon the nobles of the children of Israel he set not
his hand. And when they had seen God they ate and drank. And the LORD
said unto Moses: come up to me in to the hill and be there, and I will
give thee tables of stone and a law and commandments, which I have
written to teach them. Then Moses rose up and his minister Iosua, and
Moses went up into the hill of God, and said unto the elders: tarry ye
here until we come again unto you: And behold here is Aaron and Hur
with you. If any man have any matters to do, let him come to them. When
Moses was come up into the mount, a cloud covered the hill, and the
glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six
days. And the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the cloud. And
the fashion of the glory of the LORD was like consuming fire on the top
of the hill in the sight of the children of Israel. And Moses went into
the mountain. And Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Chapter .xxv.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto the children of
Israel that they give me an heave offering, and of every man that
giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take it. And this is the
heave offering which ye shall take of them: gold, silver and brass: and
Iacinth colour, scarlet, purple, byss and goat's hair: ram's skins that
are red, and the skins of taxus and sethim wood, oil for lights, and
spices for anointing oil and for sweet cense: Onyx stones and set
stones for the Ephod and for the breastlap. And they shall make me a
sanctuary that I may dwell among them. And as I have shewed {And i
shall shew} thee the fashion of the habitation and of all the ornaments
thereof, even so see that ye make it in all things. And they shall make
an ark of sethim wood two cubits and an half long, a cubit and an half
broad and a cubit and an half high. And thou shalt overlay it with pure
gold: both within and without, and shalt make an high {hye} upon it a
crown of gold round about. And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for
it and put them in the four corners thereof, two rings on the one side
of it and two on the other. And thou shalt make staves of sethim wood
and cover them with gold, and put the staves in the rings along by the
sides of the ark, to bear it withal. And the staves shall abide in the
rings of the ark, and shall not be taken away. And thou shalt put in
the ark, the witness which I shall give thee. And thou shalt make a
mercy seat of pure gold two cubits and an half long and a cubit and an
half broad. And make two cherubins of thick gold on the two ends of the
mercy seat: and set the one cherub on the one end and the other on the
other end of the mercy seat: so see that thou make them on the two ends
thereof. And the cherubins shall stretch their wings abroad over on
high, {an hye} and cover the mercy seat with their wings, and their
faces shall look one to another: even to the mercy seat ward, shall the
faces of the cherubins be. And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon
the ark, and in the ark thou shalt put the witness which I will give
thee. There I will meet thee and will commune {common} with thee from
upon the mercy seat from between the two cherubins which are upon the
ark of witness, of all things which I will give thee in commandment
unto the children of Israel. Thou shalt also make a table of sethim
wood of two cubits long and one cubit broad and a cubit and an half
high. And cover it with pure gold and make thereto a crown of gold
round about. And make unto that an hoop of four fingers broad, round
about. And make a golden crown also to the hoop round about. And make
for it four rings of gold and put them in the corners that are on the
four feet thereof: even hard under the hoop shall the rings be, to put
in staves to bear the table withal. And thou shalt make staves of
sethim wood and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne
with them. And thou shalt make his dishes, spoons, pots and flatpieces
to pour out withal, of fine gold. And thou shalt set upon the table,
shewbread before me alway. And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure
thick gold with his shaft, branches, bowls, knops and flowers
proceeding thereout. Six branches shall proceed out of the sides of the
candlestick, three out of the one side and three out of the other. And
there shall be three cups like unto almonds with knops and flowers upon
every one of the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick: and
in the candlestick self four cups like unto almonds with their knops
and flowers: that there be a knop under every two branches of the six
that proceed out of the candlestick. And the knops and the branches
shall be altogether, one piece of pure thick gold. And thou shalt make
seven lamps and put them an high {hye} there on, to give light unto the
other side that is over against it: with snuffers and firepans of pure
gold. An hundred pound weight of fine gold shall make it with all the
apparel. And see that thou make them after the fashion that was shewed
thee in the mount.
Chapter .xxvi.
And thou shalt make an habitation with ten curtains of twined byss,
Iacinth, scarlet and purple, and shalt make them with cherubins of
broidered work. The length of a curtain shall be twenty eight cubits,
and the breadth four and they shall be all of one measure: five
curtains shall be coupled together one to another: and the other five
likewise shall be coupled together one to another. Then shalt thou make
loops of Iacinth colour, along by the edge of the one curtain even in
the selvedge of the coupling curtain. And likewise shalt thou make in
the edge of the utmost curtain that is coupled therewith on the other
side. Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty in the
edge of the other that is coupled therewith on the other side: so that
the loops be one over against another. And thou shalt make fifty
buttons of gold, and couple the curtain together with the buttons: that
it may be an habitation. And thou shalt make eleven curtains of goat's
hair, to be a tent to cover the habitation. The length of a curtain
shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth four and they shall be all
eleven of one measure. And thou shalt couple five by them selves, and
the other six by them selves, and shalt double the sixth in the
forefront of the tabernacle. And thou shalt make fifty loops in the
edge of the utmost curtain on the one side: even in the coupling
curtain, and as many in the edge of the coupling curtain on the other
side. And thou shalt make fifty buttons of brass and put them on the
loops, and couple the tent together withal: that there may be one
tabernacle. {covering} And the remnant that resteth in the curtains of
the tent: even the breadth of half a curtain that resteth, shall be
left on the back sides of the habitation: a cubit on the one side and a
cubit on the other side, of that, that remaineth in the length of the
curtains of the tabernacle, which shall remain of either side of the
habitation to cover it withal. And thou shalt make another covering for
the tent of rams' skins dyed red: and yet another above all of taxus'
skins. And thou shalt make boards for the habitation of sethim wood to
stond upright: ten cubits long shall every board be, and a cubit and an
half broad. Two feet shall one board have to couple them together
withal, and so thou shalt make unto all the boards of the habitation.
And thou shalt make twenty boards for the habitation on the south side,
and thou shalt make forty sockets of silver and put them under the
twenty boards: two sockets under every board, for their two feet. In
like manner in the north side of the habitation there shall be twenty
boards and forty sockets of silver: two sockets under every board. And
for the west end of the habitation, shalt thou make six boards, and two
boards more for the two west corners of the habitation: so that these
two boards be coupled together beneath and likewise above with clamps.
And so shall it be in both the corners. And so there shall be eight
boards in all, and sixteen sockets of silver: two sockets under every
board. And thou shalt make bars of sethim wood five for the boards of
the one side of the tabernacle, and five for the other side, and five
for the boards of the west end. And the middle bar shall go along
thorow the midst {mydddes} of the boards and bar them together from the
one end unto the other. And thou shalt cover the boards with gold and
make golden rings for them to put the bars thorow, and shalt cover the
bars with gold also. And rear up the habitation according to the
fashion thereof that was shewed thee in the mount. And thou shalt make
a vail of Iacinth, of scarlet, purple and twined byss, and shalt make
it of broidered work and full of cherubins. And hang it upon four
pillars of sethim wood covered with gold and that their knops be
covered with gold also, and stond upon four sockets of silver. And thou
shalt hang up the vail with rings, and shall bring in within the vail,
the ark of witness. And the vail shall divide the holy from the most
holy. And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of witness in the
holiest place. And thou shalt put the table without the vail and
candlestick over against the table, upon the south side of the
habitation. And put the table on the north side. And thou shalt make an
hanging for the door of the tabernacle: of Iacinth, of scarlet, of
purple and of twined byss, wrought with needle work. And thou shalt
make for the hanging, five pillars of sethim wood, and cover both them
and their knops with gold, and shalt cast five sockets of brass for
them.
Chapter .xxvij.
And thou shalt make an altar of sethim wood: five cubits long and five
cubits broad, that it be foursquare, and three cubits high. And make it
horns proceeding out in the four corners of it, and cover it with
brass. And make his ashpans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, firepans and
all the apparel thereof, of brass: after the fashion of a net, and put
upon the net four rings: even in the four corners of it, and put it
beneath under the compass of the altar, and let the net reach unto the
one half of the altar; And make staves for the altar of sethim wood,
and cover them with brass, and let them be put in rings along by the
sides of the altar, to bear it withal. And make the altar hollow with
boards: even as it was shewed thee in the mount, so let them make it.
And thou shalt make a court unto the habitation, which shall have in
the south side hangings of twined byss, being an hundred cubits long,
and twenty pillars thereof with their twenty sockets of brass: but the
knops of the pillars and their hoops shall be silver. In like wise on
the north side there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long and
twenty pillars with their sockets of brass, and the knops and the hoops
of silver. And in the breadth of the court westward, there shall be
hangings of fifty cubits long, and ten pillars with their ten sockets.
And in the breadth of the court eastward toward the rising of the son,
shall be hangings of fifty cubits. Hangings of fifteen cubits in the
one side of it with three pillars, and three sockets: and likewise on
the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits with three pillars
and three sockets. And in the gate of the court shall be a vail of
twenty cubits: of jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined byss wrought with
needle work, and four pillars with their four sockets. All the pillars
round about the court shall be hooped with silver, and their knops of
silver, and their sockets of brass. The length of the court, shall be
an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty, and the height five, and the
hangings shall be of twined byss and the sockets of brass. And all the
vessels of the habitation to all manner service and the pins thereof:
yea and the pins also of the court, shall be brass. And command the
children of Israel that they give the pure oil olive beaten for the
lights to pour alway into the lamps. In the tabernacle of witness
without the vail which is before the witness, shall Aaron and his sons
dress it both even and morning before the LORD: And it shall be a duty
for ever unto your generations after you: to be given of the children
of Israel.
Chapter .xxviij.
And take thou unto thee, Aaron thy brother and his sons with him, from
among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me: both Aaron,
Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And thou shalt make
holy raiment for Aaron thy brother, both honourable and glorious.
Moreover speak unto all that are wise hearted, which I have filled with
the spirit of wisdom: that they make Aaron's raiment to consecrate him
with, that he may minister unto me. These are the garments which they
shall make: a breastlap, Ephod, a tunicle, a strait coat, a mitre and a
girdle. And they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother and his
sons, that he may minister unto me. And they shall take thereto, gold,
jacinth, scarlet, purple and byss. And they shall make the Ephod of
gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and white twined byss with broidered
work. The two sides shall come together, closed up in the edges
thereof. And the girdle of the Ephod shall be of the same workmanship
and of the same stuff: even of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple and
twined byss. And thou shalt take two onyx stones and grave in them the
names of the children of Israel: fix in the one stone, and the other
fix in the other stone: according to the order of their birth. After
the work of a stone graver, even as signets are graven, shalt thou
grave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel, and
shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. And thou shalt put the two
stones upon the two shoulders of the Ephod, and they shall be stones of
remembrance unto the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their
names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a remembrance. And
thou shalt make hooks of gold and two chains of fine gold: link work
and wreathed, and fasten the wreathed chains to the hooks. And thou
shalt make the breastlap of ensample {judgement} with broidered work:
even after the work of the Ephod shalt thou make it: of gold, jacinth,
scarlet, purple and twined byss shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall
be and double, an hand breadth long and an hand breadth broad. And thou
shalt fill it with four rows of stones. In the first row shall be a
Sardius, a Topas and Smaragdus. The second row, a Ruby, Sapphire and
Diamond. The third: Ligurius, an Achat and Amethyst. The fourth: a
Turcois Onyx and Iasper. And they shall be set in gold in their
enclosures. And the stones shall be graven as signets be graven: with
the names of the children of Israel, even with twelve names every one
with his name according to the twelve tribes. And thou shalt make upon
the breastlap two fastening chains of pure gold and wreathen work. And
thou shalt make likewise upon the breastlap two rings of gold and put
them on the edges of the breastlap, and put the two wreathen chains of
gold in the two rings which are in the edges of the breastlap. And the
two ends of the two chains thou shalt fasten in the two rings, and put
them upon the shoulders of the Ephod: on the foreside of it. And thou
shalt yet make two rings of gold, and put them in the two edges of the
breastlap even in the borders thereof toward the inside of the Ephod
that is over against it. And yet two other rings of gold thou shalt
make, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath over against
the breastlap, alow where the sides are joined together upon the
broidered girdle of the Ephod. And they shall bind the breastlap by his
rings unto the rings of the Ephod with a lace of jacinth, that it may
lie close unto the broidered girdle of the Ephod, that the breastlap be
not lowsed from the Ephod. And Aaron shall bear the names of the
children Israel in the breastlap of ensample upon his heart, when he
goeth into the holy place, for a remembrance before the LORD alway. And
thou shalt put in the breastlap of ensample light and perfectness: that
they be even upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before the LORD and
Aaron shall bear the example of the children of Israel upon his heart
before the LORD alway. And thou shalt make the tunicle unto the Ephod,
altogether of Iacinth. And there shall be an hole for the head in the
midst of it, and let there be a bond of woven work round about the
collar of it: as it were the collar of a partlet, that it rend not. And
beneath upon the hem, thou shalt make pomegranates of Iacincth, of
scarlet, and of purple round about the hem, and bells of gold between
them round about: that there be ever a golden bell and a pomegranate, a
golden bell and a pomegranate round about upon the hem of the tunicle.
And Aaron shall have it upon him when he ministereth, that the sound
may be heard when he goeth into the holy place before the LORD and when
he cometh out, that he die not. And thou shalt make a plate of pure
gold, and grave thereon (as signets are graven) The holiness of the
LORD, and put it on a lace of Iacincth and tie it unto the mitre, upon
the forefront of it, that it be upon Aaron's forehead: that Aaron bear
the sin of the holy things which the children of Israel have hallowed
in all their holy gifts. And it shall be always upon Aaron's forehead,
that they may be accepted before the LORD. And thou shalt make an alb
of byss, and thou shalt make a mitre of byss and a girdle of needle
work. And thou shalt make for Aaron's sons also coats, girdles and
bonnets honourable and glorious, and thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy
brother and on his sons with him and shalt anoint them and fill their
hands and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me. And thou
shalt make them linen breeches to cover their privates: {privities}
from the loins unto the thighs shall they reach. And they shall be upon
Aaron and his sons, when they go into the tabernacle of witness, or
when they go unto the altar to minister in holiness, that they bear no
sin and so die. And it shall be a law for ever unto Aaron and his seed
after him.
Chapter .xxix.
This is the thing that thou shalt do unto them when thou hallowest them
to be my priests. Take one ox and two rams that are without blemish,
and unleavened bread and cakes of sweet bread tempered with oil and
wafers of sweet bread anointed with oil (of wheaten flour shalt thou
make them) and put them in a maund and bring them in the maund with the
oil and the two rams. And bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the
tabernacle of witness, and wash them with water, and take the garments,
and put upon Aaron: the strait coat, and the tunicle of the Ephod, and
the Ephod and the breastlap: and girth them to him with the broidered
girdle of the Ephod. And put the mitre upon his head and put the holy
crown upon the mitre. Then take the anointing oil and pour it upon his
head and anoint him. And bring his sons and put albes upon them, and
girth them with girdles: as well Aaron as his sons. And put the bonnets
on them that the priest's office may be theirs for a perpetual law. And
fill the hands of Aaron and of his sons, and bring the ox before the
tabernacle of witness. And let Aaron and his sons put their hands upon
his head and kill him before the LORD in the door of the tabernacle of
witness. And take of the blood of the ox and put it upon the horns of
the altar with thy finger and pour all the blood upon the bottom of the
altar, and take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul
that is on the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is upon
them: and burn them upon the altar. But the flesh of the ox and his
skin and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire, without the host. For it
is a sin offering. Then take one of the rams, and let Aaron and his
sons put their hands upon the head of the ram, and cause him to be
slain, and take of his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the
altar, and cut the ram in pieces and wash the inwards of him and his
legs, and put them unto the pieces and unto his head, and burn the
whole ram upon the altar. For it is a burnt offering unto the LORD, and
a sweet savour of the LORD's sacrifice. And take the other ram and let
Aaron and his sons, put their hands upon his head and let him then be
killed. And take of his blood and put it upon the tip of the right ear
of Aaron and of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hands, and
upon the great toe of their right feet and sprinkle the blood upon the
altar round about. Then take of the blood that is upon the altar and of
the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron and his vestments, and
upon his sons and upon their garments also. Then is he and his clothes
holy and his sons and their clothes holy also. Then take the fat of the
ram and his rump and the fat that covereth the inwards and the caul of
the liver and, the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them and the
right shoulder (for that ram is a full offering) and a simnel of bread
and a cake of oiled bread and a wafer out of the basket of sweet bread
that is before the LORD, and put all upon the hands of Aaron and on the
hands of his sons: and wave them in and out a wave offering unto the
LORD. Then take it from off their hands and burn it upon the altar:
even upon the burnt offering, to be a savour of sweetness before the
LORD. For it is a sacrifice unto the LORD. Then take the breast of the
ram that is Aaron's full offering and wave it a wave offering before
the LORD, and let that be thy part. And sanctify the breast of the wave
offering and the shoulder of the heave offering which is waved and
heaved up of the ram which is the full offering of Aaron and of his
sons. And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' duty for ever, of the
children of Israel, for it is an heave offering. And the heave offering
shall be the LORD's duty of the children of Israel: even of the
sacrifice of their peace offerings which they heave unto the LORD. And
the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to anoint them
therein, and to fill their hands therein. And that son that is priest
in his stead after him, shall put them on seven days: that he go into
the tabernacle of witness, to minister in the holy place. Then take the
ram that is the full offering and seethe his flesh in an holy place.
And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of him, and the bread that
is in the basket: even in the door of the tabernacle of witness. And
they shall eat them, because the atonement was made therewith to fill
their hands and to sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat thereof,
because they are holy. If ought of the flesh of the full offerings, or
of the bread remain unto the morning, thou shalt burn it with fire: for
it shall not be eaten, because it is holy. And see thou do unto Aaron
and his sons, even so in all things as I have commanded thee: that thou
fill their hands seven days and offer every day an ox for a sin
offering for to reconcile with all. And thou shalt hallow the altar
when thou reconcilest it, and shalt anoint it to sanctify it. Seven
days thou shalt reconcile the altar and sanctify it, that it may be an
altar most holy: so that no man may twich it but they that be
consecrate. This is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar: two
lambs of one year old day by day for ever, the one thou shalt offer in
the morning and the other at even. And unto the one lamb take a tenth
deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil, and
the fourth part of an hin of wine, for a drink offering. And the other
lamb thou shalt offer at even and shalt do thereto according to the
meat offering and drink offering in the morning, to be an odour of a
sweet savour of the sacrifice of the LORD. And it shall be a continual
burnt offering among your children after you, in the door of the
tabernacle of witness before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak
unto you there. There I will meet with the children of Israel, and will
be sanctified in mine honour. And I will sanctify the tabernacle of
witness and the altar: and I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons
to be my priests. And moreover I will dwell among the children of
Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD
their God that brought them out of the land of Egypt for to dwell among
them: even I the LORD their God.
Chapter .xxx.
And thou shalt make an altar to burn cense therein, of sethim wood: a
cubit long, and a cubit broad, even foursquare shall it be and two
cubits, high: with horns proceeding out of it, and thou shalt overlay
it with fine gold both the roof and the walls round about, and his
horns also, and shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about, and two
golden rings on either side, even under the crown, to put staves
therein for to bear it withal. And thou shalt make the staves of sethim
wood and cover them with gold. And thou shalt put it before the vail
that hangeth before the ark of witness, and before the mercy seat that
is before the witness, where I will meet thee. And Aaron shall burn
thereon sweet cense every morning when he dresseth the lamps: and
likewise at even when he setteth up the lamps he shall burn cense
perpetually before the LORD thorowout your generations. Ye shall put no
strange cense thereon, neither burnt sacrifice nor meat offering,
neither pour any drink offering thereon. And Aaron shall reconcile his
horns once in a year, with the blood of the sin offering of
reconciling: even once in the year shall he reconcile it thorow your
generations. And so is it most holy unto the LORD. And the LORD spake
unto Moses saying: when thou takest the sum of the children of Israel
and tellest them, they shall give every man a reconciling of his soul
unto the LORD, that there be no plague among them when thou tellest
them. And thus much shall every man give that goeth in the number: half
a sicle, after the holy sicle: a sicle is twenty geras: and an half
sicle shall be the heave offering unto the LORD. And all that are
numbered of them that are twenty years old and above shall give an
heave offering unto the LORD. The rich shall not pass, and the poor
shall not go under half a sicle, when they give an heave offering unto
the LORD for the atonement of their souls. And thou shalt take the
reconciling money of the children of Israel and shalt put it unto the
use of the tabernacle of witness, and it shall be a memorial of the
children of Israel before the LORD, to make atonement for their souls.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: thou shalt make a laver of brass
and his foot also of brass to wash withal, and shalt put it between the
tabernacle of witness and the altar and put water therein: that Aaron
and his sons may wash both their hands and their feet thereout, when
they go into the tabernacle of witness, or when they go unto the altar
to minister and to burn the LORD's offering, lest they die. And it
shall be an ordinance for ever unto him and his seed among your
children after you. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: take
principal spices: of pure myrrh five hundred sicles, of sweet cinnamon
half so much, two hundred and fifty sicles: of sweet calamite, two
hundred and fifty. Of cassia, two hundred and fifty after the holy
sicle, and of oil olive an hin. And make of them holy anointing oil
even an oil compound after the craft of the apothecary. And anoint the
tabernacle of witness therewith, and the ark of witness, and the table
with all his apparel, and the candlestick with all his ordinance, and
the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt sacrifice and all his
vessels, and the laver and his foot. And sacrify them that they may be
most holy: so that no man twich them but they that be hallowed. And
anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to minister unto me. And
thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel saying: this shall be an
holy anointing oil unto me, thorowout your generations. No man's flesh
shall be anointed therewith: neither shall ye make any other after the
making of it for it is holy, see therefore that ye take it for holy:
Whosoever maketh like that, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a
stranger, shall perish from among his people. And the LORD said unto
Moses: take unto thee sweet spices: stacte, onycha, sweet galbanum and
pure frankincense, of each like much: and make cense of them compounded
after the craft of the apothecary, mingled together, that it may be
made pure and holy. And beat it to powder and put it before the witness
in the tabernacle of witness, where I will meet thee, but let it be
unto you holy. And see that ye make none after the making of that, but
let it be unto you holy for the LORD. And whosoever shall make like
unto that, to smell thereto, shall perish from among his people.
Chapter .xxxj.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: behold, I have called by name,
Bezaleel the son of Uri son to Hur of the tribe of Iuda. And I have
filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding and
knowledge: even in all manner work, to find out subtle feats, to work
in gold, silver and brass and with the craft to grave stones, to set
and to carve in timber, and to work in all manner workmanship. And
behold, I have given him to be his companion Ahaliab the son of
Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, and in the hearts of all that are wise
hearted I have put wisdom to make all that I have commanded thee: the
tabernacle of witness, and the ark of witness, and the mercyseat that
is there upon, all the ornaments of the tabernacle, and the table with
his ordinance, and the pure candlestick with all his apparel, and the
altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offerings with all his
vessels, and the laver with his foot, and the vestments to minister in,
and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his
sons to minister in, and the anointing oil and the sweet cense for the
sanctuary: according to all as I have commanded thee shall they do. And
the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel and
say: in any wise see that ye keep my Sabbath, for it shall be a sign
between me and you in your generations for to know, that I the LORD do
sanctify you. Keep my Sabbath therefore, that it be an holy thing unto
you. He that defileth it, shall be slain therefore. For whosoever
worketh therein, the same soul shall be rooted out from among his
people. Six days shall men work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of
the holy rest of the LORD: so that whosoever doeth any work in the
Sabbath day, shall die for it. Wherefore let the children of Israel
keep the Sabbath, that they observe it thorowout their generations,
that it be an appointment for ever. For it shall be a sign between me,
and the children of Israel for ever. For in six days the LORD made
heaven and earth, and the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. And
when he {|the LORDe|} had made an end of communing with Moses upon the
mount Sinai, he gave him two tables of witness: which were of stone and
written with the finger of God.
Chapter .xxxij.
And when the people saw that it was long or Moses came down out of the
mountain, they gathered them selves together and came unto Aaron and
said unto him: Up and make us a god to go before us: for of this Moses
the fellow that brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wote not what
is become. And Aaron said unto them: pluck off the golden earings which
are in the ears of your wives, your sons and of your daughters: and
bring them unto me. And all the people plucked off the golden earings
that were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received
them of their hands and fashioned it with a graver and made it a calf
of molten metal. And they said: This is thy God, O Israel, which
brought thee out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw that, he made
an altar before it, and made a proclamation saying tomorrow shall be
holy day unto the LORD. And they rose up in the morning and offered
burnt offerings, and brought offerings of atonement also. And then they
sat them down to eat and drink, and rose up again to play. Then the
LORD said unto Moses: go get thee down, for thy people which thou
broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have marred all they are turned at
once out of the way which I commanded them, and have made them a calf
of molten metal, and have worshipped it and have offered thereto and
have said: This is thy God thou Israel, which hath brought thee out of
the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses: behold, I see this
people, that it is a stiffnecked people, and now therefore suffer me
that my wrath may wax hot upon them, and that I may consume them: and
then will I make of thee a mighty people. Then Moses besought the LORD
his God and said: O LORD, why should thy wrath wax hot upon thy people
which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and
with a mighty hand? wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say: For a
mischief did he bring them out: even for to slay them in the mountains,
and to consume them from the face of the earth. Turn from thy fierce
wrath, and have compassion over the wickedness of thy people. Remember
Abraham, Isaac and Israel thy servants, to whom thou sworest by thine
own self and saidest unto them: I will multiply your seed as the stars
of heaven, and all this land which I have said, I will give unto your
seed: and they shall inherit it for ever. And the LORD refrained
himself from that evil, which he said he would do unto his people. And
Moses turned his back and went down from the hill, and the two tables
of witness in his hand: which were written on both the leaves and were
the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God graven upon the
tables. And when Iosua heard the noise of the people as they shouted,
he said unto Moses: there is a noise of war in the host. And he said:
it is not the cry of them that have the mastery, nor of them that have
the worse: but I do hear the noise of singing. And as soon as he came
nye unto the host and saw the calf and the dancing, his wrath waxed
hot, and he cast the tables out of his hand, and brake them even at the
hill foot. And the took the calf which they had made and burned it with
fire, and stamped it unto powder and strowed it in the water, and made
the children of Israel drink. And then Moses said unto Aaron: what did
this people unto thee that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?
And Aaron said: let not the wrath of my lord wax fierce, thou knowest
the people that they are even set on mischief: they said unto me: make
us a god to go before us, for we wote not what is become of Moses the
fellow that brought us out of the land of Egypt. And I said unto them:
let them that have gold, take and bring it me: and I cast it into the
fire, and thereof came out this calf. When Moses saw that the people
were naked (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame when they
made insurrection) he went and stood in the gate of the host and said:
If any man pertain unto the LORD, let him come to me. And all the sons
of Levi gathered them selves together and came unto him. And he said
unto them, thus sayeth the LORD of Israel: put every man his sword by
his side, and go in and out from gate to gate thorowout the host: and
slay every man his brother, every man his friend and every man his
neighbour. And the children of Levi did as Moses had said. And there
were slain of the people the same day, about three thousand men. Then
Moses said: fill your hands unto the LORD this day, every man upon his
son and upon his brother: to bring upon you a blessing this day. And on
the morrow, Moses said unto the people: Ye have sinned a great sin. But
now I will go up unto the LORD, to wit whether I can make an atonement
for your sin. And Moses went again unto the LORD and said: Oh, this
people have sinned a great sin and have made them a god of gold: Yet
forgive them their sin I pray thee: If not wipe me out of thy book
which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses: I will put him
out of my book that hath sinned against me. But go and bring the people
unto the land which I said unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go
before thee. Neverthelater in the day when I visit, I will visit their
sin upon them. And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the
calf which Aaron made.
Chapter .xxxiij.
And the LORD said unto Moses: depart and go hence: both thou and the
people which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt, unto the land
which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac and Iacob, saying: unto thy seed I
will give it. And I will send an angel before thee, and will cast out
the Cananites, the Amorites, the Hethites, the Pherezites, the Hevites,
and the Iebusites: that thou mayst go in to a land that floweth with
milk and honey. But I will not go among you myself, for ye are a
stiffnecked people: lest I consume you by the way. And when the people
heard this evil tidings, they sorrowed: and no man did put on his best
raiment. And the LORD spake unto Moses, say unto the children of
Israel: ye are a stiffnecked people: I must come once suddenly upon
you, and make an end of you. But now put your goodly raiment from you,
that I may wete what to do unto you. And the children of Israel laid
their goodly raiment from them even under the mount Horeb. And Moses
took the tabernacle and pitched it without the host, afar off from the
host, and called it the tabernacle of witness. And all that would ask
any question of the LORD, went out unto the tabernacle of witness which
was without the host. And when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, all
the people rose up and stood every man in his tent door and looked
after Moses, until he was gone in to the tabernacle. And as soon as
Moses was entered into the tabernacle, the clouden pillar descended and
stood in the door of the tabernacle, and he talked with Moses. And when
all the people saw the clouden pillar stond in the tabernacle door,
they rose up and worshipped: every man in his tent door. And the LORD
spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And
when Moses turned again in to the host, the lad Iosua his servant the
son of Nun departed not out of the tabernacle. And Moses said unto the
LORD: see, thou saidest unto me: lead this people forth, but thou
shewest me not whom thou wilt send with me. And hast said moreover: I
know thee by name and thou hast also found grace in my sight: Now
therefore, if I have found favour in thy sight, then shew me thy way
and let me know thee: that I may find grace in thy sight. And look on
this also, how that this nation is thy people. And he said: my presence
shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said: If thy
presence go not with me, carry us not hence, for how shall it be known
now that both I and thy people have found favour in thy sight, but in
that thou goest with us: that both I and thy people have a preeminence
before all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the LORD
said unto Moses: I will do this also that thou hast said, for thou hast
found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said: I
beseech thee, shew me thy glory: And he said: I will make all my good
go before thee, and I will be called in this name Iehouah before thee,
and will shew mercy to whom I shew mercy, and will have compassion on
whom I have compassion. And he said furthermore: thou mayst not see my
face, for there shall no man see me and live. And the LORD said:
behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stond upon a rock, and
while my glory goeth forth I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and
will put mine hand upon thee while I pass by. And then I will take away
mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be
seen.
Chapter .xxxiiij.
And the LORD said unto Moses: hew the two tables of stone like unto the
first that I may write in them the words which were in the first two
tables, which thou brakest. And be ready against the morning that thou
mayst come up early unto the mount of Sinai and stond {stode} me there
upon the top of the mount. But let no man come up with thee, neither
let any man be seen thorowout all the mount, neither let sheep nor oxen
feed before the hill. And Moses hewed two tables of stone like unto the
first and rose up early in the morning and went up unto the mount of
Sinai as the LORD commanded him: and took in his hand the two tables of
stone. And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there:
and he called upon the name of the LORD. And when the LORD walked
before him, he cried: LORD LORD God full of compassion and mercy, which
art not lightly angry but abundant in mercy and truth, and keepest
mercy in store for thousands, and forgivest wickedness, trespass and
sin (for there is no man innocent before thee) and visitest the
wickedness of the fathers upon the children and upon children's
children, even unto the third and fourth generation. And Moses bowed
himself to the earth quickly, and worshipped and said: If I have found
grace in thy sight o Lord, then let my Lord go with us (for it is a
stubborn people) and have mercy upon our wickedness and our sin, and
let us be thine enheritance. And he said: behold, I make an appointment
before all this people, that I will do marvels: such as have not been
done in all the world, neither among any nation. And all the people
among which thou art, shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a
terrible thing that I will do with thee: keep all that I command thee
this day, and behold: I will cast out before thee: the Amorites,
Cananites, Hethites, Pherezites, Hevites and Iebusites. Take heed to
thyself, that thou make no compact with the inhabiters of the land
whither thou goest lest it be cause of ruin among you. But overthrow
their altars and break their pillars, and cut down their groves, for
thou shalt worship no strange god. For the LORD is called jealous,
because he is a jealous God: lest if thou make any agreement with the
inhabiters of the land, when they go a whoring after their gods and do
sacrifice unto their gods, they call thee and thou eat of their
sacrifice: And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and when
their daughters go a whoring after their gods, they make thy sons go a
whoring after their gods also. Thou shalt make thee no gods of metal.
The feast of sweet bread shalt thou keep, and seven days thou shalt eat
unleavened bread (as I commanded thee) in the time appointed in the
month of Abib: for in the month of Abib thou camest out of Egypt. All
that breaketh up the matrice shall be mine, and all that breaketh the
matrice among thy cattle, if it be male: whether it be ox or sheep. But
the first of the ass thou shalt buy out with a sheep, or if thou redeem
him not: see thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou
must needs redeem. And see that no man appear before me empty. Six days
thou shalt work, and the seventh thou shalt rest: both from earing and
reaping. Thou shalt observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of
wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end. Thrice
in a year shall all your men children appear before the Lord Iehouah
God of Israel: for I will cast out the nations before thee and will
enlarge thy coasts, so that no man shall desire thy land, while thou
goest up to appear before the face of the LORD thy God, thrice in the
year. Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened
bread: neither shall ought of the sacrifice of the feast of Passover,
be left unto the morning. The first of the first fruits of thy land,
thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. And see, that thou
seethe not a kid in his mother's milk. And the LORD said unto Moses:
write these words, for upon these words I have made a covenant with
thee and with the children of Israel. And he was there with the LORD
forty days and forty nights, and neither ate bread nor drank water. And
he wrote in the tables the words of the covenant: even ten verses. And
Moses came down from mount Sinai and the two tables of witness in his
hand, and yet he wist not that the skin of his face shone with beams of
his communing with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel
looked upon Moses and saw that the skin of his face shone with beams,
they were afraid to come nye him. But he called them to him, and then
Aaron and all the chief of the company came unto him, and Moses talked
with them. And at the last all the children of Israel came unto him,
and he commanded them all that the LORD had said unto him in mount
Sinai. And as soon as he had made an end of communing with them, he put
a covering upon his face. But when he went before the LORD to speak
with him, he took the covering off until he came out. And he came out
and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And
the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of his face
shone with beams: but Moses put a covering upon his face, until he went
in, to commune with him.
Chapter .xxxv.
And Moses gathered all the company of the children of Israel together,
and said unto them: these are the things which the LORD hath commanded
to do: Six days ye shall work, but the seventh day shall be unto you
the holy Sabbath of the LORD's rest: so that whosoever doth any work
therein, shall die. Moreover ye shall kindle no fire thorowout all your
habitations upon the Sabbath day. And Moses spake unto all the
multitude of the children of Israel saying: this is the thing which the
LORD commanded saying: Give from among you an heave offering, unto the
LORD. All that are willing in their hearts, shall bring heave offerings
unto the LORD: gold, silver, brass: Iacinth, scarlet, purple, byss and
goats' hair: rams' skins red and taxus' skins and Sethim wood: and oil
for lights and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet cense:
and Onyx stones and stones to be set for the Ephod and for the
breastlap. And let all them that are wise hearted among you, come and
make all that the LORD hath commanded: the habitation and the tent
thereof with his covering and his rings, boards, bars, pillars and
sockets: the ark and the staves thereof with the mercy seat and the
vail that covereth it: the table and his staves with all that
pertaineth thereto and the shewbread: the candlestick of light with his
apparel and his lamps and the oil for the lights: the cense altar and
his staves, the anointing oil and the sweet cense and the hanging
before the tabernacle door: the altar of burnt sacrifices and his
brazen gridiron that longeth thereto with his staves and all his
ordinance and the laver and his foot: the hangings of the court with
his pillars and their sockets, and the hanging to the door of the
court: the pins of the habitation and the pins of the court with their
boards: the ministering garments to minister with in holiness, and the
holy vestments of Aaron the priest and the vestments of his sons to
minister in. And all the company of the children of Israel departed
from the presence of Moses. And they went (as many as their hearts
couraged them and as many as their spirits made them willing) and
brought heave offerings unto the LORD, to the making of the tabernacle
of witness and for all his uses and for the holy vestments. And the men
came with the women (even as many as were willing hearted) and brought
bracelets, earings, rings and girdles and all manner Iewels of gold.
And all the men that waved wave offerings of gold unto the LORD and
every man with whom was found Iacinth, scarlet, purple, byss or goats'
hair or red skins of rams' or taxus' skins, brought it. And all that
hove up gold or brass, brought an heave offering unto the LORD. And all
men with whom was found sethim wood meet for any manner work or
service, brought it. And all the women that were wise hearted to work
with their hands, span, and brought the spun work, both of Iacinth,
scarlet, purple and byss. And all the women that excelled in wisdom of
heart, span the goats' hair. And the lords brought Onyx stones and
setstones for the Ephod, and for the breastlap, and spice and oil: both
for the lights and for the anointing oil and for the sweet cense. And
the children of Israel brought willing offerings unto the LORD, both
men and women: as many as their hearts made them willing to bring, for
all manner works which the LORD had commanded to make by the hand of
Moses. And Moses said unto the children of Israel: behold, the LORD
hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri the son of Hur of the tribe
of Iuda, and hath filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom,
understanding and knowledge, even in all manner work, and to find out
curious works, to work in gold, silver and brass: and with graving of
stones to set, and with carving in wood, and to work in all manner of
subtle works. And he hath put in his heart the grace to teach: both him
and Ahaliab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan hath he filled
with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of graven work: they are also
broiderers and workers with needle, in Iacinth, scarlet, purple and
byss, and are weavers that can make all manner work, and can devise
subtle works.
Chapter .xxxvi.
And Bezaleel wrought and Ahaliab and all wise hearted men to whom the
LORD had given wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner
work for the holy service, in all that the LORD commanded. And Moses
called for Bezaleel, Ahaliab and all the wise hearted men in whose
hearts the LORD had put wisdom, even as many as their hearts couraged
to come unto the work to work it. And they received of Moses all the
heave offerings which the children of Israel had brought for the work
of the holy service to make it withal. And they brought beside that,
willing offerings every morning. And all the wise men that wrought all
the holy work, came every man from his work which they made, and spake
unto Moses saying: the people bring too much and above that is enough
to serve for the work which the LORD hath commanded to make. And then
Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed thorowout
the host saying: see that neither man nor woman prepare any more work
for the holy heave offering, and so the people were forbidden to bring:
for the stuff they had, was sufficient for them unto all the work, to
make it and too much. And all the wise hearted men among them that
wrought in the work of the habitation made: even ten curtains of twined
byss, Iacinth, scarlet and purple, and made them full of Cherubins with
broidered work. The length of one curtain was twenty eight cubits and
the breadth four and were all of one size. And they coupled five
curtains by them selves, and other five by them selves. And they made
fifty loops of Iacinth along by the edge of the utmost curtain, even in
the selvedge of the coupling curtain: and likewise they made on the
side of the utmost coupling curtain on, the other side, fifty loops
they made in the one curtain, and fifty in the edge of the coupling
curtain on the other side: so that the loops were one over against
another. And they made fifty rings of gold, and coupled the curtains
one to another with the rings: and so was it made a dwelling place. And
they made eleven curtains of goats' hair to be a tent over the
tabernacle thirty cubits long apiece and four cubits broad, and they
all eleven of one sise, and they coupled five by them selves, and six
by them selves, and they made fifty loops along by the border of the
utmost coupling courtain on the one side, and fifty in the edge of the
coupling curtain on the other side. And they made fifty rings of brass
to couple the tent together that it might be one. And they made a
covering unto the tent of rams' skins red, and yet another of taxus'
skins above all. And they made boards for the dwelling place of sethim
wood that stood upright, every board ten cubits long and a cubit and an
half broad. And they made two feet to every board of the dwelling place
joining one to another. And they made twenty boards for the south side
of the habitation, and forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards,
two sockets under every board, even for the two feet of them. And for
the other side of the dwelling toward the north, they made other twenty
boards with forty sockets of silver two sockets under every board. And
behind in the end of the tabernacle toward the west, they made six
boards and two other boards for the corners of the habitation behind,
and they were joined close both beneath and also above with clamps, and
thus they did to both the corners: so they were in all eight boards and
sixteen sockets, under every board two sockets. And they made bars of
Sethim wood five for the boards of the one side of the habitation and
five for the other, and five for the boards of the west end of the
habitation. And they made the middle bar to shoot thorow the boards:
even from the one end to the other, and overlaid the boards with gold,
and made them rings of gold to thrust the bars thorow, and covered the
bars with gold. And they made an hanging of Iacinth, of scarlet, purple
and twined byss with Cherubins of broidered work. And made thereunto
four pillars of Sethim wood and overlaid them with gold. Their knops
were also of gold, and they cast for them four sockets of silver. And
they made an hanging for the tabernacle door: of Iacinth, scarlet,
purple and twined byss of needle work, and the pillars of it were five
with their knops, and overlaid the heads of them and the hoops with
gold, with their five sockets of brass.
Chapter .xxxvij.
And Bezaleel made the ark of sethim wood two cubits and an half long
and a cubit and a half broad, and a cubit and a half high: and overlaid
it with fine gold both within and without, and made a crown of gold to
it round about, and cast for it four rings of gold for the four corners
of it: two rings for the one side and two for the other, and made
staves of Sethim wood, and covered them with gold, and put the staves
in the rings along by the side of the ark to bear it withal. And he
made the mercyseat of pure gold two cubits and a half long and one
cubit and a half broad, and made two Cherubins of thick gold upon the
two ends of the mercy seat: One Cherub on the one end, and another
Cherub on the other end of the mercyseat. And the Cherubins spread out
their wings above on high, {an hye} and covered the mercyseat
therewith. And their faces were one to another: even to the mercyseat
ward, were the faces of the Cherubins. And he made the table of sethim
wood two cubits long and a cubit broad, and a cubit and an half high,
and overlaid it with fine gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round
about, and made thereto an hoop of an hand breadth round about, and
made unto the hoop a crown of gold round about, and cast for it four
rings of gold and put the rings in the four corners by the feet: even
under the hoop to put staves in to bear the table withal. And he made
staves of Sethim wood and covered them with gold to bear the table
withal, and made the vessels that were on the table of pure gold, the
dishes, spoons, flat pieces and pots to pour withal. And he made the
candlestick of pure thick gold: both the candlestick and his shaft:
with branches, bowls, knops and flowers proceeding out of it. Six
branches proceeding out of the sides thereof, three out of the one side
and three out of the other. And on every branch were three cups like
unto almonds, with knops and flowers thorowout the six branches that
proceeded out of the candlestick. And upon the candlestick self, were
four cups after the fashion of almonds with knops and flowers: under
every two branches a knop. And the knops and the branches proceeded out
of it, and were all one piece of pure thick gold. And he made seven
lamps thereto, and the snuffers thereof, and firepans of pure gold. An
hundred weight of pure gold, made both it and all that belonged
thereto. And he made the cense altar of Sethim wood of a cubit long and
a cubit broad: even four square, and two cubits high with horns
proceeding out of it. And he covered it with pure gold both the top and
the sides round about and the horns of it, and made unto it a crown of
gold round about. And he made two rings of gold unto it, even under the
crown upon either side of it, to put staves in for to bear it withal:
and made staves of Sethim wood, and overlaid them with gold. And he
made the holy anointing oil and the sweet pure incense after the
apothecary's craft.
Chapter .xxxviij.
And he made the burnt offering altar of Sethim wood, five cubits long
and five cubits broad: even four square, and three cubits high. And he
made horns in the four corners of it proceeding out of it, and overlaid
it with brass. And he made all the vessels of the altar: the cauldrons,
shovels, basins, fleshhooks and coalpans all of brass. And he made a
brazen gridiron of network unto the altar round about alow beneath,
under the compass of the altar: so that it reached unto half the altar,
and cast four rings of brass for the four ends of the gridiron to put
staves in. And he made staves of sethim wood and covered them with
brass, and put the staves in the rings along by the altar side to bear
it withal, and made the altar hollow with boards. And he made the laver
of brass and the foot of it also of brass, in the sight of them that
did watch before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And he made the
court with hangings of twined byss of an hundred cubits long upon the
south side, and twenty pillars with twenty sockets of brass: but the
knops of the pillars, and the hoops were silver. And on the north side
the hangings were an hundred cubits long with twenty pillars and twenty
sockets of brass, but the knops and the hoops of the pillars were of
silver. And on the west side, were hangings of fifty cubits long, and
ten pillars with their ten sockets, and the knops and the hoops of the
pillars were silver. And on the east side toward the son rising, were
hangings of fifty cubits: the hangings of the one side of the gate were
fifteen cubits long, and their pillars three with their three sockets.
And of the other side of the court gate, were hangings also of fifteen
cubits long, and their pillars three with three sockets. Now all the
hangings of the court round about, were of twined byss, and the sockets
of the pillars were brass: but the knops and the hoops of the pillars
were silver, and the heads were overlaid with silver, and all the
pillars of the court were hooped about with silver. And the hanging of
the gate of the court was needlework: of jacinth, scarlet, purple, and
twined byss twenty cubits long and five in the breadth, according to
the hangings of the court. And the pillars were four with four sockets
of brass, and the knops of silver, and the heads overlaid with silver
and hooped about with silver, and all the pins of the tabernacle and of
the court round about were brass. This is the sum of the habitation of
witness, which was counted at the commandment of Moses: and was the
office of the Levites by the hand of Ithamar son to Aaron the priest.
And Bezaleel son of Uri son to Hur of the tribe of Iuda, made all that
the LORD commanded Moses, and with him Ahaliab son of Ahisamach of the
tribe of Dan, a cunning graver and a worker of needle work in jacinth,
scarlet, purple and byss. All the gold that was occupied upon all the
work of the holy place (which was the gold of the wave offering) was,
twenty nine hundred weight and seven hundred and thirty sicles,
according to the holy sicle. And the sum of silver that came of the
multitude, was five score hundred weight and a thousand seven hundred
and seventy five sicles of the holy sicle. Every man offering half a
sicle after the weight of the holy sicle among them that went to be
numbered from twenty years old and above, among six hundred thousand
and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. And the five score
hundred weight of silver went to the casting of the sockets of the
sanctuary and the sockets of the vail: an hundred sockets of the five
score hundred weight, an hundred weight to every socket. And the
thousand seven hundred and seventy five sicles, made knops to the
pillars and overlaid the heads and hooped them. And the brass of the
wave offering was seventy hundred weight and two thousand, and four
hundred sicles. And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the
tabernacle of witness, and the brazen altar, and the brazen gridiron
that longeth thereto, and all the vessels of the altar, and the sockets
of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all
the pins of the habitation, and all the pins of the court round about.
Chapter .xxxix.
And of the jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined byss, they made the
vestments of ministration to do service {[in]} in that holy place, and
made the holy garments that pertained to Aaron, as the LORD commanded
Moses. And they made the Ephod of gold, jacinth, scarlet, purple, and
twined byss. And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it
into wires: to work it in the jacinth, scarlet, purple, and the byss,
with broidered work. And they made the sides come together, and closed
them up by the two edges. And the broidering of the girdle that was
upon it, was of the same stuff and after the same work of gold,
jacinth, scarlet, purple and twined byss, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And they wrought Onyx stones closed in ouches of gold and graved as
signets are graven with the names of the children of Israel, and put
them on the shoulders of the Ephod that they should be a remembrance of
the children of Israel, as the LORD commanded Moses. And they made the
brestlap of cunning work, after the work of the Ephod: even of gold,
Iacinct, scarlet, purple and twined byss And they made it four square
and double, an hand breadth long and an hand breadth broad. And they
filled it with four rows of stones (the first row: Sardios, a Topas and
Smaragdus: the second row: a Ruby, a Sapphire and a Diamond. The third
row: Ligurius, an Achat and an Amethyst. The fourth row: a Turquoise,
an onyx and a Iasper) closed in ouches of gold in their inclosures. And
the twelve stones were graven as signets with the names of the children
of Israel: every stone with his name, according to the twelve tribes.
And they made upon the breastlap, two fastening chains of wreathen work
and pure gold. And they made two hooks of gold and two gold rings, and
put the two rings upon the two corners of the breastlap. And they put
the two chains of gold in the two rings, in the corners of the
breastlap. And the two ends of the two chains they fastened in the two
hooks, and put them on the shoulders of the Ephod upon the forefront of
it. And they made two other rings of gold and put them on the two other
corners of the breastlap along upon the edge of it, toward the inside
of the Ephod that is over against it. And they made yet two other gold
rings, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath on the fore
side of it: even where the sides go together, above upon the broidering
of the Ephod, and they strained the breastlap by his rings unto the
rings of the Ephod, with laces of jacinth, that it might lie fast upon
the broidering of the Ephod, and should not be lowsed from of the
Ephod: as the LORD commanded Moses. And he made the tunicle unto the
Ephod of woven work and all together of jacinth, and the head of the
tunicle was in the middest of it as the collar of a partlet, with a
band round about the collar, that it should not rent. And they made
beneath upon the hem of the tunicle: pomegranates of jacinth, scarlet,
purple, and twined byss. And they made little bells of pure gold, and
put them among the pomegranates round about upon the edge of the
tunicle, a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate round about
the hems of the tunicle to minister in, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And they made coats of byss of woven work for Aaron and his sons, and a
mitre of byss, and goodly bonnets of byss, and linen breeches of twined
byss, and a girdle of twined byss, jacinth, scarlet and purple: even of
needle work, as the LORD commanded Moses. And they made the plate of
the holy crown of fine gold, and wrote upon it with graven work: the
holiness of the LORD, and tied it to a lace of jacinth to fasten it on
high {an hye} upon the mitre, as the LORD commanded Moses. Thus was all
the work of the habitation of the tabernacle of witness, finished. And
the children of Israel did, according to all that the LORD had
commanded Moses. And they brought the habitation unto Moses: the tent
and all his apparel thereof: the buttons, boards, bars, pillars and
sockets: and the covering of rams' skins red, and the covering of
taxus' skins, and the hanging vail, and the ark of witness with the
staves thereof, and the mercyseat: the table and all the ordinance
thereof, and the shewbread, and the pure candlestick, and the lamps
prepared thereunto with all the vessels thereof, and the oil for
lights, and the golden altar, and the anointing oil and the sweet
cense, and the hanging of the tabernacle door, and the brasen altar,
and the gridiron of brass longing thereunto with his bars and all his
vessels, and the laver with his foot, and the hangings of the court
with his pillars and sockets, and the hanging to the court gate, his
boards and pins, and all the ordinance that serveth to the habitation
of the tabernacle of witness, and the ministering vestments to serve in
the holy place, and the holy vestments of Aaron the priest and his
sons' raiments to minister in: according to all that the LORD commanded
Moses: even so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses
beheld all the work: and see, they had done it even as the LORD
commanded: and then Moses blessed them.
Chapter .xl.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: In the first day of the first
month shalt thou set up the habitation of the tabernacle of witness,
and put therein the ark of witness, and cover the ark with the vail,
and bring in the table and apparel it, and bring in the candlestick and
put on his lamps, and set the cense altar of gold before the ark of
witness, and put the hanging of the door unto the habitation. And set
the burnt offering altar before the door of the tabernacle of witness,
and set the laver between the tabernacle of witness, and the altar, and
put water therein, and make the court round about, and set up the
hanging of the court gate. And take the anointing oil and anoint the
habitation and all that is therein, and hallow it and all that belong
thereto: that it may be holy. And anoint the altar of the burnt
offerings and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar that it may be
most holy. And anoint also the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.
Then bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of
witness, and wash them with water. And put upon Aaron the holy
vestments. And anoint him and sanctify him that he may minister unto
me, that their anointing may be an everlasting priesthood unto them
thorowout their generations. And Moses did according to all that the
LORD commanded him. Thus was the tabernacle reared up the first month
in the second year. And Moses reared up the tabernacle and fastened his
sockets, and set up the boards and put in their bars, and reared up the
pillars, and spread abroad the tent over the habitation and put the
covering of the tent on high {an hye} above it: as the LORD commanded
Moses. And he took and put the testimony in the ark, and set the staves
to the ark and put the mercy seat on high {an hye} upon the ark, and
brought the ark into the habitation and hanged up the vail and covered
the ark of witness, as the LORD commanded Moses. And he put the table
in the tabernacle of witness in the north side of the habitation
without the vail, and set the bread in order before the LORD, even as
the LORD had commanded Moses. And he put the candlestick in the
tabernacle of witness over against the table in the south side of the
habitation, and set up the lamps before the LORD: as the LORD commanded
Moses. And he put the golden altar in the tabernacle of witness before
the vail, and brent sweet cense there on as the LORD commanded Moses.
And set up the hanging in the door of the habitation, and set the burnt
offering altar before the door of the tabernacle of witness, and
offered burnt offerings and meat offerings there on as the LORD
commanded Moses. And he set the laver between the tabernacle of witness
and the altar, and poured water therein to wash with all. And both
Moses Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
both when they went into the tabernacle of witness, or when they went
to the altar, as the LORD commanded Moses. And he reared up the court
round about the habitation and the altar, and set up the hanging of the
court gate: and so Moses finished the work. And the cloud covered the
tabernacle of witness, and the glory of the LORD filled the habitation:
so that Moses could not enter into the tabernacle of witness, because
the cloud abode therein, and the glory of the LORD filled the
habitation. When the cloud was taken up from off the habitation, the
children of Israel took their journeys as oft as they journeyed. And if
the cloud departed not, they journeyed not till it departed: for the
cloud of the LORD was upon the habitation by day, and fire by night: in
the sight of all the house of Israel in all their journeys.
The end of the second book of Moses.
The Third Book of Moses, called Leviticus
Chapter .j.
And the LORD called Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of
witness saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them:
Whosoever of you shall bring a gift unto the LORD, shall bring it of
the cattle: even of the oxen and of the sheep. If he bring a
burntoffering of the oxen he shall offer a male without blemish, and
shall bring him to the door of the tabernacle of witness, that he may
be accepted before the LORD. And let him put his hand upon the head of
the burntsacrifice, and favour shall be given him to make an atonement
for him, and let him kill the ox before the LORD. And let the priests
Aaron's sons bring the blood and let them sprinkle it round about upon
the altar that is before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And let
the burntofferings be stripped and hewed in pieces. And then let the
sons of Aaron the priest put fire upon the altar, and put wood upon the
fire, and let them lay the pieces with the head and the fat, upon the
wood that is on the fire in the altar. But the inwards and the legs
they shall wash in water, and the priest shall burn altogether upon the
altar, that it be a burnt sacrifice, and an offering of a sweet odour
unto the LORD. If he will offer a burnt sacrifice of the sheep whether
it be of the lambs or of the goats: he shall offer a male without
blemish. And let him kill it on the north side of the altar, before the
LORD. And let the priests Aaron's sons sprinkle the blood of it, round
about upon the altar. And let it be cut in pieces: even with his head
and his fat, and let the priest put them upon the wood that lieth upon
the fire in the altar. But let him wash the inwards and the legs with
water, and then bring altogether and burn it upon the altar: that is a
burntoffering and a sacrifice of sweet savour unto the LORD. If he will
offer a burntoffering of the fowls {|[unto the LORD]|} he shall offer
either of the turtle doves or of the young pigeons. And the priest
shall bring it unto the altar, and wring the neck asunder of it, and
burn it on the altar, and let the blood run out upon the sides of the
altar, and pluck away his crop and his feathers, and cast them beside
the altar on the east part upon the heap of ashes, and break his wings,
but pluck them not asunder. And then let the priest burn it upon the
altar, even upon the wood that lieth upon the fire, a burnt sacrifice
and an offering of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Chapter .ij.
If any soul will offer a meatoffering unto the LORD, his offering shall
be fine flour, and he shall pour thereto oil, and put frankincense
thereon, and shall bring it unto Aaron's sons the priests. And one of
them shall take thereout his handful of the flour, and of the oil with
all the frankincense, and burn it for a memorial upon the altar: an
offering of a sweet savour unto the LORD. And the remnant of the
meatoffering shall be Aaron's and his sons, as a thing most holy of the
sacrifices of the LORD. If any man bring a meatoffering that is baken
in the oven, let him bring sweet cakes of fine flour mingled with oil,
and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. If thy meatoffering be baken
in the frying pan, then it shall be of sweet flour mingled with oil.
And thou shalt mince it small, and pour oil thereon: and so is it a
meatoffering. If thy meatoffering be a thing broiled upon the gridiron,
of flour mingled with oil it shall be. And thou shalt bring the
meatoffering that is made of these things unto the LORD, and shalt
deliver it unto the priest, and he shall bring it unto the altar, and
shall heave up part of the meatoffering for a memorial, and shall burn
it upon the altar: an offering of a sweet savour unto the LORD. And
that which is left of the meatoffering shall be Aaron's and his sons,
as a thing that is most holy of the offerings of the LORD. All the
meatofferings which ye shall bring unto the LORD, shall be made without
leaven. For ye shall neither burn leaven nor honey in any offering of
the LORD: Notwithstanding ye shall bring the firstlings of them unto
the LORD: But they shall not come upon the altar to make a sweet
savour. All thy meatofferings thou shalt salt with salt: neither shalt
thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy
meatoffering: but upon all thine offerings thou shalt bring salt. If
thou offer a meatoffering of the first ripe fruits unto the LORD, then
take of that which is yet green, and dry it by the fire and beat it
small, and so offer the meatoffering of thy first ripe fruits. And then
pour oil thereto, and put frankincense thereon: and so it is a
meatoffering. And the priest shall burn part of the beaten corn and
part of that oil, with all the frankincense, for a remembrance. That is
an offering unto the LORD.
Chapter .iij.
If any man bring a peaceoffering of the oxen: whether it be male or
female, he shall bring such as is without blemish, before the LORD, and
let him put his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before
the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron's sons the priests,
shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And they shall
offer of the peaceoffering to be a sacrifice unto the LORD: the fat
that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards: and
the two kidneys with the fat that lieth upon the loins: and the caul
that is on the liver, they shall take away with the kidneys. And
Aaron's sons shall burn them upon the altar with the burntsacrifice
which is upon the wood on the fire. That is a sacrifice of a sweet
favour unto the LORD. If a man bring a peaceoffering unto the LORD from
of the flock: whether it be male, or female, it shall be without
blemish. If he offer a lamb, he shall bring it before the LORD, and put
his hand upon his offering's head, and kill it in the door of the
tabernacle of witness, and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood
thereof round about the altar. And of the peaceoffering they shall
bring a sacrifice unto the LORD: the fat thereof and the rump
altogether, which they shall take off hard by the back bone: and the
fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards
and the two kidneys with the fat that lieth upon them and upon the
loins, and the caul that is upon the liver he shall take away with the
kidneys. And the priest shall burn them upon the altar to feed the
LORD's offering withall. If the offering be a goat, he shall bring it
before the LORD and put his hand upon the head of it and kill it before
the tabernacle of witness, and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the
blood thereof upon the altar round about. And he shall bring thereof
his offering unto the LORD's sacrifice: the fat that covereth the
inwards and all the fat that is upon the inwards and the two kidneys
and the fat that lieth upon them and upon the loins, and the caul that
is upon the liver he shall take away with the kidneys. And the priest
shall burn them upon the alter to feed the LORD's sacrifice with all
and to make a sweet savour. And thus shall all the fat be the LORD's,
and it shall be a law forever among your generations after you in your
dwelling places: that ye eat neither fat nor blood.
Chapter .iiij.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto the children of
Israel and say: when a soul sinneth thorow ignorance, and hath done any
of those things which the LORD hath forbidden in his commandments to be
done: If the priest that is anointed sin and make the people to do
amiss, he shall bring for his sin which he hath done: an ox without
blemish unto the LORD for a sinoffering. And he shall bring the ox unto
the door of the tabernacle of witness before the LORD, and shall put
his hand upon the ox's head and kill him before the LORD. And the
priest that is anointed shall take of the ox's blood, and bring it into
the tabernacle of witness, and shall dip his finger in the blood and
sprinkle thereof seven times before the LORD: even before the hanging
of the holy place. And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of
the altar of sweet cense before the LORD which is in the tabernacle of
witness, and shall pour all the blood of the ox upon the bottom of the
altar of burntofferings which is by the door of the tabernacle of
witness. And he shall take away all the fat of the ox that is the
sinoffering: the fat that covereth the inwards and all the fat that is
about them, and the two kidneys with the fat that lieth upon them and
upon the loins, and the caul upon the liver let them take away also
with the kidneys: as it was taken from the ox of the peaceoffering, and
let the priest burn them upon the altar of burntofferings. But the skin
of the ox and all his flesh with his head, his legs, his inwards with
his dung, shall he carry altogether out of the host unto a clean place:
even where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on wood with fire:
even upon the heap of ashes. If the whole commonalty of the children of
Israel sin thorow ignorance, and the thing be hid from their eyes: so
that they have committed any of these things which the LORD hath
forbidden to be done in his commandments and have offended, and the sin
which they have sinned be afterward known, then shall they offer an ox
for a sinoffering and shall bring him before the tabernacle of witness,
and the elders of the multitude shall put their hands upon his head
before the LORD. And the priest that is anointed shall bring of his
blood into the tabernacle of witness, and shall dip his finger in the
blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD: even before the
vail. And shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is
before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness, and shall pour all the
blood upon the bottom of the altar of burntofferings which is by the
door of the tabernacle of witness, and shall take all his fat from him
and burn it upon the altar, and shall do with his ox as he did with the
sinoffering ox. And the priest shall make an atonement for them, and so
it shall be forgiven them. And he shall bring the ox without the host,
and burn him as he burned the first, so is this the sinoffering of the
commonalty. When a lord sinneth and committeth thorow ignorance any of
these things which the LORD his God hath forbidden to be done in his
commandments and hath so offended: when his sin is shewed unto him
which he hath sinned, he shall bring for his offering an hegoat without
blemish and lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it in the place
where the burntofferings are killed before the LORD: this is a
sinoffering. Then let the priest take of the blood of the sinoffering
with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burntoffering altar,
and pour his blood upon the bottom of the burntoffering altar and burn
all his fat upon the altar, as he doth the fat of the peaceofferings.
And the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin,
and so it shall be forgiven him. If one of the common people of the
land sin thorow ignorance and commit any of the things which the LORD
hath forbidden, in his commandments to be done and so hath trespassed,
when his sin which he hath sinned is come to his knowledge, he shall
bring for his offering, a she goat without blemish for his sin which he
hath sinned, and lay his hand upon the head of the sinoffering, and
slay it in the place of burntofferings. And the priest shall take of
the blood with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the
burntoffering altar, and pour all the blood upon the bottom of the
altar, and shall take away all his fat as the fat of the peaceofferings
is taken away. And the priest shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet
savour unto the LORD, and the priest shall make an atonement for him
and it shall be forgiven him. If he bring a sheep {lamb} and offer it
for a sinoffering, he shall bring a ewe {female} without blemish, and
lay his hand upon the head of the sinoffering, and slay it in the place
where the burntofferings are slain. And the priest shall take of the
blood of the sinoffering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of
the burntoffering altar, and shall pour all the blood thereof unto the
bottom of the altar. And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the
fat of the sheep of the peaceofferings was taken away. And the priest
shall burn it upon the altar for the LORD's {lordes} sacrifice, and the
priest shall make an atonement for his sin, and it shall be forgiven
him.
Chapter .v.
When a soul hath sinned and heard the voice of cursing and is a
witness: whether he hath seen or known of it if he have not uttered it,
he shall bear his sin. Either when a man toucheth any unclean thing:
whether it be the carrion of an unclean beast or of unclean cattle or
unclean worm and is not ware of it, he is also unclean and hath
offended. Either when he toucheth any uncleanness of man (whatsoever
uncleanness it be that a man is defiled with all) and is not ware of it
and afterward cometh to the knowledge of it, he is a trespasser. Either
when a soul sweareth: so that he pronounceth with his lips to do evil
or to do good (whatsoever it be that a man pronounceth with an oath)
and the thing be out of his mind and afterward cometh to the knowledge
of it, then he hath offended in one of these. Then when he hath sinned
in one of these things, he shall confess that wherein that he hath
sinned, and shall bring his trespassoffering unto the LORD for his sin
which he hath sinned. A female from the flock, whether it be an ewe
{lamb} or a she goat, for a sinoffering. And the priest shall make an
atonement for him for his sin. But if he be not able to bring a sheep,
then let him bring for his trespass which he hath sinned, two turtle
doves or two young pigeons unto the LORD, one for a sinoffering and
another for a burntoffering. And he shall bring them unto the priest,
which shall offer the sinoffering first and wring the neck asunder of
it, but pluck it not clean off. And let him sprinkle of the blood of
the sinoffering upon the side of the altar, and let the rest of the
blood bleed upon the bottom of the altar, and then it is a sinoffering.
And let him offer the second for a burntoffering as the manner is: and
so shall the priest make an atonement for him for the sin which he hath
sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. And yet if he be not able to
bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons, then let him bring his
offering for his sin: the tenth part of an Epha of fine flour for a
sinoffering, but put none oil thereto neither put any frankincense
thereon, for it is a sinoffering. And let him bring it to the priest,
and the priest shall take his handful of it and burn it upon the altar
for a remembrance to be a sacrifice for the LORD: that is a
sinoffering. And let the priest make an atonement for him for his sin
(whatsoever of these he hath sinned) and it shall be forgiven. And the
remnant shall be the priest's, as it is in the meatoffering. And the
LORD communed with Moses saying: when a soul trespasseth and sinneth
thorow ignorance in any of the holy things of the LORD, he shall bring
for his trespass unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock
valued at two sicles after the holy sicle, {[of the sanctuary,]} for a
trespassoffering. And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath
done in the holy thing, and put the fifth part more thereto, and give
it unto the priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him with
the ram of the trespassoffering, and it shall be forgiven him. When a
soul sinneth and committeth any of these things which are forbidden to
be done by the commandments of the LORD: though he wist it not, he hath
yet offended and is in sin, and shall bring a ram without blemish out
of the flock that is esteemed to be worth a sinoffering, unto the
priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him for the
ignorance which he did, and was not ware, and it shall be forgiven him.
This is a trespassoffering, for he trespassed against the LORD.
Chapter .vi.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: when a soul sinneth and
trespasseth against the LORD, and denied unto his neighbour that which
was taken him to keep, or that was put under his hand, or that which he
hath violently taken away, or that which he hath deceived his neighbour
of with subtlety, or hath found that which was lost and denieth it, and
sweareth falsely, in whatsoever thing it be that a man doth and sinneth
therein; Then when he hath sinned or trespassed, he shall restore again
that he took violently away, or the wrong which he did, or that which
was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, or
whatsoever it be about which he hath sworn falsely, he shall restore it
again in the whole sum, and shall add the fifth part more thereto and
give it unto him to whom it pertaineth, the same day that he offereth
for his trespass, and shall bring for his trespassoffering unto the
LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, that is esteemed worth a
trespassoffering unto the priest. And the priest shall make an
atonement for him before the LORD, and it shall be forgiven him in
whatsoever thing it be that a man doth and trespasseth therein. And the
LORD spake unto Moses saying: Command Aaron and his sons saying: this
is the law of the burntoffering. The burntoffering shall be upon the
hearth of the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the
altar shall burn therein. And the priest shall put on his linen alb and
his linen breeches upon his flesh, and take away the ashes which the
fire of the burntsacrifice in the altar hath made, and put them beside
the altar, and then put off his raiment and put on other and carry the
ashes out without the host unto a clean place. The fire that is upon
the altar shall burn therein and not go out. And the priest shall put
wood on the fire every morning, and put the burntsacrifice upon it, and
he shall burn thereon the fat of the peaceofferings. The fire shall
ever burn upon the altar, and never go out. This is the law of the
meatoffering: Aaron's sons shall bring it before the LORD, unto the
altar: and one of them shall take his handful of the flour of the
meatoffering and of the oil with all the frankincense which is thereon,
and shall burn it unto a remembrance upon the altar to be a sweet
savour of the memorial of it unto the LORD. And the rest thereof, Aaron
and his sons shall eat: unleavened it shall be eaten in the holy place:
even in the court of the tabernacle of witness they shall eat it. Their
part which I have given them of my sacrifice, shall not be baken with
leaven, for it is most holy, as is the sinoffering, and trespass
offering. All the males among the children of Aaron, shall eat of it:
and it shall be a duty for ever unto your generations of the sacrifices
of the LORD, neither shall any man twitch it, but he that is hallowed.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: this is the offering of Aaron and
of his sons which he shall offer unto the LORD in the day when they are
anointed: the tenth part of an Epha of flour, which is a daily
meatoffering perpetually: half in the morning and half at night: and in
the frying pan it shall be made with oil. And when it is fried, thou
shalt bring it in as a baken meatoffering minced small, and shalt offer
it for a sweet savour unto the LORD. And that priest of his sons that
is anointed in his stead, shall offer it: and it shall be the LORD's
{lordes} duty for ever, and it shall be burnt altogether. For all the
meatofferings of the priests shall be burnt altogether, and shall not
be eaten. And the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and
unto his sons and say: This is the law of the sinoffering. In the place
where the burntoffering is killed, shall the sinoffering be killed also
before the LORD, for it is most holy. The priest that offereth it shall
eat it in the holy place: even in the court of the tabernacle of
witness. No man shall touch the flesh thereof, save he that is
hallowed. And if any raiment be sprinkled therewith, it shall be washed
in an holy place, and the earthen pot that it is sodden in shall be
broken. If it be sodden in brass, then the pot shall be scoured and
plunged {rinsed} in the water. All the males among the children of
Aaron {the priests} shall eat thereof, for it is most holy.
Notwithstanding no sinoffering that hath his blood brought into the
tabernacle of witness to reconcile with all in the holy place, shall be
eaten: but shall be burnt in the fire.
Chapter .vij.
This is the law of the trespassoffering which is most holy. In the
place where the burntoffering is killed, the trespassoffering shall be
killed also: and his blood shall be sprinkled round about upon the
altar. And all the fat thereof shall be offered: the rump and the fat
that covered the inwards, and the two kidneys with the fat that lieth
on them and upon the loins: and the caul on the liver shall be taken
away with the kidneys: And the priest shall burn them upon the altar,
to be an offering unto the LORD: this is a trespass offering. All the
males among the priests shall eat thereof in the holy place, for it is
most holy. As the sinoffering is, so is the trespass offering, one law
serveth for both: and it shall be the priests that reconcileth
therewith. And the priest that offered a man's burntoffering, shall
have the skin of the burntoffering which he hath offered. And all the
meatofferings that are baken in the oven, and all that is dressed upon
the gridiron and in the frying pan, shall be the priests that offereth
them. And all the meatofferings that are mingled with oil or dry, shall
pertain unto all the sons of Aaron, and one shall have as much as
another. This is the law of the peaceofferings which shall be offered
unto the LORD. If he offer to give thanks, he shall bring unto his
thankoffering: sweet cakes mingled with oil and sweet wafers anointed
with oil, and cakes mingled with oil of fine flour fried, and he shall
bring his offering upon cakes made of leavened bread unto the
thankoffering of his peaceofferings, and of them all he shall offer one
to be an heave offering unto the LORD, and it shall be the priests that
sprinkleth the blood of the peaceofferings. And the flesh of the
thankoffering of his peaceofferings shall be eaten the same day that it
is offered, and there shall none of it be laid up until the morning. If
it be a vow or a freewill offering that he bringeth, the same day that
he offereth it, it shall be eaten, and that which remaineth may be
eaten on the morrow: but as much of the offered flesh as remaineth unto
the third day shall be burned with fire. For if any of the flesh of the
peaceofferings be eaten the third day then shall he that offered it
obtain no favour, neither shall it be reckoned unto him: but shall be
an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear the sin
thereof. The flesh that twicheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten,
but burnt with fire: and all that be clean in their flesh, may eat
flesh. If any soul eat of the flesh of the peaceofferings, that pertain
unto the LORD, and his uncleanness yet upon him, the same soul shall
perish from among his people. Moreover if a soul twich any unclean
thing, whether it be the uncleanness of man or of any unclean beast or
any abomination that is unclean: and then eat of the flesh of the
peaceofferings which pertain unto the LORD, that soul shall perish from
his people. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the
children of Israel and say: Ye shall eat no manner fat of oxen, sheep
or goats: neverthelater the fat of the beast that dieth alone and the
fat of that which is torn with wild beasts, may be occupied in all
manner uses: but ye shall in no wise eat of it. For whosoever eateth
the fat of the beast of which men bring an offering unto the LORD, that
soul that eateth it shall perish from his people. Moreover ye shall eat
no manner of blood, wheresoever ye dwell, whether it be of fowl or of
beast. Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood the same
soul shall perish from his people. And the LORD talked with Moses
saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say: He that offereth his
peaceoffering unto the LORD, shall bring his gift unto the LORD of his
peaceofferings: his own hands shall bring the offering of the LORD:
even the fat upon the breast he shall bring with the breast to wave it
a waveoffering before the LORD. And the priest shall burn the fat upon
the altar, and the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons. And the right
shoulder they shall give unto the priest, to be an heave offering, of
their peaceofferings. And the same that offereth the blood of the
peaceofferings and the fat, among the sons of Aaron, shall have the
right shoulder unto his part, for the wavebreast and the heaveshoulder
I have taken of the children of Israel, even of their peaceofferings,
and have given it unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons: to be a duty
for ever of the children of Israel. This is the anointing of Aaron and
of the sacrifices of the LORD, in the day when they were offered to be
priests unto the LORD, which the LORD commanded to be given them in the
day when he anointed them, of the children of Israel, and to be a duty
for ever among their generations. This is the law of burntofferings, of
meatofferings, of sinofferings, of trespassofferings, of fullofferings,
of peaceofferings, which the LORD commanded Moses in the mount of
Sinai, in the day when he commanded the children of Israel to offer
their offerings unto the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai.
Chapter .viij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: take Aaron and his sons with him,
and the vestures and the anointing oil, and an ox for a sinoffering and
two rams and a basket of sweet bread: and gather all the community
together unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses did as
the LORD commanded him, and the people gathered them selves together
unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And Moses said unto the
people: this is the thing which the LORD commanded to do. And Moses
brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water, and put upon
him the alb and gird him with a girdle, and put upon him the tunicle,
and put the Ephod thereon, and girded him with the broidered girdle of
the Ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. And he put the breastlap
thereon, and put in the breastlap light and perfectness. And he put the
mitre upon his head, and put upon the mitre even upon the forefront of
it, the golden plate of the holy crown, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the habitation and all
that was therein and sanctified them, and sprinkled thereof upon the
altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, and the
laver with his foot, to sanctify them. And he poured of the anointing
oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him to sanctify him. And he brought
Aaron's sons and put albs upon them, and girded them with girdles, and
put bonnets upon their heads: as the LORD commanded Moses. And the
sinoffering was brought. And Aaron and his sons put their hands upon
the head of the ox of the sinoffering. And when it was slain, Moses
took of the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about
with his finger and purified it, and poured the blood unto the bottom
of the altar and sanctified it and reconciled it. And he took all the
fat that was upon the inwards and the caul that was on the liver and
the two kidneys with their fat and burned it upon the altar. But the
ox, the hide, his flesh and his dung, he burnt with fire without the
host, as the LORD commanded Moses. And he brought the ram of the
burntoffering, and Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the head of
the ram, and it was killed. And Moses sprinkled the blood upon the
altar round about, and cut the ram in pieces and burnt the head, the
pieces and the fat, and washed the inwards and the legs in water, and
burn the ram every whit upon the altar. That was a burnt sacrifice of a
sweet savour, and an offering unto the LORD, as the LORD commanded
Moses. And he brought the other ram that was the fulloffering, and
Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the head of the ram: And when
it was slain, Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of
Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the
great toe of his right foot. Then were Aaron's sons brought, and Moses
put of the blood on the tip of the right ear of them, and upon the
thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right
feet, and sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about. And he took
the fat and the rump and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the
caul of the liver, and the two kidneys with their fat and their right
shoulder. And out of the basket of sweet bread that was before the
LORD, he took one sweet cake of oiled bread and one wafer, and put them
on the fat and upon the right shoulder, and put altogether upon Aaron's
hands and upon his sons' hands, and waved it a waveoffering before the
LORD. And then Moses took them from of their hands again, and burnt
them upon the altar, even upon the burntoffering: These are the
fullofferings of a sweet savour and a sacrifice unto the LORD. And
Moses took the breast and waved it a waveoffering before the LORD, of
the ram of the fullofferings: and it was Moses' part, as the LORD
commanded Moses. And Moses took of the anointing oil and of the blood
which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron and upon his
vestments and upon his sons and on their vestments with him, and
sanctified Aaron and his vestures and his sons and his sons' vestures
also. Then Moses said unto Aaron and his sons: boil the flesh in the
door of the tabernacle of witness, and there eat it with the bread that
is in the basket of fullofferings, as the Lord commanded saying: Aaron
and his sons shall eat it: and that which remaineth of the flesh and of
the bread, burn with fire. And see that ye depart not from the door of
the tabernacle of witness seven days long: until the days of your
fullofferings be at an end. For seven days must your hands be filled,
as they were this day: even so the LORD hath commanded to do, to
reconcile you with all. See therefore that ye abide in the door of the
tabernacle of witness day and night seven days long: and keep the watch
of the LORD that ye die not: for so I am commanded. And Aaron and his
sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
Chapter .ix.
And the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of
Israel, and said unto Aaron: take a calf for a sinoffering, and a ram
for a burntoffering: both without blemish, and bring them before the
LORD. And unto the children of Israel he spake saying: take ye an he
goat for a sinoffering, and a calf and a lamb both two of a year old,
and without blemish for a burnt sacrifice, and an ox and a ram for
peaceofferings, to offer before the LORD, and a meatoffering mingled
with oil, for today the LORD will appear unto you. And they brought
that which Moses commanded unto the tabernacle of witness, and all the
people came and stood before the LORD. And Moses said: this is the
thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and then the glory of
the LORD shall appear unto you. And Moses said unto Aaron: go unto the
altar and offer thy sinoffering, and make an atonement for thee and for
the people: and then offer the offering of the people and reconcile
them also, as the LORD commanded Moses. And Aaron went unto the altar,
and slew the calf that was his sinoffering. And the sons of Aaron
brought the blood unto him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and
put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured the blood unto the
bottom of the altar. And the fat and the two kidneys with the caul of
the liver of the sinoffering, he burnt upon the altar, as the LORD
commanded Moses: but the flesh and the hide, he burnt with fire without
the host. Afterward he slew the burntoffering, and Aaron's sons brought
the blood unto him, and he sprinkled it round about upon the altar. And
they brought the burntoffering unto him in pieces and the head also,
and he burnt it upon the altar, and did wash the inwards and the legs,
and burnt them also upon the burntoffering in the altar. And then he
brought the people's offering and took the goat that was the people's
sinoffering, and slew it and offered it for a sinoffering: as he did
the first. And then brought the burntoffering and offered it as the
manner was, and brought the meatoffering and filled his hand thereof,
and burnt it upon the altar, besides the burnt sacrifice in the
morning. Then he slew the ox and the ram that were the people's
peaceofferings, and Aaron's sons brought the blood unto him, and he
sprinkled it upon the altar round about, and took the fat of the ox and
of the ram: the rump and the fat that covereth the inwards and the
kidneys and the caul of the liver: and put them upon the breasts and
burnt it upon the altar: but the breasts and the right shoulders Aaron
waved before the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. And Aaron lift up
his hand over the people and blessed them, and came down from offering
of sinofferings, burntofferings and peaceofferings. Then Moses and
Aaron went into the tabernacle of witness and came out again and
blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the
people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed
upon the altar: the burntoffering and the fat. And all the people saw
it and shouted, and fell on their faces.
Chapter .x.
And Nadab and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his censor,
and put fire therein, and put cense upon, and brought strange fire
before the LORD: which he commanded them not, and there went a fire out
from the LORD, and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then
Moses said unto Aaron: this is it that the LORD spake saying: I will be
sanctified in them that come nye me, and before all the people I will
be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. And Moses called Misael and
Elisaphan the sons of Uriel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them: go
to and carry your brethren from the holy place out of the host. And
they went to them and carried them in their albs out of the host, as
Moses bade. And Moses said unto Aaron and unto Eleazar and Ithamar his
eldest sons: uncover not your head neither rent your clothes, lest ye
die and wrath come upon all the people, let your brethren the hole
house of Israel, beweep the burning which the LORD hath burnt. But go
ye not out from the door of the tabernacle of witness, lest ye die: for
the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did as Moses bade.
And the LORD spake unto Aaron saying: drink no wine nor strong drink,
neither thou nor thy sons with thee: when ye go into the tabernacle of
witness, lest ye die. And let it be a law forever unto your children
after you: that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and
between unclean and clean, and that ye may teach the children of Israel
all the ordinances which the LORD hath commanded them by the hands of
Moses. And Moses said unto Aaron and unto Eleazar and Ithamar his sons
that were left: take the meatoffering that remaineth of the sacrifices
of the LORD, and eat it without leaven beside the altar, for it is most
holy: eat it therefore in the holy place, because it is thy duty and
thy sons' duty of the sacrifice of the LORD: for so I am commanded. And
the wavebreast and heaveshoulder eat in a clean place: both thou and
thy sons and thy daughters with thee. For it is thy duty, and thy sons'
duty with thee, of the peaceofferings of the children of Israel. For
the heaveshoulder and the wavebreast which they bring with the
sacrifices of the fat, to wave it before the LORD, shall be thine and
thy sons' with thee, and be a law for ever, as the LORD hath commanded.
And Moses sought for the goat that was the sinoffering, and see, it was
burnt. And he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar the sons of Aaron,
which were left alive saying: wherefore have ye not eaten the
sinoffering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy: and forasmuch as
it is given you to bear the sin of the people, and make agreement for
them before the LORD? Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within
the holy place, therefore should ye have eaten it in the holy place as
I commanded. And Aaron said unto Moses: behold, this day have they
offered their sinoffering and their burntoffering before the LORD, and
it is chanced me after this manner. If I should eat of the sinoffering
today, would the LORD be content with all? And when Moses heard that,
he was content.
Chapter .xi.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: speak unto the children
of Israel and say: these are the beasts which ye shall eat among all
the beasts that are on the earth: whatsoever hath hoof and divideth it
into two claws and cheweth cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat.
Nevertheless, these shall ye not eat of them that chew cud and have
hoofs. The camel, for he cheweth cud but he divideth not the hoof into
two claws, therefore he shall be unclean unto you. And the cony, for he
cheweth the cud but divideth not the hoof into two claws, therefore he
is unclean to you. And the hare, for he likewise cheweth the cud, but
divideth not the hoof into two claws, he is therefore unclean to you.
And the swine, for though he divide the hoof into two claws, yet he
cheweth not the cud and therefore is unclean to you. Of their flesh see
that ye eat not, and their carcasses see that ye twich not for they are
unclean to you. These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters:
whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, seas and rivers, that
shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas and
rivers of all that move and live in the waters, shall ye abhor. See
that ye eat not of their flesh, and also that ye abhor their carcasses:
for all that have no fins nor scales in the waters, shall be
abomination unto you. These are the fowls which ye shall abhor and
which shall not be eaten, for they are an abomination. The eagle, the
goshawk, the cormorant, the kite, the vulture and all his kind and all
kind of ravens, the ostrich, the nightcrow, the cuckoo, the
sparrowhawk, and all the kind: the little owl, the stork, the great
owl, the back, the pelican, the pye, the heron, the jay with the kind,
the lapwing and the swallow. And all fowls that creep and go upon all
fours shall be an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat of all the
fowls that move and go upon four feet: even those that have no knees
above upon their feet to leap withal upon the earth, even these of them
ye may eat: the arb and all his kind: the Soleam with all his kind: the
Hargol and all the kind, and the Hagab and all his kind. All other
fowls that move and have four feet, shall be abomination unto you. In
such ye shall be unclean whosoever touch the carcass of the shall be
unclean unto the even, and whosoever beareth the carcass of them, shall
wash his clothes and shall be unclean until even. Among all manner
beasts, they that have hoofs and divide them not into two claws or that
chew not the cud, shall be unclean unto you: and all that twicheth them
shall be unclean. And all that goeth upon his hands among all manner
beasts that go on all fours, are unclean unto you: and as many as twich
their carcasses, shall be unclean until the evening. And he that
beareth the carcass of them, shall wash his clothes and be unclean
until the even, for such are unclean unto you. And these are also
unclean to you among the things that creep upon the earth: the weasel,
the mouse, the toad and all his kind, the hedgehog, stellio, the
lizard, the snail and the mole: These are unclean to you among all that
move, and all that twich them when they be dead, shall be unclean until
the evening. And whatsoever any of the dead carcasses of them fall
upon, shall be unclean: whatsoever vessel of wood it be, or raiment, or
skin, or bag or whatsoever thing it be that any work is wrought with
all. And they shall be plunged in the water and be unclean until the
even, and then they shall be clean again. All manner of earthen vessel
whereinto any of them falleth, is unclean with all that therein is: and
ye shall break it. All manner meat that is eaten, if any such water
come upon it, it shall be unclean. And all manner drink that is drunk
in all manner such vessels, shall be unclean. And whether it be oven or
kettle, it shall be broken. For they are unclean and shall be unclean
unto you: Neverthelater, yet the fountains and wells and ponds of
water, shall be clean still. But whosoever twicheth their carcasses,
shall be unclean. If the dead carcass of any such fall upon any seed
used to sow, it shall yet be clean still: but and if any water be
poured upon the seed and afterward the dead carcass of them fall
thereon, then it shall be unclean unto you. If any beast of which ye
eat die, he that twicheth the dead carcass shall be unclean until the
evening. And he that eateth of any such dead carcass, shall wash his
clothes and remain unclean until the evening. And he also that beareth
the carcass of it, shall wash his clothes and be unclean until even.
All that crawleth upon the earth, is an abomination and shall not be
eaten. And whatsoever goeth upon the breast, and whatsoever goeth upon
four or more feet among all that crawleth upon the earth, of that see
ye eat not: for they are abominable. Make not your souls abominable.
Make not your souls abominable with nothing that creepeth, neither make
your souls unclean with them: that ye should be defiled thereby. For I
am the LORD your God, be sanctified therefore that ye may be holy, for
I am holy: and defile not your souls with any manner thing that
creepeth upon the earth. For I am the LORD that brought you out of the
land of Egypt to be your God: be holy therefore, for I am holy. This is
the law of beast and fowl and of all manner thing that liveth and
moveth in the water and of all things that creep upon the earth, that
ye may put difference between unclean and clean, and between the beasts
that are eaten and the beasts that are not eaten.
Chapter .xij.
And the LORD spake Unto Moses and said: speak unto the children of
Israel and say: when a woman hath conceived and hath borne a man child,
she shall be unclean seven days: even in like manner as when she is put
apart in time of her natural disease. And in the eighth day the flesh
of the child's foreskin shall be cut away. And she shall continue in
the blood of her purifying thirty three days, she shall twitch no
hallowed thing nor come in to the sanctuary, until the time of her
purifying be out. If she bear a maidchild, then she shall be unclean
two weeks, as when she hath her natural disease. And she shall continue
in the blood of her purifying sixty six days. And when the days of her
purifying are out: whether it be a son or a daughter, she shall bring a
lamb of one year old for a burntoffering and a young pigeon or a
turtledove for a sinoffering unto the door of the tabernacle of witness
unto the priest: which shall offer them before the LORD, and make an
atonement for her, and so she shall be purged of her issue of blood.
This is the law of her that hath borne a child, whether it be male or
female. But and if she be not able to bring a sheep, then let her bring
two turtles or two young pigeons: the one for the burntoffering, and
the other for the sinoffering. And the priest shall make an atonement
for her, and she shall be clean.
Chapter .xiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying: when there
appeareth a rising in any man's flesh either a scab or a glistering
white: as though the plague of leprosy were in the skin of his flesh,
then let him be brought unto Aaron the priest or unto one of his sons
the priests, and let the priest look on the sore that is in the skin of
his flesh. If the hair in the sore be turned unto white, and the sore
also seem to be lower than the skin of his flesh, then it is surely a
leprosy, and let the priest look on him and make him unclean. If there
be but a white pleck in the skin of his flesh, and seem not to be lower
than the other skin nor the hair thereof is turned unto white: then let
the priest shut him up seven days. And let the priest look upon him the
seventh day: if the sore seem to him to abide still and to go no
further in the skin, then let the priest shut him up yet seven days
more. {mo} And let the priest look on him again the seventh day. Then
if the sore be waxed blackish, and is not grown abroad in the skin, let
the priest make him clean, for it is but a scurf. And let him wash his
clothes, and then he is clean. But and if the scab grow in the skin
after that he is seen of the priest again. If the priest see that the
scab be grown abroad in the skin, let him make him unclean: for it is
surely a leprosy. If the plague of leprosy be in a man, let him be
brought unto the priest, and let the priest see him. If the rising
appear white in the skin, and have also made the hair white, and there
be raw flesh in the sore also: then it is an old leprosy in the skin of
his flesh. And the priest shall make him unclean, and shall not shut
him up for he is unclean. If a leprosy break out in the skin and cover
all the skin from the head to the foot over all wheresoever the priest
looketh, then let the priest look upon him. If the leprosy have covered
all his flesh, let him make {judge} the disease clean: for inasmuch as
he is altogether white he is therefore clean. But and if there be raw
flesh on him when he is seen, then he shall be unclean. Therefore when
the priest seeth the raw flesh, let him make him unclean. For inasmuch
as his flesh is raw, he is unclean and it is surely a true leprosy. But
and if the raw flesh depart again and change unto white, then let him
come to the priest and let the priest see him: If the sore be changed
unto white, let the priest make {judge} the disease clean, and then he
is clean. When there is a beal in the skin of any man's flesh and is
healed and after in the place of the beal there appear a white rising
either a shining white somewhat reddish, let him be seen of the priest.
If when the priest seeth him it appear lower than the other skin and
the hair thereof be changed unto white, let the priest make {judge} him
unclean: for it is a very leprosy, that is broken out in the place of
the beal. But and if when the priest looketh on it there be no white
hairs therein neither the scab lower than the other skin and be
somewhat blackish, then the priest shall shut him apart seven days. If
it spread abroad in the mean season, then let the priest make {judge}
him unclean: for it is a leprosy. But and if the glistering white abide
still in one place and go no further, then it is but the print of the
beal, and the priest shall make {judge} him clean. When the skin of any
man's flesh is burnt with fire that it be raw and there appear in the
burning a glistering white that is somewhat reddish or altogether
white, let the priest look upon it. If the hair in that brightness be
changed to white and it also appear lower than the other skin, then it
is a leprosy that is broken out in the place of the burning. And the
priest shall make {judge} him unclean, for it is a leprosy. But and if
(when the priest looketh on it) he see that there is no white hair in
the brightness, and that it is no lower than the other skin, and that
it is also blackish, then let the priest shut him up seven days. And if
(when the priest looketh on him the seventh day) it be grown abroad in
the skin, let him make {judge} him unclean: for it is a leprosy. But
and if that brightness abide still in one place and go no further in
the skin and be blackish, then it is but a rising in the place of the
burning, and the priest shall make him clean: for it is but the print
of the burning only. When either man or woman hath a breaking out upon
the head or the beard, let the priest see it. And if it appear lower
than the other skin, and there be therein golden hairs and thin, let
the priest make {judge} him unclean, for it is a breaking out of
leprosy upon the head or beard. If (when the priest looketh on the
breaking out) he see that it is no lower than the other skin and that
there are black hairs therein, let him shut him up seven days. And let
the priest look on the disease the seventh day: and if the breaking out
be gone no further neither be any golden hairs therein neither the scab
be lower than the other skin, then let him be shaven, but let him not
shave the scab, and let the priest shut him up seven days more. And let
the priest look on the breaking out the seventh day again: If the
breaking out be gone no further in the skin nor more lower than the
other skin, then let the priest make {judge} him clean, and let him
wash his clothes and then he is clean. If the breaking out grow in the
skin after that he is once made {judged} clean, let the priest see him.
If it be grown abroad indeed in the skin, let the priest seek no
further for any golden hairs, for he is unclean. But and if he see that
the scab stond still, and that there is black hair grown up therein,
then the scab is healed and he is clean: and the priest shall make
{judge} him clean. If there be found in the skin of the flesh of man or
woman a glistering white, let the priest see it. If there appear in
their flesh a glistering white somewhat blackish, then it is but
freckles grown up in the skin: and he is clean. If a man's hair fall
off his head, then he is headbald and clean. If his hair fall before in
his forehead, then he is foreheadbald and clean. If there be in the
bald head or bald forehead a reddish white scab, then there is leprosy
sprung up in his bald head or bald forehead. And let the priest see it:
and if the rising of the sore be reddish white in his bald head or
forehead after the manner of a leprosy in the skin of the flesh, then
he is a leper and unclean: and the priest shall make {judge} him
unclean, for the plague of his head. And the leper in whom the plague
is, shall have his clothes rent and his head bare and his mouth muffled
and shall be called unclean. And as long as the disease lasteth upon
him, he shall be unclean: for he is unclean, and shall therefore dwell
alone, and even without the host shall his habitation be. When the
plague of leprosy is in a cloth: whether it be linen or woollen, yea
and whether it be in the warp or woof of the linen or of the woollen:
either in a skin or any thing made of skin, if the disease be pale or
somewhat reddish in the cloth or skin: whether it be in the warp or the
woof or any thing that is made of skin, then it is a very leprosy, and
must be shewed unto the priest. And when the priest seeth the plague,
let him shut it up seven days, and let him look on the plague the
seventh day. If it be increased in the cloth: whether it be in the warp
or woof or in a skin or in anything that is made of skin, then the
plague is a fretting leprosy, and it is unclean: And that cloth shall
be burnt, either warp or woof, whether it be woollen or linen or any
thing that is made of skin wherein the plague is, for it is a fretting
leprosy, and shall be burnt in the fire. If the priest see that the
plague hath fretten no further in the cloth: either in the warp or woof
or in whatsoever thing of skin it be, then let the priest command then
to wash the thing wherein the plague is, and let him shut it up seven
days more. And let the priest look on it again after that the plague is
washed. If the plague have not changed his fashion though it be spread
no further abroad, it is yet unclean. And see that ye burn it in the
fire, for it is fretten inward: whether in part or in all together. But
and if the priest see that it is somewhat blackish after that it is
washed, let him rent it out of the cloth, or out of the skin or out of
the warp or woof. But and if it appear any more in the cloth either in
the warp or in the woof or in anything made of skin, then it is a
waxing plague. And see that ye burn that with fire, wherein the plague
is. Moreover the cloth either warp or woof or whatsoever thing of skin
it be which thou hast washed and the plague be departed from it, shall
be washed once again: and then it is clean. This is the law of the
plague of leprosy in a cloth whether it be woollen or linen: either
whether it be in the warp or woof, or in anything made of skins, to
make {judge} it clean or unclean.
Chapter .xiiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: this is the law of a leper when
he shall be cleansed: He shall be brought unto the priest, and the
priest shall go out without the host and look upon him. If the plague
of leprosy be healed in the leper, then shall the priest command that
there be brought for him that shall be cleansed two living birds that
are clean, and cypress {cedar} wood, and a piece of purple cloth and
hyssop. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed
over {in} an earthen vessel of running water. And the priest shall take
the living bird and the cypress {cedar} wood and the purple and the
hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the
slain bird, and in the running water and sprinkle it upon him that must
be cleansed of his leprosy seven times and cleanse him, and shall let
the living bird go free into the fields. And he that is cleansed shall
wash his clothes and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water,
and then he is clean. And after that he shall come into the host, but
shall tarry without his tent seven days. When the seventh day is come,
he shall shave off all his hair both upon his head and his beard and on
his brows: and even all the hair that is on him, shall be shaven off.
And he shall wash his clothes and his flesh in water, and then he shall
be clean. And when the eighth day is come, let him take two lambs
without blemish and a ewe lamb of a year old without blemish, and three
tenth deals of fine flour for a meatoffering mingled with oil, and a
log of oil. Then let the priest that maketh him clean, bring the man
that is made clean with those things before the LORD unto the door of
the tabernacle of witness. And let the priest take one of the lambs and
offer him for a trespassoffering, and the log of oil: and wave them
before the LORD. And then let him slay the lamb in the place where the
sinoffering and the burntoffering are slain: even in the holy place.
For as the sinoffering is, even so is the trespassoffering the
priest's: for it is most holy. Then let the priest take of the blood of
the trespassoffering, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of him
that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the
great toe of his right foot. Then let the priest take of the log of
oil, and pour it into the palm of his left hand and dip his right
finger in the oil that is in the palm of his left hand, and let him
sprinkle it with his finger seven times before the LORD. And of the
rest of the oil that is in his hand, shall the priest put upon the tip
of the right ear of him that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his
right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot: even upon the
blood of the trespass offering. And the remnant of the oil that is in
the priest's hand, he shall pour upon the head of him that is cleansed:
and so shall be priest make an atonement for him before the LORD. Then
let the priest offer the sinoffering, and make an atonement for him
that is cleansed for his uncleanness. And then let the burntoffering be
slain, and let the priest put both the burntoffering and the
meatoffering upon the altar; and make an atonement for him, and then he
shall be clean. If he be poor and can not get so much, then let him
bring one lamb for a trespassoffering to wave it and to make an
atonement for him, and a tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for
a meatoffering, and a log of oil, and two turtle doves or two young
pigeons which he is able to get, and let the one be a sinoffering and
the other a burntoffering. And let him bring them the eighth day for
his cleansing unto the priest to the door of the tabernacle of witness
before the LORD. And let the priest take the lamb that is the
trespassoffering and the log of oil, and wave them before the LORD. And
when the lamb of the trespassoffering is killed, the priest shall take
of the blood of the trespass offering, and put it upon the tip of his
right ear that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and
upon the great toe of his right foot. And the priest shall pour of the
oil into his right hand, and shall sprinkle with his finger of the oil
that is in his left hand seven times before the LORD. And the priest
shall put of the oil that is in his hand, upon the tip of the right ear
of him that is cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon
the great toe of his right foot: even in the place where the blood of
the trespassoffering was put. And the rest of the oil that is in his
hand, he shall pour upon the head of him that is cleansed: to make an
atonement for him before the LORD. And he shall offer one of the turtle
doves or of the young pigeons, such as he can get: the one for a sin
offering and the other for a burntoffering upon the altar. And so shall
the priest make an atonement for him that is cleansed before the LORD.
This is the law of him that hath the plague of leprosy, whose hand is
not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing. And the LORD
spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: when ye be come unto the land of
Canaan which I give you to possess: if I put the plague of leprosy in
any house of the land of your possession, let him that owneth the house
go and tell the priest saying: me think that there is as it were a
leprosy in the house. And the priest shall command them to rid all
things out of the house, before the priest go in to see the plague:
that he make not all that is in the house unclean, and then the priest
shall go in and see the house. If the priest see that the plague is in
the walls of the house, and that there be hollow streaks pale or red
which seem to be lower than the other parts of the wall, then let the
priest go out at the house doors, and shut up the house for seven days.
And let the priest come again the seventh day and see it: if the plague
be increased in the walls of the house, let the priest command them to
take away the stones in which the plague is, and let them cast them in
a foul place without the city, and scrape the house within round about,
and pour out the dust without the city in a foul place. And let them
take other stones and put them in the places of those stones, and other
mortar, and plaster the house withal. If now the plague come again and
break out in the house, after that they have taken away the stones and
scraped the house, and after that the house is plastered anew: let the
priest come and see it. And if then he perceive that the plague hath
eaten further in the house, then it is a fretting leprosy that is in
the house, and it is unclean. Then they shall break down the house:
both stones, timber and all the mortar of the house, and carry it out
of the city unto a foul place. Moreover he that goeth into the house
all the while that it is shut up, shall be unclean until night. And he
that sleepeth in the house shall wash his clothes, and he also that
eateth in the house shall wash his clothes. But and if the priest come
and see that the plague hath spread no further in the house after that
it is new plastered, then let him make it clean for the plague is
healed. And let him take to cleanse the house withal: two birds,
cypress wood, and purple cloth and hyssop. And let him kill one of the
birds over {in} an earthen vessel of {with} running water: and take the
cypress {cedar} wood, the hyssop, the purple and the living bird, and
dip them in the blood of the slain bird and in the running water, and
sprinkle upon the house seven times, and cleanse the house with the
blood of the bird, and with the running water, and with the living
bird, and with the cypress wood, and the hyssop, and the purple cloth.
And he shall let the living bird flee out of the town into the wild
fields, and so make an atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.
This is the law of all manner plague of leprosy and breaking out, and
of the leprosy of cloth and house: and of risings, scabs and glistering
white, to teach when a thing is unclean or clean. This is the law of
leprosy.
Chapter .xv.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: Speak unto the children
of Israel and say unto them: every man that hath a running issue in his
flesh, is unclean by the reason of his issue. And hereby shall it be
known when he is unclean. If his flesh run, or if his flesh congeal by
the reason of his issue, then he is unclean. Every couch whereon he
lieth and every thing whereon he sitteth shall be unclean. He that
twicheth his couch, shall wash his clothes and bathe himself with
water, and be unclean until the even. He that sitteth on that whereon
he sat, shall wash his clothes and bathe himself with water and be
unclean until the evening. And he that twicheth his flesh shall wash
his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean unto the evening.
If any such spit upon him that is clean, he must wash his clothes and
bathe himself in water and be unclean until even. And whatsoever saddle
that he rideth upon, shall be unclean. And whosoever twicheth anything
that was under him, shall be unclean unto the evening. And he that
beareth any such things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in
water and be unclean unto the even, and whosoever he twicheth (if he
have not first washed his hands in water) must wash his clothes, and
bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the evening. And if he
twich a vessel of earth, it shall be broken: and all vessels of wood
shall be rinsed in the water. When he that hath an issue is cleansed of
his issue, let him number seven days after he is clean, and wash his
clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and then he is clean.
And the eighth day let him take two turtle doves or two young pigeons,
and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of witness,
and give them unto the priest. And the priest shall offer them: the one
for a sinoffering, and the other for a burntoffering: and make an
atonement for him before the LORD, as concerning his issue. If any
man's seed depart from him in his sleep, he shall wash his flesh in
water and be unclean until evening. And all the clothes or furs whereon
such seed chanceth shall be washed with water and be unclean unto the
evening. And if a woman lie with such a one, they shall wash them
selves with water and be unclean until even. When a woman's natural
course of blood runneth, she shall be put apart seven days: and
whosoever twicheth her shall be unclean unto the evening. And all that
she lieth {[or sitteth]} upon as long as she is put apart shall be
unclean. And whosoever twicheth her couch shall wash his clothes and
bathe himself with water and be unclean unto the evening. And whosoever
twicheth anything that she sat upon, shall wash his clothes and wash
himself also in water, and be unclean unto the even: so that whether he
twich her couch or anything whereon she hath sitten, he shall be
unclean unto the evening. And if a man lie with her in the mean time,
he shall be put apart as well as she and shall be unclean seven days,
and all his couch wherein he sleepeth shall be unclean. When a woman's
blood runneth long time: whether out of the time of her natural course:
as long as her uncleanness runneth, she shall be unclean after the
manner as when she is put apart. All her couches whereon she lieth (as
long as her issue lasteth) shall be unto her as her couch when she is
put apart. And whatsoever she sitteth upon, shall be unclean, as is her
uncleanness when she is put apart. And whosoever twicheth them, shall
be unclean, and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and
be unclean unto evening. And when {But if} she is cleansed {be clean}
of her issue, let her count her seven days, after that she is clean.
And the eighth day let her take two turtles or two young pigeons and
bring them unto the priest unto the door of the tabernacle of witness.
And the priest shall offer the one for a sinoffering, and the other for
a burntoffering: and so make an atonement for her before the LORD, as
concerning her unclean issue. Make the children of Israel to keep them
selves from their uncleanness, that they die not in their uncleanness:
when they have defiled my habitation that is among them. This is the
law of him that hath a running sore, and of him whose seed runneth from
him in his sleep and is defiled therewith, and of her that hath an
issue of blood as long as she is put apart, and of whosoever hath a
running sore whether it be man or woman, and of him that sleepeth with
her that is unclean.
Chapter .xvi.
And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron,
when they had offered before the LORD and died: And he said unto Moses:
speak unto Aaron thy brother that he go not at all times into the holy
place, that is whithin the vail that hangeth before the mercy seat
which is upon the ark that he die not. For I will appear in a cloud
upon the mercy seat. But of this manner shall Aaron go in into the holy
place: with a young ox {bullock} for a sinoffering, and a ram for a
burntoffering. And he shall put the holy linen alb upon him, and shall
have a linen breech upon his flesh, and shall gird him with a linen
girdle, and put the linen mitre upon his head: for they are holy
raiments. And he shall wash his flesh with water, and put them on. And
he shall take of the multitude of the children of Israel two goats for
a sinoffering and a ram for a burntoffering. And Aaron shall offer the
ox for his sinoffering and make an atonement for him and for his house.
And he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD in the
door of the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron cast lots over the two
goats: one lot for the LORD, and another for a scapegoat. And Aaron
shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for
a sinoffering. But the goat on which the lot fell to scape, he shall
set alive before the LORD to reconcile with and to let him go free into
the wilderness. And Aaron shall bring the ox of his sinoffering, and
reconcile for himself and for his household, and kill him. And then he
shall take a censer full of burning coals out of the altar that is
before the LORD, and his handful of sweet cense beaten small, and bring
them within the vail and put the cense upon the fire before the LORD:
that the cloud of the cense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the
witness, that he die not. And he shall take of the blood of the ox and
sprinkle it with his finger before the mercy seat eastward: even seven
times. Then shall he kill the goat that is the people's sinoffering,
and bring his blood within the vail, and do with his blood as he did
with the blood of the ox, and let him sprinkle it toward the mercy
seat, and before the mercy seat: and reconcile the holy place from the
uncleanness of the children of Israel, and from their trespasses and
all their sins. And so let him do also unto the tabernacle of witness
that dwelleth with them, even among their uncleannesses. And there
shall be nobody in the tabernacle of witness, when he goeth in to make
an atonement in the holy place, until he come out again. And he shall
make an atonement for himself and for his household, and for all the
multitude of Israel. Then he shall go out unto the altar that stondeth
before the LORD, and reconcile it, and shall take of the blood of the
ox and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar
round about, and sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven
times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleannesses of the
children of Israel. And when he hath made an end of reconciling the
holy place and the tabernacle of witness and the altar, let him bring
the live goat and let Aaron put both his hands upon the head of the
live goat, and confess over him all the misdeeds of the children of
Israel, and all their trespasses, and all their sins: and let him put
them upon the head of the goat and send him away by the hands of one
that is acquainted in the wilderness. And the goat shall bear upon him
all their misdeeds unto the wilderness, and he shall let the goat go
free in the wilderness. And let Aaron go in to the tabernacle of
witness and put off the line clothes which he put on when he went in
into the holy place, and leave them there. And let him wash his flesh
with water in the holy place, and put on his own raiment, and then come
out and offer his burntoffering and the burntoffering of the people,
and make an atonement for himself and for the people, and the fat of
the sinoffering let him burn upon the altar. And let him that carried
forth the scapegoat, wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in water, and
then come into the host again. And the ox of the sinoffering and the
goat of the sinoffering (whose blood was brought in to make an
atonement in the holy place) let one carry out without the host and
burn with fire: both their skins, their flesh and their dung. And let
him that burneth them, wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in water,
and then come into the host again. And it {this} shall be an ordinance
for ever unto you. And even in the tenth day of the seventh month, ye
shall humble your souls and shall do no work at all: whether it be one
of your selves or a stranger that sojourneth among you, for that day
shall an atonement be made for you to cleanse you from all your sins
before the LORD, and ye shall be clean. It shall be a Sabbath of rest
unto you, and ye shall humble your souls, and it shall be an ordinance
for ever. And the priest that is anointed and whose hand was filled to
minister in his father's stead, shall make the atonement and shall put
on the holy linen {[clothes and holy]} vestments, and reconcile the
holy sanctuary and the tabernacle of witness and the altar, and shall
make an atonement also for the priests and for all the people of the
congregation. And this shall be an everlasting ordinance unto you to
make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a
year: and it was done even as the LORD commanded Moses.
Chapter .xvij.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and unto his
sons and unto all the children of Israel and say unto them, this is the
thing which the LORD charged saying: whatsoever he be of the house of
Israel that killeth an ox, lamb or goat in the host or out of the host
and bringeth them not unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, to
offer an offering unto the LORD before the dwelling place of the LORD,
blood shall be imputed unto that man, as though he had shed blood, and
that man shall perish from among his people. Wherefore let the children
of Israel bring their offerings they offer in the wide field, unto the
LORD: even unto the door of the tabernacle of witness and unto the
priest, and offer them for peaceofferings unto the LORD. And the priest
shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD in the door of the
tabernacle of witness, and burn the fat to be a sweet savour unto the
LORD. And let them no more offer their offerings unto devils, after
whom they go an whoring. And this shall be an ordinance for ever unto
you thorowout your generations. And thou shalt say unto them:
whatsoever man it be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that
sojourn among you that offereth a burntoffering or any other offering,
and bringeth it not unto the door of the tabernacle of witness to offer
unto the LORD, that fellow shall perish from among his people. And
whatsoever man it be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that
sojourn among you that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face
against that soul that eateth blood, and will destroy him from among
his people, for the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given
it unto you upon the altar, to make an atonement for your souls, for
blood shall make an atonement for the soul. And therefore I said unto
the children of Israel: see that no soul of you eat blood, nor yet any
stranger that sojourneth among you. Whatsoever man it be of the
children of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you that
hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten, he shall pour
out the blood and cover it with earth. For the life of all flesh is in
the blood, therefore I said unto the children of Israel, ye shall eat
the blood of no manner of flesh, for the life of all flesh is in his
blood, and whosoever therefore eateth it shall perish. And whatsoever
soul it be that eateth that which died alone or that which was torn
with wild beasts: whether it be one of your selves or a stranger, he
shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and shall be unclean
unto the even, and then is he clean. But and if he wash them not nor
wash his flesh he shall bear his sin.
Chapter .xviij.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto the children of
Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. Wherefore after the
doings of the land of Egypt wherein ye dwelt, see that ye do not:
neither after the doings of the land of Canaan, whether I will bring
you, neither walk ye in their ordinances, but do after my judgments,
and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: for I am the LORD your God.
Keep therefore mine ordinances, and my judgments which if a man do he
shall live thereby: for I am the LORD. See that ye go to none of your
nyest kindred for to uncover their secrets, for I am the LORD. The
secrets of thy father and thy mother, see thou unhele not: she is thy
mother, therefore shalt thou not discover her secrets. The secrets of
thy father's wife shalt thou not discover, for they are thy father's
secrets. Thou shalt not discover the privity of thy sister, the
daughter of thy father or of thy mother: whether she be born at home or
without. Thou shalt not discover the secrets of thy son's daughter or
thy daughter's daughter, for that is thine own privity: Thou shalt not
discover the secrets of thy father's wife's daughter, which she bare to
thy father, for she is thy sister: thou shalt therefore not discover
her secrets. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's sister,
for she is thy father's next kin. {kinswoman.} Thou shalt not discover
the secrets of thy mother's sister, for she is thy mother's next kin.
{kinswoman.} Thou shalt not open {uncover} the secrets of thy father's
brother: that is thou shalt not go in to his wife, for she is thine
aunt. Thou shalt not discover {privities} the secrets of thy
daughter-in-law she is thy son's wife: therefore uncover not her
secrets. Thou shalt not unhele the secrets of thy brother's wife, for
that is thy brother's privity. Thou shalt not discover the privates of
the wife and her daughter also, neither shalt thou take her son's
daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover their secrets, they are
her next kin, it were therefore wickedness. Thou shalt not take a wife
and her sister thereto, to vex her that thou wouldest open her secrets
as long as she liveth. Thou shalt not go unto a woman to open her
secrets, {uncover her privity} as long as she is put apart for her
uncleanness. Thou shalt not lie with thy neighbour's wife, to defile
thyself with her. Thou shalt not give of thy seed to offer it unto
Moloch, that thou defile not the name of thy God, for I am the LORD.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, for that is
abomination. Thou shalt lie with no manner of beast to defile thyself
therewith, neither shall any woman stond before a beast to lie down
thereto, for that is abomination. Defile not your selves in any of
these things, for with all these things are these nations defiled which
I cast out before you: and the land is defiled, and I will visit the
wickedness thereof upon it. And the land shall spew out her inhabiters.
Keep ye therefore mine ordinances and judgements, and see that ye
commit none of these abominations: neither any of you nor any stranger
that sojourneth among you (for all these abominations have the men of
the land done which were there before you, and the land is defiled)
lest that the land spew you out when ye have defiled it, as it spewed
out the nations that were there before you. For whosoever shall commit
any of these abominations, the same souls that commit them shall perish
from among their people. Therefore see that ye keep mine ordinances,
that ye commit none of these abominable customs which were committed
before you: that ye defile not your selves therewith for I am the LORD
your God.
Chapter .xix.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto all the multitude of
the children of Israel, and say unto them. Be holy for I the LORD your
God am holy. See that ye fear every man his father and his mother, and
that ye keep my Sabbaths, for I am the LORD your God. Ye shall not turn
unto idols nor make you gods of metal: I am the LORD your God. When ye
offer your peaceofferings unto the LORD, ye shall offer them that ye
may be accepted. And it shall be eaten the same day ye offer it and on
the morrow, but whatsoever is left on the third day shall be burnt in
the fire. If it be eaten the third day, it shall be unclean and not
accepted. And he that eateth it shall bear his sin, because he hath
defiled the hallowed things of the LORD, and that soul shall perish
from among his people. When ye reap down the ripe corn of your land, ye
shall not reap down the utmost borders of your fields, neither shalt
thou gather that which is left behind in thy harvest. Thou shalt not
pluck in all thy vineyard clean, neither gather in the grapes that are
overscaped. But thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger. I am
the LORD your God. Ye shall not steal neither lie, neither deal falsely
one with another. Ye shall not swear by my name falsely: that thou
defilest not the name of thy God, I am the LORD. Thou shalt not beguile
thy neighbour with cavillations, neither rob him violently, neither
shall the workman's labour abide with thee until the morning. Thou
shalt not curse the deaf, neither put a stumbling block before the
blind: but shalt fear thy God. I am the LORD. Ye shall do no
unrighteousness in judgement. Thou shalt not favour the poor nor honour
the mighty, but shalt judge thy neighbour righteously. Thou shalt not
go up and down a privy accuser among thy people, neither shalt thou
help to shed the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not
hate thy brother in thine heart but shalt in any wise rebuke thy
neighbour: that thou bear not sin for his sake. Thou shalt not avenge
thyself nor bear hate in thy mind against the children of thy people,
but shalt love thy neighbour even as thyself. I am the LORD. Keep mine
ordinances. Let none of thy cattle gender with a contrary kind, neither
sow thy field with mingled seed, neither shalt thou put on any garment
of linen and woollen. If a man have to do with a woman that is bond and
hath been meddled with all of another man which neither is bought nor
freedom given her, there shall be a pain upon it: but they shall not
die, because she was not made free. And he shall bring for his
trespassoffering unto the LORD: even unto the door of the tabernacle of
witness, a ram for a trespass offering. And the priest shall make an
atonement for him with the ram of the trespassoffering before the LORD,
for his sin which he hath done: and it shall be forgiven him, as
concerning the sin which he hath done. And when ye come to the land and
have planted all manner of trees whereof men eat, ye shall hold them
uncircumcised as concerning their fruit: even three years shall they be
uncircumcised unto you and shall not be eaten of, and the fourth year
all the fruit of them shall be holy and acceptable to the LORD. And the
fifth year may ye eat of the fruit of them, and gather in the increase
of them: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall eat nothing with the blood,
ye shall use no witchcraft, nor observe dismal days, ye shall not round
the locks of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the tufts of thy beard.
Ye shall not rent your flesh for any soul's sake, nor print any marks
upon you: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not pollute thy daughter, that thou
wouldest maintain her to be an whore: lest the land fall to whoredom,
and wax full of wickedness. See that ye keep my Sabbaths and fear my
sanctuary: I am the LORD. Turn not to them that work with spirits,
neither regard them that observe dismal days: that ye be not defiled by
them, for I am the LORD your God. Thou shalt rise up before the
hoarhead, and reverence the face of the old man and dread thy God, for
I am the LORD. If a stranger sojourn by thee in your land, see that ye
vex him not: But let the stranger that dwelleth with you, be as one of
your selves, and love him as thy self, for ye were strangers in the
land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness
in judgement neither in meteyard, weight or measure. But ye shall have
true balances, true weights, a true Epha and a true hin. I am the LORD
your God which brought you out of the land of Egypt, that ye should
observe all mine ordinances and judgments and that ye should keep them:
I am the LORD.
Chapter .xx.
And the LORD talked with Moses saying: tell the children of Israel,
whosoever he be of the children of Israel or of the strangers that
dwell in Israel, that giveth of his seed unto Moloch he shall die for
it: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. And I will set
my face upon that fellow, and will destroy him from among his people:
because he hath given of his seed unto Moloch, for to defile my
sanctuary and to pollute mine holy name. And though that the people of
the land hide their eyes from that fellow, when he giveth of his seed
unto Moloch, so that they kill him not: yet I will put my face upon
that man and upon his household, {generation} and will destroy him and
all that go a whoring with him and commit whoredom with Moloch from
among their people. If any soul turn unto them that work with spirits
or makers of dismal days {turn him to enchanters or expounders of
tokens} and go a whoring after them, I will put my face upon that soul
and will destroy him from among his people. Sanctify your selves
therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And see that ye keep
mine ordinances and do them. For I am the LORD which sanctify you.
Whosoever curseth his father or mother, shall die for it, his blood on
his head, because he hath cursed his father or mother. He that breaketh
wedlock with another man's wife shall die for it, because he hath broke
wedlock with his neighbour's wife, and so shall she likewise. If a man
lie with his father's wife and uncover his father's secrets, they shall
both die for it, their blood be upon their heads. If a man lie with his
daughter- in-law they shall die both of them: they have wrought
abomination, their blood upon their heads. If a man lie with the
mankind after the manner as with womankind, they have both committed an
abomination and shall die for it. Their blood be upon their heads. If a
man take a wife and her mother thereto, it is wickedness. Men shall
burn with fire both him and them, that there be no wickedness among
you. If a man lie with a beast he shall die, and ye shall slay the
beast. If a woman go unto a beast and lie down thereto: thou shalt kill
the woman and the beast also they shall die, and their blood be upon
their heads. If a man take his sister, his father's daughter or his
mother's daughter, and see her secrets, and she see his secrets also:
it is a wicked thing. Therefore let them perish in the sight of their
people; he hath seen his sister's secretness, he shall therefore bear
his sin. If a man lie with a woman in time of her natural disease and
unheal {uncover} her secrets and uncover {open} her fountain, and she
also open the fountain of her blood, they shall both perish from among
their people. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy mother's sister
nor of thy father's sisters, for he that doth so, uncovereth his next
kin: and they shall bear their misdoing. If a man lie with his uncle's
wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's secrets: they shall bear their sin,
and shall die childless. If a man take his brother's wife, it is an
unclean thing, he hath uncovered his brother's secrets, they shall be
childless therefore. See that ye keep therefore all mine ordinances and
all my judgements, and that ye do them: that the land whither I bring
you to dwell therein, spew you not out. And see that ye walk not in the
manners of the nations which I cast out before you: For they committed
all these things, and I abhorred them. But I have said unto you that ye
shall enjoy their land, and that I will give it unto you to possess it:
even a land that floweth with milk and honey. I am the LORD your God,
which have separated you from other nations: that ye should put
difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls
and them that are clean. Make not your souls therefore abominable with
beasts and fowls, and with all manner thing that creepeth upon the
ground, which I have separated unto you to hold them unclean. Be holy
unto me, for I the LORD am holy and have severed you from other
nations: that ye should be mine. If there be man or woman that worketh
with a spirit or a maker of dismal days, {expoundeth tokens} they shall
die for it. Men shall stone them with stones, and their blood shall be
upon them.
Chapter .xxj.
And the LORD said unto Moses: speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron
and say unto them: A priest shall defile himself at the death of none
of his people, but upon his kin that is nye unto him: as his mother,
father, son, daughter and brother: and on his sister as long as she is
a maid and dwelleth nye him and was never given to man: on her he may
defile himself. But he shall not make himself unclean upon a ruler of
his people to pollute himself withal. They shall make them no baldness
upon their heads or shave off the locks of their beards, nor make any
marks in their flesh. They shall be holy unto their God, and not
pollute the name of their God, for the sacrifices of the LORD and the
bread of their God they do offer: therefore they must be holy. They
shall take no wife that is an whore, or polluted, or put from her
husband: for a priest is holy unto his God. Sanctify him therefore, for
he offereth up the bread of God: he shall therefore be holy unto thee,
for I the LORD which sanctify you, am holy. If a priest's daughter fall
to play the whore, she polluteth her father: therefore she shall be
burnt with fire. He that is the high priest among his brethren upon
whose head the anointing oil was poured and whose hand was filled to
put on the vestments, shall not uncover his head nor rent his clothes,
neither shall go to any dead body nor make himself unclean: no not on
his father or mother, neither shall go out of the sanctuary, that he
pollute not the holy place of his God, for the crown of the anointing
oil of God, is upon him. I am the LORD. He shall take a maiden unto his
wife: but no widow nor divorced nor polluted whore. But he shall take a
maiden of his own people to wife, that he defile not his seed upon his
people. For I am the LORD which sanctify him. And the LORD spake unto
Moses saying, speak unto Aaron and say: No man of thy seed in their
generations that hath any deformity upon him, shall prease for to offer
the bread of his God: For none that hath any blemish shall come near:
whether he be blind, lame, snoutnosed, or that hath any monstrous
member, or broken footed, or broken handed, or crook backed, or
perleyed, or goggle eyed, or mangy or skald, or hath his stones broken.
No man that is deformed of the seed of Aaron the priest, shall come nye
to offer the sacrifices of the LORD. If he have a deformity, he shall
not prese to offer the bread of his God. Notwithstanding he shall eat
of the bread of his God: even as well of the most holy, as of the holy:
but shall not go in unto the vail nor come nye the altar, because he is
deformed, that he pollute not my sanctuary, for I am the LORD that
sanctify them. And Moses told it unto Aaron and to his sons, and unto
all the children of Israel.
Chapter .xxij.
And the LORD communed with Moses saying: bid Aaron and his sons that
they abstain from the hallowed things of the children of Israel which
they have hallowed unto me, that they pollute not mine holy name: for I
am the LORD. Say unto them: whosoever he be of all your seed among your
generation after you, that goeth unto the hallowed things which the
children of Israel shall have hallowed unto the LORD, his uncleanness
shall be upon him: and that soul shall perish from out of my sight. I
am the LORD. None of the seed of Aaron that is a leper or that hath a
running sore, shall eat of the hallowed things until he be clean. And
whosoever twitcheth any unclean soul or man whose seed runneth from him
by night, or whosoever twicheth any worm that is unclean to him, or man
that is unclean to him, whatsoever uncleanness he hath: the same soul
that hath twiched any such thing, shall be unclean until even, and
shall not eat of the hallowed things until he have washed his flesh
with water. And then when the son is down he shall be clean and shall
afterward eat of the hallowed things: for they are his food. Of a beast
that dieth alone or is rent with wild beasts, he shall not eat, to
defile himself therewith: I am the LORD. But let them keep therefore
mine ordinance, lest they lade sin upon them and die therein when they
have defiled them selves: for I am the LORD which sanctify them. There
shall no stranger eat of the hallowed things, neither a guest of the
priests, or an hired servant. But if the priest buy any fowl with money
he may eat of it, and he also that is born in his house may eat of his
bread. If the priest's daughter be married unto a stranger, she may not
eat of the hallowed heave offerings. Notwithstanding if the priest's
daughter be a widow or divorced and have no child but is returned unto
her father's house again, she shall eat of her father's bread as well
as she did in her youth. But there shall no stranger eat thereof. If a
man eat of the hallowed things unwittingly, he shall put the fifth part
thereunto, and make good unto the priest the hallowed thing. And let
the priests see, that they defile not the hallowed things of the
children of Israel which they have offered unto the LORD, lest they
lade them selves with misdoing and trespass in eating their hallowed
things, for I am the LORD which hallow them. And the LORD spake unto
Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and his sons and unto all the children
of Israel and say unto them, whatsoever he be of the house of Israel or
stranger in Israel that will offer his offering: whatsoever vow or
freewill offering it be which they will offer unto the LORD for a
burntoffering to reconcile them selves, it must be a male without
blemish of the oxen, sheep or goats, let them offer nothing that is
deformed for they shall get no favour therewith. If a man will offer a
peaceoffering unto the LORD and separate a vow or a freewill offering
of the oxen or the flock, it must be without deformity, that it may be
accepted. There may be no blemish therein: whether it be blind, broken,
wounded or have a wen, or be mangy or scabbed; see that ye offer no
such unto the LORD, nor put an offering of any such upon the altar unto
the LORD. An ox or a sheep that hath any member out of proportion,
mayst thou offer for a freewill offering: but in a vow it shall not be
accepted. Thou shalt not offer unto the LORD that which hath his stones
bruised, broken, plucked out or cut away, neither shalt make any such
in your land, neither of a stranger's hand shall ye offer an offering
to your God of any such. For they mar all in that they have deformities
in them, and therefore can not be accepted for you. And the LORD spake
unto Moses saying: when an ox, a sheep or a goat is brought forth, it
shall be seven days under the dam. And from the eighth day forth, it
shall be accepted unto a gift in the sacrifice of the LORD. And whether
it be ox or sheep, ye shall not kill it, and her young: both in one
day. When ye will offer a thankoffering unto the LORD, ye shall so
offer it that ye may be accepted. And the same day it must be eaten up,
so that ye leave none of it until the morrow. For I am the LORD, keep
now my commandments and do them, for I am the LORD. And pollute not my
holy name, that I may be hallowed among the children of Israel. For I
am the LORD which hallow you, and brought you out of the land of Egypt,
to be your God: for I am the LORD.
Chapter .xxiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of
Israel, and say unto them: These are the feasts of the LORD which ye
shall call holy feasts. Six days ye shall work, and the seventh is the
Sabbath of rest an holy feast: so that ye may do no work therein, for
it is the Sabbath of the LORD, wheresoever ye dwell. These are the
feasts of the LORD which ye shall proclaim holy in their seasons. The
fourteenth day of the first month at evening is the LORD's Passover.
And the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of sweet bread
unto the LORD, seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. The first day
shall be an holy feast unto you, so that ye may do no laborious work
therein. But ye shall offer sacrifices unto the LORD seven days, and
the seventh day also shall be an holy feast, so that ye may do no
laborious work therein. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak
unto the children of Israel and say unto them: when ye be come into the
land which I give unto you and reap down your harvest, ye shall bring a
sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest, and he shall
wave the sheaf before the LORD to be accepted for you: and even the
morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And ye shall offer
the day when he waveth the sheaf, a lamb without blemish of a year old
for a burntoffering unto the LORD: and the meatoffering thereof, two
tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil to be a sacrifice unto the
LORD of a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereto, the fourth deal
of an hin of wine. And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn,
nor frumenty of new corn: until the self same day that ye have brought
an offering unto your God. And this shall be a law for ever unto your
children after you, wheresoever ye dwell. And ye shall count from the
morrow after the Sabbath: even from the day that ye brought the sheaf
of the waveoffering, seven weeks complete: even unto the morrow after
the seventh week ye shall number fifty days. And then ye shall bring a
new meatoffering unto the LORD. And ye shall bring out of your
habitations two wave loaves made of two tenth deals of fine flour
leavened and baken, for first fruits unto the LORD. And ye shall bring
with the bread seven lambs without deformity of one year of age, and
one young ox, and two rams, which shall serve for burntofferings unto
the LORD, with meatofferings and drink offerings longing to the same,
to be a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the LORD. And ye shall offer
an he goat for a sinoffering: and two lambs of one year old for
peaceofferings. And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the
first fruits before the LORD, and with the two lambs. And they shall be
holy unto the LORD, and be the priest's. And ye shall make a
proclamation the same day that it be an holy feast unto you, and ye
shall do no laborious work therein. And it shall be a law for ever
thorowout all your habitations unto your children after you. When ye
reap down your harvest, thou shalt not make clean riddance of thy
field, neither shalt thou make any aftergathering of thy harvest: but
shalt leave them unto the poor and the stranger. I am the LORD your
God. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of
Israel and say: The first day of the seventh month shall be a rest of
remembrance unto you, to blow horns in an holy feast it shall be, and
ye shall do no laborious work therein, and ye shall offer sacrifice
unto the LORD. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: also the tenth day
of the self seventh month, is a day of atonement, and shall be on holy
feast unto you, and ye shall humble your souls and offer sacrifice unto
the LORD. Moreover ye shall do no work the same day, for it is a day of
atonement to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For
whatsoever soul it be that humbleth not himself that day, he shall be
destroyed from among his people. And whatsoever soul do any manner work
that day, the same I will destroy from among his people. See that ye do
no manner work therefore. And it shall be a law for ever unto your
generations after you in all your dwellings. A Sabbath of rest it shall
be unto you, and ye shall humble your souls. The ninth day of the month
at evening and so forth from evening to evening again, ye shall keep
your Sabbath. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the
children of Israel and say: the fifteenth day of the same seventh month
shall be the feast of tabernacles seven days unto the LORD. The first
day shall be an holy feast, so that ye shall do no laborious work
therein. Seven days ye shall offer sacrifice unto the LORD, and the
eighth day shall be an holy feast unto you, and ye shall offer
sacrifice unto the LORD. It is the end of the feast, and ye shall do no
laborious work therein. These are the feasts of the LORD which ye shall
proclaim holy feasts, for to offer sacrifice unto the LORD,
burntofferings, meatofferings, and drinkofferings every day: beside the
Sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and all your vows, and all
your freewill offerings which ye shall give unto the LORD. Moreover in
the fifteenth day of the seventh month after that ye have gathered in
the fruits of the land, ye shall keep holy day unto the LORD seven days
long. The first day shall be a day of rest, and the eighth day shall be
a day of rest. And ye shall take you the first day, the fruits of
goodly trees and the branches of palm trees and the boughs of thick
trees, and willows of the brook, and shall rejoice before the LORD
seven days. And ye shall keep it holy day unto the LORD seven days in
the year. And it shall be a law for ever unto your children after you,
that ye keep that feast in the seventh month. And ye shall dwell in
booths seven days: even all that are Israelites born, shall dwell in
booths, that your children after you may know how that I made the
children of Israel dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land
of Egypt: for I am the LORD your God. And Moses told all the feasts of
the LORD unto the children of Israel.
Chapter .xxiiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: command the children of Israel
that they bring unto thee, pure oil olive beaten for lights to pour
into the lamps always, without the vail of testimony {witness} within
the tabernacle of witness. And Aaron shall dress them both evening and
morning before the LORD always. And if shall be a law for ever among
your children after you. And he shall dress the lamps upon the pure
candlestick before the LORD perpetually. And thou shalt take fine flour
and bake twelve wastels thereof, two tenth deals shall every wastel be.
And make two rows of them, six on a row upon the pure table before the
LORD, and put pure frankincense upon the rows. And it shall be bread of
remembrance, and an offering to the LORD. Every Sabbath he shall put
them in rows before the LORD evermore, given of the children of Israel,
that it be an everlasting covenant. And they shall be Aaron's and his
sons, and they shall eat them in the holy place. For they are most holy
unto him of the offerings of the LORD, and shall be a duty for ever.
And the son of an Israelitish wife whose father was an Egyptian, went
out among the children of Israel. And this son of the Israelitish wife
and a man of Israel, strove together in the host. And the Israelitish
woman's son blasphemed the name and cursed, and they brought him unto
Moses. And his mother's name was Selamith, the daughter of Dibri of the
tribe of Dan: and they put him in ward, that Moses should declare unto
them what the LORD said thereto. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying,
bring him that cursed {blasphemed} without the host, and let all that
heard him, put their hands upon his head, and let all the multitude
stone him. And speak unto the children of Israel saying: Whosoever
curseth his God, shall bear his sin: And he that blasphemeth the name
of the LORD, shall die for it: all the multitude shall stone him to
death. And the stranger as well as the Israelite if he curse the name,
shall die for it. He that killeth any man, shall die for it, but he
that killeth a beast shall pay for it, beast for beast. If a man maim
his neighbour, as he hath done, so shall it be done to him again: broke
for broke, eye for eye and tooth for tooth: even as he hath maimed a
man, so shall he be maimed again. So now he that killeth a beast, shall
pay for it: but he that killeth a man, shall die for it. Ye shall have
one manner of law among you: even for the stranger as well as for one
of your selves, for I am the LORD your God. And Moses told the children
of Israel, that they should bring him that had cursed, out of the host,
and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD
commanded Moses.
Chapter .xxv.
And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai saying, speak unto the
children of Israel and say unto them: When ye be come in to the land
which I give you, let the land rest a Sabbath unto the LORD. Six years
thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt cut thy vines and
gather in thy fruits. But the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest
unto the land. The LORD's Sabbath it shall be, and thou shalt neither
sow thy field, nor cut thy vines. The corn that groweth by itself thou
shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes that grow without thy
dressing: but it shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land. Nevertheless
the Sabbath of the land shall be meat for you: even for thee and thy
servant and for thy maid and for thy hired servant and for the stranger
that dwelleth with thee: and for thy cattle and for the beasts that are
in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be meat. Then number seven
weeks of years, that is, seven times seven years: and the space of the
seven weeks of years will be unto thee forty nine years. And then thou
shalt make an horn blow: even in the tenth day of the seventh month,
which is the day of atonement. And then shall ye make the horn blow,
even thorowout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year,
and proclaim liberty thorowout the land unto all the inhabiters
thereof. It shall be a year of horns blowing unto you and ye shall
return: every man unto his possession and every man unto his kindred
again. A year of horns blowing shall that fiftieth year be unto you. Ye
shall not sow neither reap the corn that groweth by itself, nor gather
the grapes that grow without thy labour. For it is a year of horns
blowing and shall be holy unto you: how be it, yet ye shall eat of the
increase of the field. And in this year of horns blowing ye shall
return, every man unto his possession again. When thou sellest ought
unto thy neighbour or buyest of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not
oppress one another: but according to the number of years after the
trompet year, thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the
number of fruit years, he shall sell unto thee. According unto the
multitude of years, thou shalt increase the price thereof and according
to the fewness of years, thou shalt minish the price: for the number of
fruit he shall sell unto thee. And see that no man oppress his
neighbour, but fear thy God. For I am the LORD your God. Wherefore do
after mine ordinances and keep my laws and do them, that ye may dwell
in the land in safety. And the land shall give her fruit, and ye shall
eat your fill and dwell therein in safety. If ye shall say, what shall
we eat the seventh year inasmuch as we shall not sow nor gather in our
increase?. I will send my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it
shall bring forth fruit for three years: and ye shall sow the eighth
year and eat of old fruit until the ninth year, and even until her
fruits come, ye shall eat of old store. Wherefore the land shall not be
sold for ever, because that the land is mine, and ye but strangers and
sojourners with me: and ye shall thorowout all the land of your
possession, let the land go home free again. When thy brother is waxed
poor and hath sold away of his possession: if any of his kin come to
redeem it, he shall buy out that which his brother sold. And though he
have no man to redeem it for him, yet if his hand can get sufficient to
buy it out again, then let him count how long it hath been sold, and
deliver the rest unto him to whom he sold it, and so he shall return
unto his possession again. But and if his hand can not get sufficient
to restore it to him again, then that which is sold shall remain in the
hand of him that hath bought it, until the horn year: {jubilee} and in
the horn year {of Jubilee} it shall come out, and he shall return unto
his possession again. If a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city,
he may buy it out again any time within a whole year after it is sold:
and that shall be the space in which he may redeem it again. But and if
it be not bought out again within the space of a full year, then the
house in the walled city shall be stablished for ever unto him that
bought it and to his successors after him and shall not go out in the
trompet year. {of jubilee} But the houses in villages which have no
walls round about them, shall be counted like unto the fields of the
country, and may be bought out again at any season, and shall go out
free in the trompet year. {of jubilee} Notwithstanding the cities of
the Levites and the houses in the cities of their possessions the
Levites may redeem at all seasons. And if a man purchase ought of the
Levites: whether it be house or city that they possess, the bargain
shall go out in the trompet year {of jubilee} for the houses of the
cities of the Levites, are their possessions among the children of
Israel. But the fields that lie round about their cities, shall not be
bought: for they are their possessions for ever. If thy brother be
waxed poor and fallen in decay with thee, receive him as a stranger or
a sojourner, and let him live by thee. And thou shalt take none usury
of him, nor yet vantage. But shalt fear thy God, that thy brother may
live with thee. Thou shalt not lend him thy money upon usury, nor lend
him of thy food to have advantage by it for I am the LORD your God
which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of
Canaan and to be your God. If thy brother that dwelleth by thee wax
poor and sell himself unto thee, thou shalt not let him labour as a
bondservant doeth: but as an hired servant and as a sojourner he shall
be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the trompet year, {of jubilee}
and then shall he depart from thee: both he and his children with him,
and shall return unto his own kindred again and unto the possessions of
his fathers; for they are my servants which I brought out of the land
of Egypt, and shall not be sold as bondmen. See therefore that thou
reign not over him cruelly, but fear thy God. If thou wilt have
bondservants and maidens, thou shalt buy them of the heathen that are
round about you, and of the children of the strangers that are
sojourners among you, and of their generations that are with you, which
they begat in your land. And ye shall possess them and give them unto
your children after you, to possess them for ever: and they shall be
your bond men. But over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall
not reign one over another cruelly. When a stranger and a sojourner
waxeth rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him waxeth poor
and sell himself unto the stranger that dwelleth by thee or to any of
the stranger's kin: after that he is sold he may be redeemed again: one
of his brethren may buy him out: whether it be his uncle or his uncle's
son, or any that is nye of kin unto him of his kindred: either if his
hand can get so much he may be loosed. And he shall reckon with him
that bought him, from the year that he was sold in unto the trompet
year, and the price of his buying shall be according unto the number of
years, and he shall be with him as a hired servant. If there be yet
many years behind, according unto them he shall give again for his
deliverance, of the money that he was sold for. If there remain but few
years unto the trompet year, he shall so count with him, and according
unto his years give him again for his redemption, and shall be with him
year by year as an hired servant, and the other shall not reign cruelly
over him in thy sight. If he be not bought free in the meantime, then
he shall go out in the trompet year and his children with him; for the
children of Israel are my servants which I brought out of the land of
Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Chapter .xxvi.
Ye shall make you no idols, nor graven image, neither rear you up any
pillar, neither ye shall set up any image of stone in your land to bow
your selves thereto: for I am the LORD your God; keep my Sabbaths and
fear my sanctuary. For I am the LORD. If ye shall walk in mine
ordinances and keep my commandments and do them, then I will send you
rain in the right season and your land shall yield her increase and the
trees of the field shall give their fruit. And the threshing shall
reach unto wine harvest, and the wine harvest shall reach unto sowing
time, and ye shall eat your bread in plenteousness, and shall dwell in
your land peaceably. And I will send peace in your land, that ye shall
sleep, and no man shall make you afraid. And I will rid evil beasts out
of your land, and there shall no sword go thorowout your land. And ye
shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you upon the
sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you
shall put ten thousand to flight, and your enemies shall fall before
you upon the sword. And I will turn unto you and increase you and
multiply you, and set up my testament with you. And ye shall eat old
store, and cast out the old for plenteousness of the new. I will make
my dwelling place among you, and my soul shall not loathe you. And I
will walk among you and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
For I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of the
Egyptians, that ye should not be their bondmen, and I brake the bows of
your yokes, and made you go up right. But and if ye will not hearken
unto me, nor will do all these my commandments, or if ye shall despise
mine ordinances either if your souls refuse my laws, so that ye will
not do all my commandments, but shall break mine appointment: then I
will do this again unto you: I will visit you with vexations, swelling
and fevers, that shall make your eyes dazzle, and with sorrows of
heart. And ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat
it. And I will set my face against you and ye shall fall before your
enemies, and they that hate you shall reign over you, and ye shall flee
when no man followeth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken
unto me, then will I punish you seven times more for your sins, and
will break the pride of your strength. For I will make the heaven over
you as hard as iron, and your land as hard as brass. And so your labour
shall be spent in vain. For your land shall not give her increase,
neither the trees of the land shall give their fruits. And if ye walk
contrary unto me and will not hearken unto me, I will bring seven times
more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will send in wild
beasts upon you, which shall rob you of your children and destroy your
cattle, and make you so few in number that your high ways shall grow
unto a wilderness. And if ye will not be learned yet for all this but
shall walk contrary unto me, then will I also walk contrary unto you
and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. I will send a sword
upon you, that shall avenge my testament with you. And when ye are fled
unto your cities, I will send the pestilence among you, ye shall be
delivered into the hands of your enemies. And when I have broken the
staff of your bread: that ten wives shall bake your bread in one oven
and men shall deliver you your bread again by weight, then shall ye eat
and shall not be satisfied. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken
unto me, but shall walk contrary unto me, then I will walk contrary
unto you also wrathfully, and will also chastise you seven times for
your sins: so that ye shall eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of
your daughters. And I will destroy your altars built upon high hills,
and overthrow your images, and cast your carcasses upon the bodies of
your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities
desolate, and bring your sanctuaries unto nought, and will not smell
the savours of your sweet odours. And I will bring the land unto a
wilderness: so that your enemies which dwell therein shall wonder at
it. And I will straw you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword
after you, and your land shall be waste, and your cities desolate. Then
the land shall rejoice in her Sabbaths, as long as it lieth void and ye
in your enemies' land: even then shall the land keep holy day and
rejoice in her Sabbaths. And as long as it lieth void it shall rest,
for that it could not rest in your Sabbaths, when ye dwelt therein. And
upon them that are left alive of you, I will send a faintness into
their hearts in the land of their enemies: so that the sound of a leaf
that falleth, shall chase them and they shall flee as though they fled
a sword, and shall fall no man following them. And they shall fall one
upon another, as it were before a sword even no man following them, and
ye shall have no power to stond before your enemies: And ye shall
perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you
up. And they that are left of you, shall pine away in their
unrighteousness, even in their enemies' land, and also in the misdeeds
of their fathers shall they consume. And they shall confess their
misdeeds and the misdeeds of their fathers in their trespasses which
they have trespassed against me, and for that also that they have
walked contrary unto me. Therefore I also will walk contrary unto them,
and will bring them into the land of their enemies. And then at the
least way their uncircumcised hearts shall be tamed, and then they
shall make an atonement for their misdeeds. And I will remember my bond
with Iacob and my testament with Isaac, and my testament with Abraham,
and will think on the land. For the land shall be left of them and
shall have pleasure in her Sabbaths, while she lieth waste without
them, and they shall make an atonement for their misdeeds, because they
despised my laws and their souls refused mine ordinances. And yet for
all that when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not so cast
them away nor my soul shall not so abhor them, that I will utterly
destroy them and break mine appointment with them: for I am the LORD
their God. I will therefore remember unto them the first covenant made
when I brought them out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the
heathen to be their God: for I am the LORD. These are the ordinances,
judgements, and laws which the LORD made between him and the children
of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.
Chapter .xxvij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel
and say unto them: If any man will give a singular vow unto the LORD
according to the value of his soul, then shall the male from twenty
years unto forty be set at fifty sicles of silver, after the sicle of
the sanctuary, and the female at thirty sicles. And from five years to
twenty the male shall be set at twenty sicles, and the female at ten
sicles. And from a month unto five years, the male shall be set at five
sicles of silver, and the female at three. And the man that is forty
and above, shall be valued at fifteen sicles, and the woman at ten. If
he be too poor so to be set, then let him come before the priest: and
let the priest value him, according as the hand of him that vowed is
able to get. If it be of the beasts of which men bring an offering unto
the LORD: all that any man giveth of such unto the LORD, shall be holy.
He may not alter it nor change it: a good for a bad or a bad for good.
If he change beast for beast, then both the same beast and it also
wherewith it was changed shall be holy. If it be any manner of unclean
beast of which men may not offer unto the LORD, let him bring the beast
before the priest and let the priest value it. And whether it be good
or bad as the priest setteth it, so shall it be. And if he will buy it
again, let him give the fifth part more to that it was set at. If any
man dedicate his house, it shall be holy unto the LORD. And the priest
shall set it; whether it be good or bad, and as the priest hath set it,
so it shall be. If he that sanctified it will redeem his house, let him
give the fifth part of the money that it was judged at thereto, and it
shall be his. If a man hallow a piece of his inherited land unto the
LORD, it shall be set according to that it beareth. If it bear an homer
of barley, it shall be set at fifty sicles of silver. If he hallow his
field immediately from the trompet year, it shall be worth according as
it is esteemed. But and if he hallow his field after the trumpet year,
the priest shall reckon the price with him according to the years that
remain unto the trumpet year, and thereafter it shall be lower set. If
he that sanctified the field will redeem it again, let him put the
fifth part of the price that it was set at, thereunto, and it shall be
his: if he will not it shall be redeemed no more. But when the field
goeth out in the trompet year, it shall be holy unto the LORD: even as
a thing dedicated, and it shall be the priest's possession. If a man
sanctify unto the LORD a field, which he hath bought and is not of his
inheritance, then the priest shall reckon with him what it is worth
unto the trompet year, {year of jubilee} and he shall give the price
that it is set at the same day, and it shall be holy unto the LORD. But
in the trompet year, the field shall return unto him of whom he bought
it, whose inheritance of land it was. And all setting shall be
according to the holy sicle. One sicle maketh twenty geras. But the
firstborn of the beasts that pertain unto the LORD, may no man
sanctify: whether it be ox or sheep, for they are the LORD's already.
If it be an unclean beast, then let him redeem it as it is set at, and
give the fifth part more thereto. If it be not redeemed, then let it be
sold as it is rated. Notwithstanding no dedicated thing that a man
dedicateth unto the LORD, of all his goods, whether it be man or beast
or land of his inheritance, shall be sold or redeemed: for all dedicate
things are most holy unto the LORD. No dedicated thing therefore that
is dedicate of man, may be redeemed, but must needs die. All these
tithes of the land, whether it be of the corn of the field or fruit of
the trees, shall be holy unto the LORD. If any man will redeem ought of
his tithes, let him add the fifth part more thereto. And the tithes of
oxen and sheep and of all that goeth under the herdman's keeping, shall
be holy tithes unto the LORD. Men shall not look if it be good or bad
nor shall change it. If any man change it then both it and that it was
changed withall, shall be holy and may not be redeemed. These are the
commandments which the LORD gave Moses in charge to give unto the
children of Israel in mount Sinai.
The end of the third book of Moses.
The Fourth Book of Moses, called Numbers {Numeri}
Chapter .j.
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the
tabernacle of witness, the first day of the second month, and in the
second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt saying: take
ye the sum of all the multitude of the children of Israel, in their
kindreds and households of their fathers and number them by name all
that are males, poll by poll, from twenty years and above: even all
that are able to go forth in to war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall
number them in their armies, and with you shall be of every tribe a
head man in the house of his father. And these are the names of the men
that shall stond with you: in Ruben, Elizur the son of Sedeur: In
Simeon, Selumiel: the son of Zuri Sadai: In the tribe of Iuda, Nahesson
the son of Aminadab: In Isachar, Nathaneel the son of Zuar: In Zabulon,
Eliab the son of Helon. Among the children of Ioseph: In Ephraim,
Elisama the son of Amihud: In Manasse, Gamaliel the son of Pedazur: In
BenIamin, Abidan the son of Gedeoni: In Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammi
Sadai: In Aser, Pagiel the son of Ochran: In Gad, Elisaph the son of
Deguel: In Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan. These were councillors of
the congregation and lords in the tribes of their fathers and captains
over thousands in Israel. And Moses and Aaron took these men above
named and gathered all the congregation together, the first day of the
second month, and reckoned them after their birth and kindreds and
houses of their fathers by name from twenty years and above head by
head, as the LORD commanded Moses, even so he numbered them in the
wilderness of Sinai. And the children of Ruben Israel's eldest son in
their generations, kindreds and houses of their fathers, when they were
numbered every man by name, all that were males from twenty years and
above, as many as were able to go forth in war: were numbered in the
tribe of Ruben, forty six thousand and five hundred. Among the children
of Simeon: their generation in their kindreds and houses of their
fathers (when every man's name was told) of all the males from twenty
years and above, whatsoever was meet for the war: were numbered in the
tribe of Simeon forty nine thousand and three hundred. Among the
children of Gad: their generation in their kindreds and households of
their fathers, when they were told by name, from twenty years and
above, all that were mete for the war: were numbered in the tribe of
Gad forty five thousand, six hundred and fifty. Among the children of
Iuda: their generation in their kindreds and houses of their fathers
(by the number of names) from twenty years and above, all that were
able to war, were told in the tribe of Iuda seventy four thousand and
six hundred. Among the children of Isachar: their generation, in their
kindreds and houses of their fathers (when their names were counted)
from twenty years and above, whatsoever was apt for war, were numbered
in the tribe of Isachar fifty four thousand and four hundred. Among the
children of Zabulon: their generation, in their kindreds and houses of
their fathers (after the number of names) from twenty years and above,
whosoever was mete for the war: were counted in the tribe of Zabulon
fifty seven thousand and four hundred. Among the children of Ioseph:
first among the children of Ephraim: their generation, in their
kindreds and houses of their fathers (when the names of all that were
apt to the war were told) from twenty years and above: were in number
in the tribe of Ephraim, forty thousand, and six hundred. Among the
children of Manasse: their generation, in their kindreds and houses of
their fathers (when the names of all that were apt to war were told)
from twenty and above were numbered in the tribe of Manasse thirty two
thousand and two hundred. Among the children of BenIamin: their
generation, in their kindreds and houses of their fathers (by the tale
of names) from twenty years and above of all that were mete for war,
were numbered in the tribe of BenIamin thirty five thousand and four
hundred. Among the children of Dan: their generation in their kindreds
and houses of their fathers (in the sum of names) of all that was apt
to war from twenty years and above, were numbered in the tribe of Dan
fifty seven thousand and seven hundred. Among the children of Asser:
their generation, in their kindreds and houses of their fathers (when
they were summed by name) from twenty years and above, all that were
apt to war were numbered in the tribe of Asser forty one thousand and
five hundred. Among the children of Naphtali: their generation in their
kindreds and houses of their fathers (when their names were told) from
twenty years and above, whatsoever was mete to war: were numbered in
the tribe of Naphtali fifty three thousand and four hundred. These are
the numbers which Moses and Aaron numbered with the twelve princes of
Israel: of every house of their fathers a man. And all the numbers of
the children of Israel, in the houses of their fathers, from twenty
years and above, whatsoever was mete for the war in Israel, drew unto
the sum of six hundred [and three] thousand, five hundred and fifty.
But the Levites in the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among
them. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: only see that thou number
not the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children
of Israel. But thou shalt appoint the Levites unto the habitation of
witness, and to all the apparel thereof and unto all that longeth
thereto. For they shall bear the tabernacle and all the ordinance
thereof, and they shall minister it and shall pitch their tents round
about it. And when the tabernacle goeth forth the Levites shall take it
down: and when the tabernacle is pitched, they shall set it up: for if
any stranger come near, he shall die. And the children of Israel shall
pitch their tents, every man in his own company and every man by his
own standard thorowout all their hosts. But the Levites shall pitch
round about the habitation of witness, that there fall no wrath upon
the congregation of the children of Israel, and the Levites shall wait
upon the habitation of witness. And the children of Israel did
according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.
Chapter .ij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: The children of Israel
shall pitch: every man by his own standard with the arms of their
father's houses, a way from the presence of the tabernacle of witness.
On the eastside toward the rising of the son, shall they of the
standard of the host of Iuda pitch with their arms: And Nahesson the
son of Aminadab shall be captain over the sons of Iuda. And his host
and the number of them seventy four thousand and six hundred. And next
unto him shall the tribe of Isachar pitch and Nathaneel the son of Zuar
captain over the children of Isachar: his host and the number of them
fifty four thousand and four hundred. And then the tribe of Zabulon:
with Eliab the son of Helon, captain over the children of Zabulon, and
his host in the number of them: fifty seven thousand and four hundred.
So that all they that pertain unto the host of Iuda, are an hundred
thousand eighty six thousand and four hundred in their companies: and
these shall go in the forefront, when they journey. And on the south
side, the standard of the host of Ruben shall lie with their companies
and the captain over the sons of Ruben, Elizur the son of Sedeur, and
his host and the number of them forty six thousand, and five hundred.
And fast by him shall the tribe of Simeon pitch, and the captain over
the sons of Simeon. Salumiel the son of Zuri Sadai, and his host and
the number of them forty nine thousand and three hundred. And the tribe
of Gad also: And the captain over the sons of Gad, Eliasaph the son of
Deguel and his host and the number of them forty five thousand six
hundred and fifty. So that all the number that pertain unto the host of
Ruben, are an hundred thousand, fifty one thousand, four hundred and
fifty, with their companies, and they shall be the second in the
journey. And the tabernacle of witness with the host of the Levites,
shall go in the midst of the hosts: as they lie in their tents, even so
shall they proceed in the journey, every man in his quarter about their
standards. On the west side, the standard and the host of Ephraim shall
lie with their companies. And the captain over the sons of Ephraim,
Elisama the son of Amihud: and his host and the number of them forty
thousand and five hundred. And fast by him, the tribe of Manasse, and
the captain over the sons of Manasse, Gamaliel the son of Peda Zur and
his host and the number of them thirty two thousand and two hundred.
And the tribe of BenIamin also: and the captain over the sons of
BenIamin, Abidan the son of Gedeoni, and his host and the number of
them thirty five thousand and four hundred. All the number that
pertained unto the host of Ephraim, were an hundred thousand eight
thousand and an hundred in their hosts: and they shall be the third in
the journey. And the standard and the host of Dan shall lie on the
north side with their companies: and the captain over the children of
Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai: and his host and the number of them
sixty two thousand and seven hundred. And fast by him shall the tribe
of Asser pitch: and the captain over the sons of Asser, Pagiel the son
of Ochran: and his host and the number of them forty one thousand and
five hundred. And the tribe of Naphtali also, and the captain over the
children of Naphtali: Ahira the son of Enan: and his host and the
number of them fifty three thousand and four hundred. So that the whole
number of all that pertained unto the host of Dan, was an hundred
thousand fifty seven thousand and six hundred. And they shall be the
last in the journey with their standards. These are the sums of the
children of Israel in the houses of their fathers: even all the numbers
of the hosts with their companies six hundred thousand three thousand
five hundred and fifty. And yet the Levites were not numbered among the
children of Israel, as the LORD commanded Moses. And the children of
Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, and so they
pitched with their standards, and so they journeyed: every man in his
kindred, and in the household of his father.
Chapter .iij.
These are the generations of Aaron and Moses, when the LORD spake unto
Moses in Mount Sinai, and these are the names of the sons of Aaron:
Nadab the eldest son, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. These are the
names of the sons of Aaron which were priests anointed and their hands
filled to minister, but Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, as they
brought strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and
had no children. And Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the sight of
Aaron their father. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: bring the
tribe of Levi, and set them before Aaron the priest, and let them serve
him and wait upon him, and upon all the multitude, before the
tabernacle of witness, to do the service of the habitation. And they
shall wait upon all the apparel of the tabernacle of witness, and upon
the children of Israel, to do the service of the habitation. And thou
shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and his sons, for they are given unto
him of the children of Israel. And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his
sons to wait on their priests' office: and the stranger that cometh
nye, shall die for it. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: behold, I
have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel, for all the
firstborn that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel, so
that the Levites shall be mine: because all the firstborn are mine: for
the same day that I smote all the first born in the land of Egypt, I
hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast, and
mine they shall be: for I am the LORD. And the LORD spake unto Moses in
the wilderness of Sinai saying: Number the children of Levi in the
houses of their fathers and kindreds, all that are males from a month
old and above. And Moses numbered them at the word of the LORD, as he
was commanded. And these are the names of the children of Levi: Gerson,
Cahath, and Merari. And these are the names of the children of Gerson
in their kindreds: Libni and Semei. And the sons of Cahath in their
kindred were Amram, Iezehar, Hebron and Usiel. And the sons of Merari
in their kindreds were Maheli and Musi. These are the kindreds of Levi
in the houses of their fathers. And of Gerson came the kindred of the
Libnites and the Semeites, which are the kindreds of the Gersonites.
And the sum of them (when all the males were told) from a month old and
above, were seven thousand and five hundred. And the kindreds of the
Gersonites pitched behind the habitation westward. And the captain of
the most ancient house among the Gersonites, was Eliasaph the son of
Lael. And the office of the children of Gerson in the tabernacle of
witness was the habitation and the tent with the covering thereof and
the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the hangings
of the court, and the curtain of the door of the court: which court
went round about the dwelling, and the altar, and the cords that
pertained unto all the service thereof. And of Cahath came the kindred
of the Amramites and the kindred of the Iezeharites and of the
Hebronites and of the Usielites: And these are the kindreds of the
Cahathites. And the number of all the males from a month old and above,
was eight thousand and six hundred: which waited on the holy place. And
the kindred of the children of Cahath, pitched on the south side of the
dwelling. And the captain in the most ancient house of the kindreds of
the Cahathites, was Elizaphan the son of Usiel, and their office was:
[to keep] the ark, the table, the candlestick, and the altar, and the
holy vessels to minister with and the vail with all that served
thereto. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, was captain over all
the captains of the Levites, and had the oversight of them that waited
upon the holy things. And of Merari came the kindreds of the Mahelites
and of the Musites: and these are the kindreds of the Merarites. And
the number of them (when all the males from a month old and above was
told) drew unto six thousand and two hundred. And the captain of the
most ancient house among the kindreds of the Merarites, was Zuriel the
son of Abihail which pitched on the north side of the dwelling. And the
office of the sons of Merari was: the boards of the dwelling and the
bars, pillars with the sockets thereof, and all the instruments there
of and all that served thereto: and the pillars of the court round
about and their sockets, with their pins and cords. But on the
forefront of the habitation and before the tabernacle of witness
eastward, shall Moses and Aaron and his sons pitch and wait on the
sanctuary in the stead of the children of Israel. And the stranger that
cometh nye, shall die for it. And the whole sum of the Levites which
Moses and Aaron numbered, at the commandment of the LORD thorowout
their kindreds even, of all the males of a month old and above, was
twenty two thousand. And the LORD said unto Moses: Number all the first
born that are males among the children of Israel, from a month old and
above, and take the number of their names. And thou shalt appoint the
Levites to me the LORD, for all the firstborn among the children of
Israel, and the cattle of the Levites for the firstborn of the children
of Israel. And Moses numbered as the LORD commanded him, all the
firstborn of the children of Israel. And all the firstborn males, in
the sum of names, from a month old and above, were numbered twenty two
thousand two hundred and seventy three. And the LORD spake unto Moses
saying: take the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of
Israel, and the cattle of the Levites for their cattle: and the Levites
shall be mine which am the LORD. And for the redeeming of the two
hundred and seventy three which are more than the Levites in the
firstborn of the children of Israel, take five sicles of every piece,
after the sicles of the holy place, twenty geras the sicles. And give
the money wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and
his sons. And Moses took the redemption money of the overplus that were
more than the Levites, among the firstborn of the children of Israel:
and it came to a thousand three hundred and sixty five sicles, of the
holy sicle. And he gave that redemption money unto Aaron and his sons
at the word of the LORD, even as the LORD commanded Moses.
Chapter .iiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, and bade them take the sum of
the children of Cahath from among the sons of Levi, in their kindreds
and houses of their fathers from thirty years and above until fifty,
all that were able to war, for to do the work in the tabernacle of
witness: even in the most holy place. {[This shall be the office of the
Kahath in the tabernacle of witness which is most holy.]} And when the
host removeth, Aaron and his sons shall come and take down the vail,
and cover the ark of witness therewith, and shall put thereon a
covering of taxus' skins, and shall spread a cloth that is altogether
of jacinth above all, and put the staves thereof in. And upon the shew
table, they shall spread a cloth of jacinth, and put thereon, the
dishes, spoons, flat pieces and pots to pour with, and the daily bread
shall be thereon: and they shall spread upon them a covering of purple,
and cover the same with a covering of taxus' skins, and put the staves
thereof in. And they shall take a cloth of jacinth and cover the
candlestick of light and her lamps and her snuffers, and firepans, and
all her oil vessels which they occupy about it, and shall put upon her
and on all her instruments, a covering of taxus' skins, and put it upon
staves. And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of Iacinth,
and put on her staves. And they shall take all the things which they
occupy to minister with in the holy place, and put a cloth of Iacinth
upon them and cover them with a covering of taxus' skins and put them
on staves. And they shall take away the ashes out of the altar, and
spread a scarlet cloth thereon: and put about it, the firepans, the
fleshhooks, the shovels, the basins, and all that belongeth unto the
altar, and they shall spread upon it a covering of taxus' skins, and
put on the staves of it. And when Aaron and his sons have made an end
of covering the sanctuary and all things of the sanctuary, against that
the host remove, then the sons of Cahath shall come in for to bear, and
so let them not twich the sanctuary lest they die. And this is the
charge of the sons of Cahath in the tabernacle of witness. And Eleazar
the son of Aaron the priest, shall have the charge to prepare oil for
the lights and sweet cense, and the daily meatoffering and the
anointing oil, and the oversight of all the dwelling and of all that
therein is, both over the sanctuary and over all that pertaineth
thereto. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: destroy not
the tribe of the kindreds of the Cahathites, from among the Levites.
But thus do unto them that they may live and not die, when they go unto
the most holy place. Aaron and his sons shall go in and put them, every
man unto his service and unto his burthen. But let them not go in to
see when they cover the sanctuary, lest they die. And the LORD spake
unto Moses saying: Take the sum of the children of Gerson, in the
houses of their fathers and in their kindreds: from thirty years and
above, until fifty, all that are able to go forth in war, for to do
service in the tabernacle of witness. And this is the service of the
kindred of the Gersonites, to serve and to bear. They shall bear the
curtains of the dwelling and the roof of the tabernacle of witness and
his covering and the covering of taxus' skins that is on high {an hye}
above upon it, and the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of
witness: and the hanging of the court and the hanging of the gate of
the court that is round about the dwelling and the altar, and the cords
of them, and all the instruments that serve unto them and all that is
made for them. And at the mouth of Aaron and his sons, shall all the
service of the children of the Gersonites be done, in all their charges
and in all their service, and ye shall appoint them unto all their
charges that they shall wait upon. And this is the service of the
kindred of the children of the Gersonites in the tabernacle of witness,
and their wait shall be in the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the
priest. And thou shalt number the sons of Merari in their kindreds and
in the houses of their fathers, from thirty years and above unto fifty.
All that is able to go forth in war, to do the service of the
tabernacle of witness. And this is the charge that they must wait upon
in all that they must serve in the tabernacle of witness: The boards of
the dwelling, and the bars, pillars, and sockets thereof, and the
pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, pins and cords
with all that pertaineth and serveth unto them. And by name ye shall
reckon the things that they must wait upon to bear. This is the service
of the kindreds of the sons of Merari in all their service in the
tabernacle of witness by the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the
priest. And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the multitude numbered
the sons of the Cahathites in their kindreds and houses of their
fathers, from thirty years and above unto fifty, and that were able to
go forth in the host and to do service in the tabernacle of witness.
And the number of them in their kindreds were two thousand, seven
hundred and fifty. These are the numbers of the kindreds of the
Cahathites, of all that did service in the tabernacle of witness, which
Moses and Aaron did number at the commandment of the LORD of by the
hand of Moses. And the sons of Gerson were numbered in their kindreds
and in the houses of their fathers, from thirty years up unto fifty,
all that were able to go forth in the host for to do service in the
tabernacle of witness. And the number of them in their kindreds, and in
the houses of their fathers, was two thousand, six hundred and thirty.
This is the number of the kindreds of the sons of Gerson, of all that
did service in the tabernacle of witness, which Moses and Aaron did
number at the commandment of the LORD. And the kindreds of the sons of
Merari were numbered in their kindreds and in the houses of their
fathers, from thirty years up unto fifty. All that were able to go
forth with the host, to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And
the number of them was in their kindreds, three thousand and two
hundred. This is the number of the kindreds of the sons of Merari,
which Moses and Aaron numbered at the bidding of the LORD, by the hand
of Moses. The whole sum which Moses, Aaron and the lords of Israel
numbered among the Levites in their kindreds and households of their
fathers, from thirty years up unto fifty every man to do his office and
service and to bear his burthen in the tabernacle of witness: was eight
thousand, five hundred and eighty which they numbered at the
commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses every man unto his service
and burthen: as the LORD commanded Moses.
Chapter .v.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: command the children of Israel
that they put out of the host, all the lepers and all that have issues
and all that are defiled upon the dead, whether they be males or
females ye shall put them out of the host, that they defile not the
tents among which I {ye} dwell. And the children of Israel did so, and
put them out of the host: even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the
children of Israel. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto
the children of Israel: whether it be man or woman, when they have
sinned any manner of sin which a man doeth wherewith a man trespasseth
against the LORD, so that the soul hath done amiss: then they shall
knowledge their sins which they have done, and restore again the hurt
that they have done in the whole, and put the fifth part of it more
thereto, and give it unto him whom he hath trespassed against. But and
if he that maketh the amends have no man to do it to, then the amends
that is made shall be the LORD's and the priest's, beside the ram of
the atonement offering wherewith he maketh an atonement for himself.
And all heave offerings of all the hallowed things which the children
of Israel bring unto the priest, shall be the priest's, and every man's
hallowed things shall be his own, but whatsoever any man giveth the
priest, it shall be the priest's. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying:
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: If any man's wife
go aside and trespass against him, so that another man lie with her
fleshly and the thing be hid from the eyes of her husband and is not
come to light that she is defiled (for there is no witness against her)
in as much as she was not taken with the manner, and the spirit of
jealousy cometh upon him and he is jealous over his wife and she
defiled, or happily the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he is
jealous over his wife and she yet undefiled. Then let her husband bring
her unto the priest and bring an offering for her: the tenth part of an
Epha of barley meal, but shall pour none oil thereunto, nor put
frankincense thereon: for it is an offering of jealousy, and an
offering that maketh remembrance of sin. And let the priest bring her
and set her before the LORD, and let him take holy water in an earthen
vessel and of the dust that is in the floor of the habitation, and put
it into the water. And the priest shall set the wife before the LORD
and uncover her head, and put the memorial of the offering in her hands
which is the jealousy offering, and the priest shall have bitter and
cursing water in his hand, and he shall conjure her and shall say unto
her: If no man have lien with thee neither hast gone aside, and defiled
thyself behind thy husband, then have thou no harm of this bitter
cursing water. But and if thou hast gone aside behind thine husband and
art defiled and some other man hath lien with thee beside thine husband
(and let the priest conjure her with the conjuration of the curse and
say unto her) the LORD make thee a curse and a conjuration among thy
people: so that the LORD make thy thigh rot, and thy belly swell and
this bitter cursing water go into the bowels of thee, that thy belly
swell and thy thigh rot, and the wife shall say: Amen Amen. And the
priest shall write this curse in a bill and wash it out in the bitter
water. And when the cursing water is in her that it is bitter, then let
the priest take the jealousy offering out of the wife's hand, and wave
it before the LORD, and bring it unto the altar: and he shall take an
handful of the memorial offering and burn it upon the altar, and then
make her drink the water and when he hath made her drink the water. If
she be defiled and have trespassed against her husband, then shall the
cursing water go into her and be so bitter, that her belly shall swell
and her thigh shall rot, and she shall be a curse among her people. And
if she be not defiled but is clean, then she shall have no harm, but
that she may conceive. This is the law of jealousy, when a wife goeth a
side behind her husband and is defiled, or when the spirit of jealousy
cometh upon a man, so that he is jealous over his wife: then he shall
bring her before the LORD, and the priest shall minister all this law
unto her, and the man shall be guiltless, and the wife shall bear her
sin.
Chapter .vi.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto children of Israel and
say unto them: when either man or woman appointeth to vow a vow of
abstinence for to abstain unto the LORD, he shall abstain from wine and
strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine or of strong drink,
nor drink whatsoever is pressed out of grapes: and shall eat no fresh
grapes neither yet dried, as long as his abstinence endureth. Moreover
he shall eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, no not so much as
the kernels or the husk of the grape. And as long as the vow of his
abstinence endureth, there shall no razor nor shears come upon his
head, until his days be out which he fasteth unto the LORD, and he
shall be holy and shall let the locks of his hair grow. As long as he
abstaineth unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body: he shall not
make himself unclean at the death of his father, mother, brother or
sister: For the abstinence of his God is upon his head. And therefore
as long as his abstinence lasteth, he shall be holy unto the LORD. And
if it fortune that any man by chance die suddenly before him, and
defile the head of his abstinence, then must he shave his head the day
of his cleansing: even the seventh day he shall shave it. And the
eighth day he shall bring two turtles or two young pigeons to the
priest, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the priest
shall offer the one for a sinoffering and the other for a burntoffering
and make an atonement for him, as concerning that he sinned upon the
dead, and shall also hallow his head the same day and he shall abstain
unto the LORD the time of his abstinency, and shall bring a lamb of an
year old for a trespass offering: but the days that were before are
lost, because his abstinence was defiled. This is the law of the
abstainer, when the time of his abstinence is out; he shall be brought
unto the door of the tabernacle of witness and he shall bring his
offering unto the LORD: an he lamb of a year old without blemish for a
burntoffering and a she lamb of a year old without blemish for a
sinoffering, a ram without blemish also for a peaceoffering, and a
basket of sweet bread of fine flour mingled with oil and wafers of
sweet bread anointed with oil with meatofferings and drinkofferings
that long thereto. And the priest shall bring him before the LORD and
offer his sinoffering and his burntoffering, and shall offer the ram
for a peaceoffering unto the LORD with the basket of sweet bread, and
the priest shall offer also his meatoffering and his drinkoffering. And
the abstainer shall shave his head in the door of the tabernacle of
witness and shall take the hair of his sober head and put it in the
fire which is under the peaceoffering. Then the priest shall take the
sodden shoulder of the ram and one sweet cake out of the basket and one
sweet wafer also and put them in the hand of the abstainer after he
hath shaven his abstinence off, and the priest shall wave them unto the
LORD, which offering shall be holy unto the priest with the wavebreast
and heave shoulder: and then the abstainer may drink wine. This is the
law of the abstainer which hath vowed his offering unto the LORD for
his abstinence, besides that his hand can get. And according to the vow
which he vowed, even so he must do in the law of his abstinence. And
the LORD talked with Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and his sons
saying: of this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel saying unto
them. The LORD {lorde} bless thee and keep thee. The LORD {lorde} make
his face shine upon thee and be merciful unto thee. The LORD {lorde}
lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. For ye shall
put my name upon the children of Israel, that I may bless them.
Chapter .vij.
And when Moses had full set up the habitation and anointed it and
sanctified it and all the apparel thereof, and had anointed and
sanctified the altar also and all the vessels thereof: then the princes
of Israel, heads over the houses of their fathers which were the lords
of the tribes that stood and numbered, offered and brought their gifts
before the LORD six covered chariots and twelve oxen: two and two a
chariot and an ox every man, and they brought them before the
habitation. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: take it of them and
let them be to do the service of the tabernacle of witness, and give
them unto the Levites, every man according unto his office. And Moses
took the chariots and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites: two
chariots and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gerson according unto
their office. And four chariots and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of
Merari according unto their offices, under the hands of Ithamar the son
of Aaron the priest. But unto the sons of Cahath he gave none, for the
office that pertained to them was holy, and therefore they must bear
upon shoulders. And the princes offered unto the dedicating of the
altar in the day that it was anointed, and brought their gifts before
the altar. And the LORD said unto Moses: let the princes bring their
offerings, every day one prince, unto the dedicating of the altar. He
that offered his offering the first day, was Nahesson the son of
Aminadab of the tribe of Iuda. And his offering was: a silver charger,
of an hundred and thirty sicles weight: and a silver bowl of seventy
sicles of the holy sicle, both of them full of fine wheaten flour
mingled with oil for a meatoffering: and a spoon of ten sicles of gold
full of cense: and an ox, {bullock} a ram and a lamb of a year old for
burntofferings, and an he goat for a sinoffering: and for peace
offerings two oxen, five rams, five he goats and five lambs of a year
old. And this was the gift of Nahesson the son of Aminadab. The second
day, did Nathaneel offer, the son of Zuar, captain over Isachar. And
his offering which he brought was: a silver charger of an hundred and
thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of seventy sicles, of the holy
sicle: both full of fine wheaten flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles, full of cense: And an ox, a
ram and a lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and for peaceofferings
two oxen five rams, five he goats and five lambs of one year old. And
this was the offering of Nathaneel the son of Zuar. The third day,
Eliab the son of Helon the chiefest among the children of Zabulon,
brought his offering. And his offering was, a silver charger of an
hundred and thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of seventy sicles
of the holy sicle, and both full of fine flour mingled with oil for a
meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles full of cense: and an ox
and a ram and a lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and an he goat
for a sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he
goats and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of
Eliab the son of Helon. The fourth day, Elizur the son of Sedeur, chief
lord among the children of Ruben, brought his offering. And his gift
was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sicles weight, and, a
silver bowl of seventy sicles of the holy sicle, and both full of fine
flour mingled with oil for a meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten
sicles full of cense: and an ox, a ram and a lamb of a year old for
burntofferings, and an he goat for a sinoffering: and for
peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats and five lambs of one
year old. And this was the offering of Elizur the son of Sedeur. The
fifth day, Selumiel the son of Zuri Sadai, chief lord among the
children of Simeon, offered: whose gift was: a silver charger of an
hundred and thirty sicles weight: and a silver bowl of seventy sicles
the holy sicle: and both full of fine flour mingled with oil for a
meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles full of cense. And an
ox, a ram, and a lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and an he goat
for a sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he
goats and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of
Selumiel the son of Zuri Sadai. The sixth day, Eliasaph the son of
Deguel the chief lord among the children of Gad, offered: whose gift
was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sicles weight, and a
silver bowl of seventy sicles of the holy sicle, and both full of fine
flour mingled with oil for a meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten
sicles full of cense. And an ox, a ram and a lamb of a year old for
burntofferings, and an he goat for a sinoffering. And for
peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats and five lambs of one
year old. And this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deguel. The
seventh day, Elisama the son of Amihud, the chief lord of the children
of Ephraim, offered. And his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred
and thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of seventy sicles, of the
holy sicle: and both full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat
offering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles, full of cense. And an ox, a
ram and a lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and an he goat for a
sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats
and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Elisama
the son of Amihud. The eighth day, offered Gamaliel the son of Pedazur,
the chief lord of the children of Manasse. And his gift was: a silver
charger of an hundred and thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of
seventy sicles of the holy sicle, and both full of fine flour mingled
with oil for a meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles full of
cense: And an ox, a ram and a lamb of a year old for burntofferings,
and an he goat for a sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five
rams five he goats and five lambs of one year old. And this was the
offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedazur. The ninth day, Abidan the son
of Gedeoni the chief lord among the children of BenIamin offered. And
his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sicles weight,
and a silver bowl of seventy sicles of the holy sicle, and both full of
fine flour mingled with oil for a meatoffering: and a golden spoon of
ten sicles full of cense: and an ox, a ram and a lamb of a year old for
burntofferings, and an he goat for a sinoffering: and for
peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats and five lambs of one
year old. And this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gedeoni. The
tenth day, Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai, chief lord among the children
of Dan offered. And his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and
thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of seventy sicles, of the holy
sicle: and both full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meatoffering:
and a golden spoon of ten sicles full of cense: and an ox, a ram and a
lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and an he goat for a
sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats
and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Ahiezer
the son of Ammi Sadai. The eleventh day, Pagiel the son of Ocran the
chief lord among the children of Asser offered: And his gift was: a
silver charger of an hundred and thirty sicles weight, and a silver
bowl of seventy sicles of the holy sicle, and both full of fine flour
mingled with oil for a meatoffering: and a golden spoon of ten sicles
full of cense: And an ox, a ram and a lamb of a year old for
burntofferings, and an he goat for a sinoffering: and for
peaceofferings two oxen, five rams five he goats and five lambs of one
year old. And this was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran. The
twelfth day, Ahira the son of Enan, chief lord among the children of
Naphtali offered. And his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and
thirty sicles weight, and a silver bowl of seventy sicles of the holy
sicle, and both full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meatoffering:
and a golden spoon of ten sicles full of cense: and an ox, a ram and a
lamb of a year old for burntofferings, and an he goat for a
sinoffering: and for peaceofferings two oxen five rams five he goats
and five lambs of one year old. And this was the offering of Ahira, the
son of Enan. Of this manner was the dedication of the altar, when it
was anointed: unto the which was brought of the princes of Israel
twelve chargers of silver twelve silver bowls and twelve spoons of
gold: every charger containing an hundred and thirty sicles of silver,
and every bowl seventy so that all the silver of all the vessels, was
two thousand and four hundred sicles of the holy sicle. And the twelve
golden spoons which were full of cense, contained ten sicles apiece of
the holy sicle: so that all the gold of the spoons, was an hundred and
twenty sicles. All the oxen that were brought for the burntofferings
were twelve and the rams twelve and the lambs twelve of a year old
apiece, with the meatofferings: with he goats for sinofferings. And all
the oxen of the peaceofferings were twenty four the rams sixty the
goats sixty and lambs of a year old apiece sixty and this was the
dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed. And when Moses was
gone into the tabernacle of witness to speak with him, he heard the
voice of one speaking unto him from of the mercy seat that was upon the
ark of witness: even from between the two cherubins he spake unto him.
Chapter .viij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto Aaron and say unto
him: when thou puttest on the lamps see that they light all seven upon
the forefront of the candlestick. And Aaron did even so, and put the
lamps upon the forefront of the candlestick, as the LORD commanded
Moses, and the work of the candlestick was of stiff gold: both the
shaft and the flowers thereof. And according unto the vision which the
LORD had shewed Moses even so he made the candlestick. And the LORD
spake unto Moses saying: take the Levites from among the children of
Israel, and cleanse them. And this do unto them when thou cleansest
them, sprinkle water of purifying upon them and make a razor to run
along upon all the flesh of them, and let them wash their clothes, and
then they shall be clean. And let them take a bullock and his
meatoffering, fine flour mingled with oil: and another bullock shalt
thou take to be a sinoffering. Then bring the Levites before the
tabernacle of witness and gather the hole multitude of the children of
Israel together. And bring the Levites before the LORD, and let the
children of Israel put their hands upon the Levites. And let Aaron
heave the Levites before the LORD, for an heaveoffering given of the
children of Israel, and then let them be appointed to wait upon the
service of the LORD. And let the Levites put their hands upon the heads
of the bullocks, and then offer them: the one for a sinoffering and the
other for a burntoffering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the
Levites. And make the Levites stond before Aaron and his sons, and have
them to be a heaveoffering unto the LORD. And thou shalt separate the
Levites, from among the children of Israel, that they be mine: and
after that let them go and do the service of the tabernacle of witness.
Cleanse them and wave them, for they are given unto me from among the
children of Israel: for I have taken them unto me for all the firstborn
that open any matrice among the children of Israel. For all the
firstborn among the children of Israel are mine both man and beast:
because the same time that I smote the firstborn in the land of Egypt,
I sanctified them for myself: and I have taken the Levites for all the
firstborn among the children of Israel, and have given them unto Aaron
and his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of
the children of Israel in the tabernacle of witness and to make an
atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the
children of Israel, if they come nye unto the sanctuary. And Moses and
Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel did unto the
Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses. And the
Levites purified them selves, and washed their clothes. And Aaron waved
them before the LORD, and made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
And after that they went in to do their service in the tabernacle of
witness, before Aaron and his sons. And according as the LORD had
commanded Moses as concerning the Levites, even so they did unto them.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: this shall be the manner of the
Levites: from twenty five years upward they shall go in to wait upon
the service in the tabernacle of witness, and at fifty they shall cease
waiting upon the service thereof, and shall labour no more: but shall
minister unto their brethren in the tabernacle of witness, and there
wait, but shall do no more service. And see that thou do after this
manner unto the Levites in their waiting times.
Chapter .ix.
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first
month of the second year, after they were come out of the land of Egypt
saying: let the children of Israel offer Passover in his season: even
the fourteenth day of this month at even they shall keep it in his
season, according to all the ordinances and manners thereof. And Moses
bade the children of Israel that they should offer Passover, and they
offered Passover the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the
wilderness of Sinai: and did according to all that the LORD commanded
Moses. And it chanced that certain men which were defiled with a dead
corpse that they might not offer Passover the same day, came before
Moses and Aaron the same day, {time} and said: we are defiled upon a
dead corpse, wherefore are we kept back that we may not offer an
offering unto the LORD in the due season, among the children of Israel?
And Moses said unto them: tarry, that I may hear what the LORD will
command you. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the
children of Israel and say: If any man among you or your children after
you be unclean by the reason of a corpse or is in the way far off, then
let him offer Passover unto the LORD: the fourteenth day of the second
month at even, and eat it with sweet bread and sour herbs, and let them
leave none of it unto the morning nor break any bone of it. And
according to all the ordinance of the Passover let them offer it. But
if a man be clean and not let in a journey, and yet was negligent to
offer Passover, the same soul shall perish from his people, because he
brought not an offering unto the LORD in his due season: and he shall
bear his sin. And when a stranger dwelleth among you and will offer
Passover unto the LORD, according to the ordinance of Passover and
manner thereof shall he offer it. And ye shall have one law both for
the stranger and for him that was born at home in the land. And the
same day that the habitation was reared up, a cloud covered it on high
{an hye} upon the tabernacle of witness: and at even there was upon the
habitation, as it were the similitude of fire until the morning. And so
it was alway, that the cloud covered it by day, and the similitude of
fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from of the tabernacle,
then the children of Israel journeyed: and where the cloud abode there
the children of Israel pitched their tents. At the mouth of the LORD
the children of Israel journeyed, and at the mouth of the LORD they
pitched. And as long as the cloud abode upon the habitation, they lay
still, and when the cloud tarried still upon the habitation long time,
the children of Israel waited upon the LORD and journeyed not. If it
chanced that the cloud abode any space of time upon the habitation,
then they kept their tents at the mouth of the LORD: and they journeyed
also at the commandment of the LORD. And if it happened that the cloud
was upon the habitation from evening unto morning and was taken up in
the morning, then they journeyed. Whether it was by day or by night
that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. But when the cloud tarried
two days or a month or a long season upon the habitation, as long as it
tarried thereon, the children of Israel kept their tents and journeyed
not. And as soon as the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. At the
mouth of the LORD they rested, and at the commandment of the LORD they
journeyed. And thus they kept the wait {watch} of the LORD, at the
commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
Chapter .x.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Make thee two trumpets of hard
{beaten} silver, that thou mayst use them to call the congregation
together, and when the host shall journey. When they blow with them,
all the multitude shall resort to thee, unto the door of the tabernacle
of witness. If but one trumpet blow only, then the princes which are
heads over the thousands of Israel shall come unto thee. And when ye
trump the first time, the hosts that lie on the east parts shall go
forward. And when ye trump the second time, then the hosts that lie on
the south side shall take their journey: for they shall trump when they
take their journeys. And in gathering the congregation together, ye
shall blow and not trump. And the sons of Aaron the priests shall blow
the trumpets and shall have them and it shall be a law unto you for
ever and among your children after you. And when ye shall go to war in
your land against your enemies that vex you, ye shall trump with the
trumpets and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God and saved
from your enemies. Also when ye be merry in your feast days and in the
first days of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt
sacrifices and peaceofferings, that it may be a remembrance of you
before your God. I am the LORD {lorde} your God. And it came to pass
the twentieth day of the second month in the second year, that the
cloud was taken up from off the habitation of witness. And the children
of Israel took their journey out of the desert of Sinai, and the cloud
rested in the wilderness of Pharan. And the first took their journey at
the mouth of the LORD, by the hand of Moses: even the standard of the
host of Iuda removed first with their armies, whose captain was
Nahesson the son of Aminadab. And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Isachar, was Nathanael the son of Zuar. And over the host
of the tribe of the children of Zabulon, was Eliab the son of Helon.
And the habitation was taken down: and the sons of Gerson and Merari
went forth bearing the habitation. Then the standard of the host of
Ruben went forth with their armies, whose captain was Elizur the son of
Sedeur. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon, was
Salamiel [the son of Zuri saddai. And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Gad was Eliasaph] the son of Deguel. Then the Cahathites
went forward and bare the holy things, and the other did set up the
habitation against they came. Then the standard of the host of the
children of Ephraim went forth with their armies, whose captain was
Elisama the son of Amiud. And over the host of the tribe of the sons of
Manasse, was Gamaliel the son of Pedazur. And over the host of the
tribe of the sons of BenIamin, was Abidan the son of Gedeoni. And
hindmost of all the host came the standard of the host of the children
of Dan with their armies: whose captain was, Ahiezar the son of Ammi
Saddai. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asser, was
Pagiel the son of Ochran. And over the host of the tribe of the
children of Nephthali, was Ahira the son of Enan, of this manner were
the journeys of the children of Israel, with their armies when they
removed. And Moses said unto Hobab the son of Raguel the Madianite,
Moses' father-in-law: we go unto the place of which the LORD said I
will give it you. Go with us and we will do thee good, for the LORD
hath promised good unto Israel. And he said unto him: I will not: but
will go to mine own land and to my kindred. And Moses said, oh nay,
leave us not, for thou knowest where is best for us to pitch in the
wilderness: and thou shalt be our eyes. And if thou go with us, look
what goodness the LORD sheweth upon us, the same we will shew upon
thee. And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey,
and the ark of the testament of the LORD went before them in the three
days' journey to search out a resting place for them. And the cloud of
the LORD was over them by day, when they went out of the tents. And
when the ark went forth, Moses said: Rise up LORD and let thine enemies
be scattered, and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when
the ark rested, he said: return LORD, unto the many thousands of
Israel.
Chapter .xi.
And the people waxed unpatient, {complained} and it displeased the ears
of the LORD. And when the LORD heard it he was wroth, and the fire of
the LORD burnt among them and consumed the uttermost of the host. And
the people cried unto Moses, and he made intercession unto the LORD and
the fire quenched. And they called the name of the place Tabera because
the fire of the LORD burnt among them. And the rascal people that was
among them fell a lusting. And the children of Israel also went to and
wept and said: who shall give us flesh to eat? we remember the fish
which we should eat in Egypt for nought, and of the Cucumbers and
melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now our souls are dried away, for
our eyes look on nothing else, save upon Manna. The Manna was as it had
been coriander seed, and to see to like Bedellion. And the people went
about and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars
and boke it in pans and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like
unto the taste of an oilcake. And when the dew fell about the host in
the night, the manna fell therewith. And when Moses heard the people
weep in their households every man in the door of his tent, then the
wrath of the LORD waxed hot exceedingly: and it grieved Moses also. And
Moses said unto the LORD: wherefore dealest thou so cruelly with thy
servant? wherefore do I not find favour in thy sight, seeing that thou
puttest the weight of this people upon me? have I conceived all this
people, or have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, carry
them in thy bosom (as a nurse beareth the sucking child) unto the land
which thou swarest unto their fathers? where should I have flesh to
give unto all this people? For they weep unto me saying: give us flesh
that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, for it is
too heavy for me. Wherefore if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray
thee, if I have found favour in thy sight: and let me not see my
wretchedness. And the LORD said unto Moses: gather unto me seventy of
the elders of Israel, which thou knowest that they are the elders of
the people and officers over them, and bring them unto the tabernacle
of witness, and let them stond there with thee. And I will come down
and talk with thee there, and take of the spirit which is upon thee and
put upon them, and they shall bear with thee in the burthen of the
people, and so shalt thou not bear alone. And say unto the people:
hallow your selves against tomorrow, that ye may eat flesh, for ye have
whined in the ears of the LORD saying: who shall give us flesh to eat,
for we were happy when we were in Egypt? therefore the LORD will give
you flesh, and ye shall eat: Ye shall not eat one day only either two
or five days, either ten or twenty days: but even a month long, and
until it come out at the nostrils of you, that ye be ready to parbreak:
because that ye have cast the LORD aside which is among you, and have
wept before him saying: why came we out of Egypt. And Moses said: six
hundred thousand footmen are there of the people, among which I am. And
thou hast said: I will give them flesh and they shall eat a month long.
Shall the sheep and the oxen be slain for them to find them, either
shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together to serve them? And
the LORD {Lorde} said unto Moses: is the LORD's {lordes} hand waxed
short? Thou shalt see whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or
not. And Moses went out and told the people the saying of the LORD, and
gathered the seventy elders of the people, and set them round about the
tabernacle. And the LORD came down in a cloud and spake unto him, and
took of the spirit that was upon him, and put it upon the seventy
elders. And as the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied and did
nought else. But there remained two of the men in the host: the one
called Eldad, and the other Medad. And the spirit rested upon them for
they were of them that were written, but they went not out unto the
tabernacle: and they prophesied in the host. And there ran a young man
and told Moses and said: Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the host. And
Iosua the son of Nun the servant of Moses which he had chosen out,
answered and said: master Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him:
enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people could
prophesy, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them. And then
both Moses and the elders of Israel, gat them into the host. And there
went forth a wind from the LORD and brought quails from the sea and let
them fall about the host, even a day's journey round about on every
side of the host, and two cubits high upon the earth. And the people
stood up all that night and on the morrow, and gathered quails. And he
that gathered the least, gathered ten homers full. And they killed them
round about the host. And while the flesh was yet between their teeth,
yer it was chewed up, the wrath of the LORD waxed hot upon the people,
and the LORD slew of the people an exceeding mighty slaughter. And they
called the name of the place, the graves of lust: because they buried
the people that lusted there. And the people took their journey from
the graves of lust {kibrath hathavah} unto Hazeroth, and bode at
Hazeroth.
Chapter .xij.
And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses, because of his wife of Inde
which he had taken: for he had taken to wife one of India. And they
said: doth the LORD speak only thorow Moses? doth he not speak also by
us? And the LORD heard it. But Moses was a very meek man above all the
men of the earth. And the LORD spake at once unto Moses unto Aaron and
Miriam: come out ye three unto the tabernacle of witness: and they came
out all three. And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud and
stood in the door of the tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam. And
they went out both of them. And he said: hear my words. If there be a
prophet of the LORD's among you, I will shew myself unto him in a
vision and will speak unto him in a dream: But my servant Moses is not
so, which is faithful in all mine house. Unto him I speak mouth to
mouth and he seeth the sight and the fashion of the LORD, and not
thorow riddles. Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my
servant Moses? And the LORD was angry with them and went his way, and
the cloud departed from the tabernacle. And behold, Miriam was become
leprous, as it were snow. And when Aaron looked upon Miriam and saw
that she was leprous, he said unto Moses: Oh I beseech thee my lord,
put not the sin upon us which we have foolishly committed and sinned.
Oh, let her not be as one that came dead out of his mother's womb: for
half her flesh is eaten away. And Moses cried unto the LORD saying: Oh
God, heal her. And the LORD said unto Moses: If her father had spit in
her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out of
the host seven days, and after that let her be received in again. And
Miriam was shut out of the host seven days: and the people removed not,
till she was brought in again. And afterward they removed from
Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Pharan.
Chapter .xiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Send men out to search the land
of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of
their fathers a man and let them all be such as are rulers among them.
And Moses at the commandment of the LORD sent forth out of the
wilderness of Pharan: such men as were all heads among the children of
Israel, whose names are these: In the tribe of Ruben, Sammua the son of
Zacur: In the tribe of Simeon, Saphat the son of Hori. In the tribe of
Iuda, Caleph the son of Iephune. In the tribe of Isachar, Igeal the son
of Ioseph. In the tribe of Ephraim, Hosea the son of Nun. In the tribe
of BenIamin, Palti the son of Raphu. In the tribe of Zabulon, Gadiel
the son of Sodi. In the tribe of Ioseph: In the tribe of Manasse, Gaddi
the son of Susi. In the tribe of Dan, Amiel the son of Gemali. In the
tribe of Asser, Sethur the son of Micheel. In the tribe of Nephtali,
Nahebi the son of Uaphsi. In the tribe of Gad, Guel the son of Machi.
These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land.
And Moses called the name of Hosea the son of Nun, Iosua. And Moses
sent them forth to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them: get
you southward and go up into the high country, and see the land what
manner thing it is and the people that dwelleth therein: whether they
be strong or weak, either few or many, and what the land is that they
dwell in, whether it be good or bad, and what manner of cities they
dwell in: whether they dwell in tents or walled towns, and what manner
of land it is: whether it be fat or lean, and whether there be trees
therein or not. And be of a good courage, and bring of the fruits of
the land. And it was about the time that grapes are first ripe. And
they went up and searched out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto
Rehob as men go to Hemath, and they ascended unto the south and came
unto Hebron, where Ahiman was and Sefai and Thalmani the sons of Enack.
Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. And they came unto
the river of Escol and they cut down there a branch with one cluster of
grapes and bare it upon a staff between twain, and also of the
pomegranates and of the figs of the place. The river was called Escol,
because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down
there. And they turned back again from searching the land, at forty
days' end. And they went and came to Moses and Aaron and unto all the
multitude of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Pharan:
even unto Cades, and brought them word and also unto all the
congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him
saying: we came unto the land whither thou sendedst us, and surely it
is a land that floweth with milk and honey and here is of the fruit of
it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the
cities are walled and exceeding great, and moreover we saw the children
of Enack there. The Amaleks dwell in the south country, and the
Hethites, Iebusites and the Amorites dwell in the mountains, and the
Cananites dwell by the sea and along by the coast of Iordan. And Caleb
stilled the murmur of the people against Moses saying: let us go up and
conquer it, for we be able to overcome it. But the men that went up
with him, said: We be not able to go up against the people, for they
are stronger than we: And they brought up an evil report of the land
which they had searched, unto the children of Israel saying: The land
which we have gone thorow to search it out, is a land that eateth up
the inhabiters thereof, and the people that we saw in it are men of
stature. And there we saw also giants, the children of Enack which are
of the giants. And we seemed in our sight as it were grasshoppers and
so we did in their sight.
Chapter .xiiij.
And the multitude cried out, and the people wept thorowout that night,
and all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. And
the whole congregation said unto them: would God that we had died in
the land of Egypt, either we would that we had died in this wilderness.
Wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land to fall upon the
sword, that both our wives, and also our children should be a prey? is
it not better that we return unto Egypt again? And they said one to
another: let us make a captain and return unto Egypt again. And Moses
and Aaron fell on their faces before all the congregation of the
multitude of the children of Israel. And Iosua the son of Nun, and
Caleb the son of Iephune which were of them that searched the land rent
their clothes and spake unto all the company of the children of Israel
saying: The land which we walked thorow to search it, is a very good
land. If the LORD have lust to us, he will bring us into this land and
give it us, which is a land that floweth with milk and honey. But in
any wise rebel not against the LORD. Moreover fear ye not the people of
the land, for they are but bread for us. Their shield is departed from
them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not therefore. And all the
whole multitude bade stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD
appeared in the tabernacle of witness, unto all the children of Israel.
And the LORD said unto Moses: How long shall this people rail upon me,
and how long will it be, yer they believe me, for all my signs which I
have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence and
destroy them, and will make of thee a greater nation and a mightier
than they. And Moses said unto the LORD: then the Egyptians shall hear
it, for thou broughtest this people with thy might from among them. And
it will be told to the inhabiters of this land also, for they have
heard likewise, that thou the LORD art among this people, and that thou
art seen face to face, and that thy cloud stondeth over them and that
thou goest before them by day time in a pillar of cloud, and in a
pillar of fire by night. If thou shalt kill all this people as they
were but one man then the nations which have heard the fame of thee,
will speak saying: because the LORD was not able to bring in this
people into the land which he swore unto them, therefore he slew them
in the wilderness. So now let the power of my Lord {|LORDE|} be great,
according as thou hast spoken saying: the LORD is long yer he be angry,
and full of mercy, and suffereth sin and trespass, and leaveth no man
innocent, and visiteth the unrighteousness of the fathers upon the
children, even upon the third and fourth generation, be merciful I
beseech ye therefore, unto the sin of this people according unto thy
great mercy, and according as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt
even unto this place. And the LORD said: I have forgiven it, according
to thy request. But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled
with my glory. For of all those men which have seen my glory and my
miracles which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have
tempted me now this ten times and have not hearkened unto my voice,
there shall not one see the land which I sware unto their fathers,
neither shall any of them that railed upon me, see it. But my servant
Caleb, because there is another manner spirit with him, and because he
hath followed me unto the utmost: him I will bring into the land which
he hath walked in, and his seed shall conquer it, and also the
Amalekites and Cananites which dwell in the low countries. Tomorrow
turn you and get you into the wilderness: even the way toward the Red
Sea. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: how long shall
this evil multitude murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of
the children of Israel which they murmur against me. Tell them, that
the LORD sayeth: As truly as I live, I will do unto you even as ye have
spoken in mine ears. Your carcasses shall lie in this wilderness,
neither shall any of these numbers which were numbered from twenty
years and above of you which have murmured against me come in to the
land over which I lifted mine hand to make you dwell therein, save
Caleb the son of Iephune, and Iosua the son of Nun. And your children
which ye said should be a prey, them I will bring in, and they shall
know the land which ye have refused, and your carcases shall lie in
this wilderness And your children shall wander in this wilderness forty
years and suffer for your whoredom until your carcases be wasted in the
wilderness, after the number of the days in which ye searched out the
land forty days, and every day a year: so that they shall bear your
unrighteousness forty years, and ye shall feel my vengeance I the LORD
have said that I will do it unto all this evil congregation that are
gathered together against me: even in this wilderness ye shall be
consumed, and here ye shall die. And the men which Moses sent to search
the land, and which (when they came again) made all the people to
murmur against it in that they brought up a slander upon the land: died
for their bringing up that evil slander upon it, and were plagued
before the LORD. But Iosua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Iephune
which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. And
Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel, and the
people took great sorrow. And they rose up early in the morning and gat
them up into the top of the mountain saying: lo we be here, and will go
up unto the place of which the LORD said, for we have sinned. And Moses
said: wherefore will ye go on this manner beyond the word of the LORD?
it will not come well to pass: go not up for the LORD is not among you
that ye be not slain before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the
Cananites are there before you, and ye will fall upon the sword:
because ye are turned away from the LORD, and therefore the LORD will
not be with you. But they were blinded to go up into the hilltop: Never
the later, the ark of the testament of the LORD and Moses departed not
out of the host. Then the Amalekites and the Cananites which dwelt in
that hill, came down and smote them and hewed them: even unto Horma.
Chapter .xv.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel
and say unto them: when ye be come into the land of your habitation
which I give unto you, and will offer an offering upon the fire unto
the LORD, whether it be a burntoffering or a special vow or freewill
offering or if it be in your principal feasts to make a sweet savour
unto the LORD, of the oxen or of the flock. Then, let him that offereth
his offering unto the LORD, bring also a meatoffering of a tenth deal
of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil, and the fourth
part of an hin of wine for a drinkoffering, and offer with the
burntoffering or any other offering when it is a lamb. And unto a ram
thou shalt offer a meatoffering of two tenth deals of flour, mingled
with the third part of an hin of oil, and to a drinkoffering thou shalt
offer the third part of an hin of wine, to be a sweet savour unto the
LORD. When thou offerest an ox to a burntoffering or in any special vow
or peaceoffering unto the LORD, then thou shalt bring unto an ox, a
meatoffering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of
oil. And thou shalt bring for a drinkoffering half an hin of wine, that
is an offering of a sweet savour unto the LORD. This is the manner that
shall be done unto one ox, one ram, a lamb or a kid. And according to
the number of such offerings, thou shalt increase the meatofferings and
the drinkofferings. All that are of your selves shall do these things
after this manner, when he offereth an offering of sweet savour unto
the LORD. And if there be a stranger with you or be among you in your
generations, and will offer an offering of a sweet savour unto the
LORD: even as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall serve both for
you of the congregation, and also for the stranger. And it shall be an
ordinance for ever among your children after you, that the stranger and
ye shall be like before the LORD. One law and one manner shall serve,
both for you and for the stranger that dwelleth with you. And the LORD
spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say unto
them: when ye be come in to the land whither I will bring you, then
when ye will eat of the bread of the land, ye shall give an
heaveoffering unto the LORD. Ye shall give a cake of the first of your
dough unto an heave offering: as ye do the heaveoffering of the barn,
even so ye shall heave it. Of the first of your dough ye must give unto
the LORD an heaveoffering, thorowout your generations. If ye oversee
your selves and observe not all these commandments which the LORD hath
spoken unto Moses, and all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand
of Moses, from the first day forward that the LORD commanded among your
generation: when ought is committed ignorantly before the eyes of the
congregation, then all the multitude shall offer a calf for a
burntoffering to be a sweet savour unto the LORD, and the meatoffering
and the drinkoffering thereto, according to the manner: and an he goat
for a sinoffering. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the
multitude of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them for
it was ignorance. And they shall bring their gifts unto the offering of
the LORD, and their sinoffering before the LORD for their ignorance.
And it shall be forgiven unto all the multitude of the children of
Israel, and unto the stranger that dwelleth among you: for the
ignorance pertaineth unto all the people. If any one soul sin thorow
ignorance he shall bring a she goat of a year old for a sinoffering.
And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinned
ignorantly with the sinoffering before the LORD and reconcile him, and
it shall be forgiven him. And both thou that art born one of the
children of Israel and the stranger that dwelleth among you shall have
both one law, if ye sin thorow ignorance. And the soul that doth ought
presumptuously, whether he be an Israelite or a stranger, the same hath
despised the LORD. And that soul shall be destroyed from among his
people, because he hath despised the word of the LORD and hath broken
his commandments, that soul therefore shall perish and his sin shall be
upon him. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they
found a man gathering sticks upon the Sabbath day. And they that found
him gathering sticks, brought him unto Moses and Aaron and unto all the
congregation: and they put him in ward, for it was not declared what
should be done unto him. And the LORD said unto Moses: the man shall
die: let all the multitude stone him with stones without the host. And
all the multitude brought him without the host and stoned him with
stones, and he died as the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD spake
unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel and bid them, that
they make them guards upon the quarters of their garments thorowout
their generations, and let them make the guards of ribbons of Iacinth.
And the guard shall be unto you to look upon it, that ye remember all
the commandments of the LORD and do them: that ye seek not a way after
your own hearts and after your own eyes, for to go a whoring after
them: but that ye remember and do all my commandments and be holy unto
your God, for I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land
of Egypt, to be your God. I am the LORD God.
Chapter .xvi.
And Corah the son of Iezehar the son of Cahath the son of Levi: and
Dathan and Abiram the son of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, the son
of Ruben: stood up before Moses, with other of the children of Israel
two hundred and fifty, heads of the congregation, and councillors, and
men of fame, and they gathered them selves together against Moses and
Aaron and said unto them: ye have done enough. For all the multitude
are holy every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why therefore
heave ye your selves up above the congregation of the LORD. When Moses
heard it, he fell upon his face and spake unto Corah and unto all his
company saying: tomorrow the LORD will shew who is his and who is holy,
and will take them unto him, and whom soever he hath chosen, he will
cause to come to him. This do: take firepans, thou Corah and all thy
company, and do fire therein and put cense thereto before the LORD
tomorrow: And then whomsoever the LORD doeth chose, the same is holy.
Ye make enough to do ye children of Levi. And Moses said unto Corah:
hear ye children of Levi, Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that
the God of Israel hath separated you from the multitude of Israel to
bring you to him, to do the service of the dwelling place of the LORD,
and to stond before the people to minister unto them? he hath taken
thee to him and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee, and ye
seek the office of the priest also. For which cause both thou and all
thy company are gathered together against the LORD: for what is Aaron,
that ye should murmur against him. And Moses sent to call Dathan and
Abiram the sons of Eliab, and they answered: we will not come. Seemeth
it a small thing unto thee that thou hast brought us out of a land that
floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness. But that
thou shouldest reign over us also? More over thou hast brought us unto
no land that floweth with milk and honey, neither hast given us
possessions of fields or of vines. Either wilt thou pull out the eyes
of these men? we will not come. And Moses waxed very angry and said
unto the LORD: Turn not unto their offerings. I have not taken so much
as an ass from them, neither have vexed any of them. Then Moses said
unto Corah: Be thou and all thy company before the LORD: both thou,
they and Aaron tomorrow. And take every man his censer and put cense in
them, and come before the LORD every man with his censer: two hundred
and fifty censers, and Aaron with his censer. And they took every man
his censer and put fire in them and laid cense thereon, and stood in
the door of the tabernacle of witness, and Moses and Aaron also. And
Corah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the
tabernacle of witness. And the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the
congregation. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: separate
your selves from this congregation, that I may consume them at once.
And they fell upon their faces and said: O most mighty God of the
spirits of all flesh, one man hath sinned, and wilt thou be wroth with
all the multitude? And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the
congregation and say: Get you away from about the dwelling of Corah,
Dathan and Abiram. And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram,
and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spake unto the
congregation saying: depart from the tents of these wicked men and
twich nothing of theirs: lest ye perish in all their sins. And they gat
them from the dwelling of Corah, Dathan and Abiram, on every side. And
Dathan and Abiram came out and stood in the door of their tents with
their wives, their sons and their children. And Moses said: Hereby ye
shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works, and that I
have not done them of mine own mind: If these men die the common death
of all men or if they be visited after the visitation of all men, then
the LORD hath not sent me. But and if the LORD make a new thing, and
the earth open her mouth and swallow them and all that pertain unto
them, so that they go down quick in to hell: then ye shall understand,
that these men have railed upon the LORD. And as soon as he had made an
end of speaking all these words, the ground clove asunder that was
under them, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them and their
houses and all the men that were with Corah and all their goods. And
they and all that pertained unto them, went down alive unto hell, and
the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the
congregation. And all Israel that were about them, fled at the cry of
them. For they said: The earth might happily swallow us also. And there
came out a fire from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty
men that offered cense. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Speak
unto Eleazer the son of Aaron the priest and let him take up the
censers out of the burning and scatter the fire here and there, for the
censers of these sinners are hallowed in their deaths: and let them be
beaten into thin plates and fastened upon the altar. For they offered
them before the LORD, and therefore they are holy and they shall be a
sign unto the children of Israel. And Eleazar the priest took the
brazen censers which they that were burnt had offered, and beat them
and fastened them upon the altar, to be a remembrance unto the children
of Israel, that no stranger which is not of the seed of Aaron, come
near to offer cense before the LORD, that he be not made like unto
Corah and his company: as the LORD said unto him by the hand of Moses.
And on the morrow all the multitude of the children of Israel murmured
against Moses and Aaron saying: ye have killed the people of the LORD.
And when the multitude was gathered against Moses and Aaron, they
looked toward the tabernacle of witness; And behold, the cloud had
covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. And Moses and Aaron went
before the tabernacle of witness. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying:
Get you from this congregation, that I may consume them quickly. And
they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron: take a censer
and put fire therein out of the altar, and pour on cense, and go
quickly unto the congregation and make an atonement for them. For there
is wrath gone out from the LORD, and there is a plague begun. And Aaron
took as Moses commanded him, and ran unto the congregation: and behold,
the plague was begun among the people, and he put on cense, and made an
atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead, and them that
were alive, and the plague ceased. And the number of them that died in
the plague, were fourteen thousand and seven hundred: beside them that
died about the business of Corah. And Aaron went again unto Moses unto
the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the plague ceased.
Chapter .xvij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the children of Israel
and take of them, for every principal house a rod, of their princes
over the houses of their fathers: even twelve rods, and write every
man's name upon his rod. And write Aaron's name upon the staff of Levi:
for every headman over the houses of their fathers shall have a rod.
And put them in the tabernacle of witness where I will meet you. And
his rod whom I chose, shall blossom: So I will make cease from me the
grudgings of the children of Israel which they grudge against you. And
Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and all the princes gave him
for every prince over their fathers' houses, a rod: even twelve rods,
and the rod of Aaron was among the rods. And Moses put the rods before
the LORD in the tabernacle of witness: And on the morrow, Moses went in
to the tabernacle: and behold, the rod of Aaron of the house of Levi
was budded and bare blossoms and almonds. And Moses brought out all the
staves from before the LORD, unto all the children of Israel, and they
looked upon them, and took every man his staff. And the LORD said unto
Moses: bring Aaron's rod again before the witness to be kept for a
token unto the children of rebellion, that their murmurings may cease
from me, that they die not. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him.
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses saying: behold, we are
destroyed and all come to nought: for whosoever cometh nye the dwelling
of the LORD, dieth. Shall we utterly consume away?
Chapter .xviij.
And the LORD said unto Aaron: Thou and thy sons and thy father's house
with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in the holy
place. And thou and thy sons with thee, shall bear the fault of that
which is done amiss in your priesthood. And thy brethren also the tribe
of Levi, the tribe of thy father take with thee, and let them be joined
unto thee and minister unto thee. And thou and thy sons with thee shall
minister before the tabernacle of witness. And let them wait upon thee
and upon all the tabernacle: only let them not come nye the holy
vessels and the altar, that both they and ye also die not. And let them
be by thee and wait on the tabernacle of witness, and on all the
service of the tabernacle, and let no stranger come nye unto you. Wait
therefore upon the holy place and upon the altar, that there fall no
more wrath upon the children of Israel: behold, I have taken your
brethren the Levites from among children of Israel, to be yours, as
gifts given unto the LORD to do the service of the tabernacle of
witness. And see that both thou and thy sons with thee take heed unto
your priests' office, in all things that pertain unto the altar and
within the vail. And see that ye serve, for I have given your priests'
office unto you for a gift to do service: and the stranger that cometh
nye, shall die. And the LORD spake unto Aaron: behold, I have given
thee the keeping of mine heave offerings in all the hallowed things of
the children of Israel. And unto thee I have given them unto anointing
and to thy sons: to be a duty for ever. This shall be thine of most
holy sacrifices: All their gifts, thorowout all their meatofferings,
sinofferings and trespassofferings which they bring unto me. They shall
be most holy unto thee and unto thy sons. And ye shall eat it in the
most holy place: all that are males shall eat of it, for it shall be
holy unto thee. And this shall be thine: the heaveoffering of their
gifts, thorowout all the waveofferings of the children of Israel, for I
have given them unto thee and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee, to
be a duty for ever: and all that are clean in thy house, shall eat of
it, all the fat of the oil, of the wine and of the corn: their first
fruits which they give unto the LORD that have I given unto thee. The
first fruits of all that is in their lands which they bring unto the
LORD, shall be thine: and all that are clean in thine house, shall eat
of it. All dedicate things in Israel, shall be thine. All that breaketh
the matrice of all flesh that men bring unto the LORD, both of man and
beast, shall be thine. Neverthelater the firstborn of man shall be
redeemed, and the firstborn of unclean beasts shall be redeemed. And
their redemptions shall be at a month old, valued at five sicles of
silver, of the holy sicle. A sicle maketh twenty Geras. But the
firstborn of oxen, sheep and goats shall not be redeemed. For they are
holy, and thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt
burn their fat to be a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the LORD. And
the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wavebreast and all the right
shoulder is thine. All the holy heave offerings which the children of
Israel heave unto the LORD, I give thee and thy sons and thy daughters
with thee to be a duty for ever. And it shall be a salted covenant for
ever, before the LORD: unto thee and to thy seed with thee. And the
LORD spake unto Aaron: thou shalt have none inheritance in their land,
nor part among them. For I am thy part and thy inheritance among the
children of Israel. And behold I have given the children of Levi, the
tenth in Israel to inherit, for the service which they serve in the
tabernacle of witness, that the children of Israel henceforth come not
nye the tabernacle of witness, and bear sin and die. And the Levites
shall do the service in the tabernacle of witness and bear their sin,
and it shall be a law for ever unto your children after you: But among
the children of Israel they shall inherit none inheritance. For the
tithes of the children of Israel which they heave unto the LORD, I have
given the Levites to inherit. Wherefore I have said unto them: Among
the children of Israel ye shall inherit none inheritance. And the LORD
spake unto Moses saying: speak unto the Levites and say unto them: when
ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you of
them to your inheritance, ye shall take an heaveoffering of that same
for the LORD: even the tenth of that tithe. And it shall be reckoned
unto you for your heaveoffering, even as though ye gave corn out of the
barn or a full offering from the wine press. And of this manner ye
shall heave an heaveoffering unto the LORD, of all your tithes which ye
receive of the children of Israel, and ye shall give there of the
LORD's heave offering unto Aaron the priest. Of all your gifts, ye
shall take out the LORD's heaveoffering: even the fat of all their
hallowed things. And thou shalt say unto them: when ye have taken away
the fat of it from it, it shall be counted unto the Levites, as the
increase of corn and wine. And ye shall eat it in all places both ye
and your households, for it is your rewards for your service in the
tabernacle of witness. And ye shall bear no sin by the reason of it,
when ye have taken from it the fat of it: neither shall ye unhallow the
hallowed things of the children of Israel, and so shall ye not die.
Chapter .xix.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron saying: this is the ordinance
of the law which the LORD commandeth saying: speak unto the children of
Israel and let them take thee a red cow without spot wherein is no
blemish, and which never bare yoke upon her. And ye shall give her unto
Eleazer the priest, and he shall bring her without the host and cause
her to be slain before him. And Eleazar the priest shall take of her
blood upon his finger, and sprinkle it straight toward the tabernacle
of witness seven times. And he shall cause the cow to be burnt in his
sight: both skin, flesh and blood, with the dung also. And let the
priest take cypress wood, and Hyssop and purple cloth, and cast it upon
the cow as she burneth. And let the priest wash his clothes and bathe
his flesh in water, and then come into the host, and the priest shall
be unclean unto the evening. And he that burneth her, shall wash his
clothes in water and bathe his flesh also in water, and be unclean
until evening. And one that is clean, shall go and take up the ashes of
the cow, and put them without the host in a clean place, where they
shall be kept to make sprinkling water for the multitude of the
children of Israel: for it is a sinoffering. And let him that gathereth
the ashes of the cow, wash his clothes, and remain unclean until
evening. And this shall be unto the children of Israel and unto the
stranger that dwelleth among them, a manner for ever. He that twicheth
any dead person, shall be unclean seven days. And he shall purify
himself with the ashes the third day and then he shall be clean the
seventh day. And if he purify not himself the third day, then the
seventh day, he shall not be clean. Whosoever twicheth any person that
dieth and sprinkleth not himself, defileth the dwelling of the LORD:
and therefore that soul shall be rooted out of Israel, because he hath
not sprinkled the sprinkling water upon him, he shall be unclean, and
his uncleanness shall remain upon him. This is the law of the man that
dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent and all that is in the
tent, shall be unclean seven days. And all the vessels that be open
which have no lid nor covering upon them, are unclean. And whosoever
twicheth one that is slain with a sword in the fields, or a dead
person, or a bone of a dead man, or a grave: shall be unclean seven
days. And they shall take for an unclean person, of the burnt ashes of
the sinoffering, and put running water thereto into a vessel. And a
clean person shall take Hyssop and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it
upon the tent and upon all the vessels and on the souls that were
there, and upon him that twiched a bone or a slain person or a dead
body or a grave. And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean
the third day and the seventh day. And the seventh day he shall purify
himself and wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and shall be
clean at evening. If any be unclean and sprinkle not himself, the same
soul shall be destroyed from among the congregation: for he hath
defiled the holy place of the LORD. And he that sprinkleth the
sprinkling water, shall wash his clothes. And he that twicheth the
sprinkling water, shall be unclean until even. And whatsoever the
unclean person twicheth, shall be unclean. And the soul that twiched
it, shall be unclean until the evening.
Chapter .xx.
And the whole multitude of the children of Israel, came into the desert
of Sin in the first month, and the people dwelt at Cades. And there
died MirIam, and was buried there. Moreover there was no water for the
multitude, wherefore they gathered them selves together against Moses
and against Aaron. And the people chode with Moses and spake saying:
would God that we had perished when our brethren perished before the
LORD. Why have ye brought the congregation of the LORD unto this
wilderness, that both we and our cattle should die here? Wherefore
brought ye us out of Egypt, to bring us into this ungracious place,
which is no place of seed nor of figs nor vines nor of pomegranates,
neither is there any water to drink? And Moses and Aaron went from the
congregation unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and fell upon
their faces. And the glory of the LORD appeared unto them. And the LORD
spake unto Moses saying: take the staff, and gather thou and thy
brother Aaron the congregation together, and say unto the rock before
their eyes, that he give forth his water. And thou shalt bring them
water out of the rock and shalt give the company drink, and their
beasts also. And Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he
commanded him And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together
before the rock, and he said unto them: hear ye rebellious, must we
fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lift up his hand with his
staff and smote the rock two times, and the water came out abundantly,
and the multitude drank and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto
Moses and Aaron: Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes
of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this
congregation into the land which I have given them. This is the water
of strife, because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he
was sanctified upon them. And Moses sent messengers from Cades unto the
king of Edom. Thus sayeth thy brother Israel: Thou knowest all the
travail that hath happened us, how our fathers went down into Egypt,
and how we have dwelt in Egypt a long time, and, how the Egyptians
vexed both us and our fathers. Then we cried unto the LORD and he heard
our voices, and sent an angel and hath fetched us out of Egypt. And
behold, we are in Cades, a city hard by the borders of thy country: let
us go a good fellowship thorow thy country: we will not go thorow the
fields nor thorow the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of
the fountains: but we will go by the highway and neither turn unto the
right hand nor to the left, until we be past thy country. And Edom
answered him: See thou come not by me, lest I come out against thee
with the sword. And the children of Israel said unto him: we will go by
the beaten way: and if either we or our cattle drink of thy water, we
will pay for it, we will do no more but pass thorow by foot only. And
he said: ye shall not go thorow. And Edom came out against him with
much people and with a mighty power. And thus Edom denied to give
Israel passage thorow his country; And Israel turned away from him. And
the children of Israel removed from Cades and went unto mount Hor with
all the congregation. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount
Hor, hard upon the coasts of the land of Edom saying: let Aaron be put
unto his people, for he shall not come into the land which I have given
unto the children of Israel: because ye disobeyed my mouth at the water
of strife. Take Aaron and Eleazer his son, and bring them up into mount
Hor, and strip Aaron out of his vestments and put them upon Eleazer his
son, and let Aaron be put unto his people and die there. And Moses did
as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of
all the multitude. And Moses took off Aaron's clothes and put them upon
Eleazer his son, and Aaron died there in the top of the mount. And
Moses and Eleazer came down out of the mount. And all the house of
Israel mourned for Aaron thirty days
Chapter .xxj.
And when king Arad the Cananite which dwelt in the south parts, heard
tell that Israel came by the way that the spies had found out: he came
and fought with Israel and took some of them prisoners. Then Israel
vowed a vow unto the LORD and said: If thou wilt give this people into
our hands, we will destroy their cities. And the LORD heard the voice
of Israel, and delivered them the Cananites. And they destroyed both
them and their cities, and called the place Horma. Then they departed
from mount Hor toward the red sea: to compass the land of Edom. And the
souls of the people fainted by the way. And the people spake against
God and against Moses: wherefore hast thou brought us out of Egypt, for
to die in the wilderness, for here is neither bread nor water, and our
souls loatheth this light bread. Then the LORD sent fiery serpents
among the people, which stung them: so that much people died in Israel.
And the people came to Moses and said: we have sinned, for we have
spoken against the LORD and against thee: make intercession to the
LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses made
intercession for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses: make thee a
serpent and hang it up for a sign, and let as many as are bitten look
upon it and they shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass and set
it up for a sign. And when the serpents had bitten any man, he went and
beheld the serpent of brass and recovered. And the children of Israel
removed and pitched in Oboth. And they departed from Oboth and lay at
Egebarim in the wilderness which is before Moab on the east side. And
they removed thence, and pitched upon the river of Zarad. And they
departed thence and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which river is
in the wilderness, and cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for
Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. Wherefore
it is spoken in the book of the war of the LORD: go with a violence,
both on the river of Arnon and on the river's head, which shooteth down
to dwell at Ar, and leaneth upon the coasts of Moab. And from thence
they came to Bear, which is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses:
gather the people together, that I may give them water. Then Israel
sang this song: Arise up well, sing thereto: The well which the rulers
digged and the captains of the people with the help of the lawgiver and
with their staves. And from this wilderness they went to Matana, and
from Matana to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth
to the valley that is in the field of Moab in the top of Phasgah which
boweth toward the wilderness. {Iesimon} And Israel sent messengers unto
Sehon, king of the Amorites, saying: let us go thorow thy land: We will
not turn into thy fields nor into thy vineyards, neither drink of the
water of the wells: but we will go along by the common way, until we be
past thy country. And Sehon would give Israel no licence to pass thorow
his country, but gathered all his people together and went out against
Israel into the wilderness. And he came to Iaheza and fought with
Israel. And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword and conquered
his land, from Arnon unto Iabock: even unto the children of Ammon. For
the borders of the children of Ammon, are strong. And Israel took all
these cities and dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites: in Hesbon and
in all the towns that long thereto. For Hesbon was the city of Sehon
the king of the Amorites which Sehon had fought before with the king of
the Moabites, and had taken all his land out of his hand, even unto
Arnon. Wherefore it is a proverb: go to Hesbon and let the city of
Sehon be built and made ready for there is a fire gone out of Hesbon
and a flame from the city of Sehon and hath consumed Ar of the Moabites
and the men of the hills of Arnon. Woe be to thee Moab: O people of
Chamos ye are forloren. {undone} His sons are put to flight and his
daughters brought captive unto Sehon king of the Amorites. Their light
is out from Hesbon unto Dibon and we made a wilderness even unto Nopha
which reacheth unto Mediba. And thus Israel dwelt in the land of the
Amorites. And Moses sent to search out Iaezer, and they took the towns
belonging thereto and conquered the Amorites that were there. And then
they turned and went up toward Bason. And Og the king of Bason came out
against them, both he and all his people, to war at Edrei. And the LORD
said unto Moses: fear him not, for I have delivered him into thy hands
with all his people and his land. And thou shalt do with him as thou
didst with Sehon the king of the Amorites which dwelt at Hesbon. And
they smote him and his sons and all his people, until there was nothing
left him. And they conquered his land.
Chapter .xxij.
And the children of Israel removed and pitched in the fields of Moab,
on the other side of Iordan, by Iericho. And Balac the son of Ziphor
saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and the Moabites were
sore afraid of the people, because they were many, and abhorred the
children of Israel: And Moab said unto the elders of Madian, now this
company hath licked up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up
the grass of the field. And Balac the son of Ziphor was king of the
Moabites at that time. And he sent messengers unto Balam the son of
Beor, the interpreter which dwelt upon the river of the land of the
children of his folk, to call him saying: behold, there is a people
come out of Egypt which covereth the face of the earth and lie even
hard by me. Come now a fellowship and curse me this people. For they
are too mighty for me, so peradventure I might be able to smite them
and to drive them out of the land. For I wot that whom thou blessest
shall be blessed, and whom thou cursest shall be cursed. And the elders
of Moab went with the elders of Madian, and the reward of the
soothsaying in their hands. And they came unto Balam and told him the
words of Balac. And he said unto them: tarry here all night and I will
bring you word, even as the LORD shall say unto me. And the lords of
Moab abode with Balam. And God came unto Balam and said: what men are
these which are with thee? And Balam said unto God: Balac the son of
Ziphor king of Moab hath sent unto me saying: behold, there is a people
come out of Egypt and covereth the face of the earth: come now
therefore and curse me them, that so peradventure I may be able to
overcome them in battle, and to drive them out. And God said unto
Balam: thou shalt not go with them, neither curse the people, for they
are blessed. And Balam rose up in the morning and said unto the lords
of Balac: get you unto your land, for the LORD will not suffer me to go
with you. And the lords of Moab rose up and went unto Balac and said,
Balam would not come with us. And Balac sent again a greater company of
lords and more honourable than they. And they came to Balam and told
him: Thus sayeth Balac the son of Ziphor: oh, let nothing let thee to
come unto me, for I will greatly promote thee unto great honour, and
will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me, come therefore I pray thee,
curse me this people. And Balam answered and said unto the servants of
Balac: If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can
go no further than the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
Nevertheless tarry ye here all night: that I may wete, what the LORD
will say unto me once more. And God came to Balam by night and said
unto him: If the men come to fetch thee, rise up and go with them: but
what I say unto thee, that only thou shalt do. And Balam rose up early
and saddled his ass and went with the lords of Moab. But God was angry
because he went. And the angel of the LORD stood in the way against
him. And he rid upon his ass and two servants with him. And when the
ass saw the angel of the LORD stond in the way and his sword drawn in
his hand, she turned aside out of the way and went out into the field.
And Balam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. And the angel of the
LORD went and stood in a path between the vineyards, where was a wall
on the one side and another on the other. When the ass saw the angel of
the LORD, she wrenched unto the wall and thrust Balam's foot unto the
wall, and he smote her again. And the angel of the LORD went further
and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn, either to the
right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD,
she fell down under Balam: and Balam was wroth and smote the ass with a
staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto
Balam: what have I done unto thee, that thou smitest me thus three
times? And Balam said unto the Ass: because thou hast mocked me? I
would that I had a sword in mine hand, that I might now kill thee. And
the ass said unto Balam: am not I thine Ass which thou hast ridden upon
since thou wast born unto this day? Was I ever wont to do so unto thee?
And he said, nay. And the LORD {lorde} opened the eyes of Balam that he
saw the angel of the LORD {Lorde} stonding in the way, with his sword
drawn in his hand. And he bowed himself and fell flat on his face. And
the angel of the LORD said unto him: Wherefore smitest thou thine ass
this three times? behold, I came out to resist thee, for the way is
contrary unto me, and the ass saw me and avoided me three times: or
else (had she not turned from me) I had surely slain thee and saved her
alive. And Balam said unto the angel of the LORD: I have sinned: for I
wist not that thou stoodest in the way against me. Now therefore if it
displease thine eyes, I will turn again. And the angel said unto Balam,
go with the men: but in any wise, what I say unto thee, that say. And
Balam went with the lords of Balac. And when Balac heard that Balam was
come he went out against him unto a city of Moab that stood in the
border of Arnon, which was the utmost part of his country. And Balac
said unto Balam: did I not send for thee, to call thee? wherefore
camest thou not unto me? thinkest thou that I am not able to promote
thee unto honour? And Balam said unto Balac: Lo I am come unto thee.
But I can say nothing at all save what God putteth in my mouth that
must I speak. And Balam went with Balac, and they came unto the city of
Huzoth. {large city} And Balac offered oxen and sheep and sent for
Balam and for the lords that were with him. And on the morning Balac
took Balam and brought him up into the high place of Baal, and thence
he saw unto the utmost part of the people.
Chapter .xxiij.
And Balam said unto Balac: build me here seven altars and provide here
seven oxen and seven rams. And Balac did as Balam said. And Balac and
Balam offered on every altar an ox and a ram. And Balam said unto
Balac: stond by the sacrifice, while I go to wete whether the LORD will
come and meet me, and whatsoever he sheweth me, I will tell thee, and
he went forthwith. And God came unto Balam, and Balam said unto him: I
have prepared seven altars, and have offered upon every altar, an ox
and a ram. And the LORD put a saying in Balam's mouth and said: go
again to Balac and say on this wise. And he went again unto him and lo,
he stood by his sacrifice, both he and all the lords of Moab. And he
began his parable and said: Balac the king of Moab hath fetched me from
Mesopotamia out of the mountains of the east saying: come and curse me
Iacob, come and defy me Israel. How shall I curse whom God curseth not
and how shall I defy whom the LORD defieth not? from the top of the
rocks I see him and from the hills I behold him: Lo, the people shall
dwell by himself and shall not be reckoned among other nations. Who can
tell the dust of Iacob and the number of the fourth part of Israel. I
pray God that my soul, may die the death of the righteous, and that my
last end may be like his. And Balac said unto Balam, what hast thou
done unto me? I fetched thee to curse mine enemies: and behold, thou
blessest them. And he answered and said: must I not keep that and speak
it, which the LORD hath put in my mouth? And Balac said unto him: Come
I pray thee with me unto another place, whence thou shalt see them, and
shalt see but the utmost part of them and shalt not see them all and
curse me them there. And he brought him into a plain field where men
might see far, even to the top of Pisga, and built seven altars and
offered an ox and a ram on every altar. And he said unto Balac: stond
here by thy sacrifice while I go yonder. And the LORD met Balam and put
words in his mouth and said: go again unto Balac and thus say. And when
he came to him: behold, he stood by his sacrifice and the lords of Moab
with him; And Balac said unto him: what sayeth the LORD? And he took up
his parable and said: rise up Balac and hear, and hearken unto me thou
son of Ziphor. The Lorde {|God|} is not a man, that he can lie, neither
the son of a man that he can repent: should he say and not do, or
should he speak and not make it good? behold, I have begun to bless and
have blessed, and can not go back therefrom. He beheld no wickedness in
Iacob nor saw Idolatry in Israel: The LORD his God is with him, and the
tromp {triumph} of a king among them. God that brought them out of
Egypt, is as the strength of an unicorn unto them, for there is no
sorcerer, in Iacob, nor soothsayer in Israel. When the time cometh, it
will be said of Iacob and of Israel, what God hath wrought. Behold, the
people shall rise up as a lioness and heave up himself as a lion, and
shall not lie down again, until he have eaten of the prey and drunk of
the blood of them that are slain. And Balac said unto Balam: neither
curse them nor bless them. And Balam answered and said unto Balac: told
not I thee saying, all that the LORD biddeth me, that I must do? And
Balac said unto Balam: come I pray thee, I will bring thee yet unto
another place: so peradventure it shall please God, that thou mayst
curse them there. And Balac brought Balam unto the top of Peor, that
boweth toward the wilderness. And Balam said unto Balac: make me here
seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams. And
Balac did as Balam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on every
altar.
Chapter .xxiiij.
When Balam saw that it pleased the LORD that he should bless Israel, he
went not as he did twice before to fetch soothsaying, but set his face
toward the wilderness, and lift up his eyes and looked upon Israel as
he lay with his tribes, and the spirit of God came upon him. And he
took up his parable and said: Balam the son of Beor hath said, and the
man whose eye is open hath said: he hath said which heareth the words
of God and seeth the visions of the almighty, which falleth down and
his eyes are opened. How goodly are the tents of Iacob and thine
habitations Israel, even as the broad valleys and as gardens by the
river's side, as the tents which the LORD hath pitched and as cypress
trees upon the water. The water shall flow out of his bucket and his
seed shall be many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag; And
his kingdom shall be exalted. God that brought him out of Egypt is as
the strength of an unicorn unto him, and he shall eat the nations that
are his enemies and break their bones and pierce them thorow with his
arrows. He couched himself and lay down as a lion and as a lioness, who
shall stir him up? blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he
that curseth thee. And Balac was wroth with Balam and smote his hands
together, and said unto him: I sent for thee to curse mine enemies: and
behold, thou hast blessed them this three times, and now get thee
quickly unto thy place. I thought that I would promote thee unto
honour, but the LORD hath kept thee back from worship. And Balam said
unto Balac: told I not thy messengers which thou sentest unto me
saying: If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can
not pass the mouth of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own
mind. What the LORD sayeth, that must I speak. And now behold, I go
unto my people: come let me shew thee, what this people shall do to thy
folk in the latter days. And he began his parable and said: Balam the
son of Beor hath said, and the man that hath his eye open hath said,
and he hath said that heareth the words of God and hath the knowledge
of the most high and beholdeth the vision of the almighty, and when he
falleth down hath his eyes opened. I see him but not now, I behold him
but not nye. There shall come a star of Iacob and rise a scepter of
Israel, which shall smite the coasts of Moab and undermine all the
children of Seth. And Edom shall be his possession, and the possession
of Seir shall be their enemies, and Israel shall do manfully. And out
of Iacob shall come he that shall destroy the remnant of the cities.
And he looked on Amalek and began his parable and said: Amalek is the
first of the nations, but his latter end shall perish utterly. And he
looked on the Kenites, and took his parable and said: strong is thy
dwelling place and put thy nest upon a rock. Neverthelater thou shalt
be a burning to Kain, until Assur take thee prisoner. And he took his
parable and said: Alas, who shall live when God doeth this? The ships
shall come out of the coast of Cittim and subdue Assur and subdue Eber,
and he himself shall perish at the last. And Balam rose up and went and
dwelt in his place: and Balac also went his way.
Chapter .xxv.
And Israel dwelt in Sittim, and the people began to commit whoredom
with the daughters of Moab, which called the people unto the sacrifice
of their gods. And the people ate and worshipped their gods, and Israel
coupled himself unto Baal Peor. Then the LORD was angry with Israel,
and said unto Moses: take all the heads of the people, and hang them up
unto the LORD against the son, that the wrath of the LORD may turn away
from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel: go and slay
those men that joined them selves unto Baal Peor. And behold, one of
the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren, a
Madianitish wife even in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the
multitude of the children of Israel, as they were weeping in the door
of the tabernacle of witness. And when Phineas the son of Eleazer the
son of Aaron the priest saw it, he rose up out of the company and took
a weapon in his hand, and went after the man of Israel into the
whorehouse, and thrust them thorow: both the man of Israel and also the
woman even thorow the belly of her. And the plague ceased from the
children of Israel. And there died in the plague twenty four thousand.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Phineas the son of Eleazer the
son of Aaron the priest, hath turned mine anger away from the children
of Israel, because he was jealous for my sake among them, that I had
not consumed the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say:
behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace, and he shall have it and
his seed after him, even the covenant of the priest's office for ever,
because he was jealous for his God's {goddes} sake and made an
atonement for the children of Israel. The name of the Israelite which
was smitten with the Madianitish wife, was Simri the son of Salu, a
lord of an ancient house among the Simeonites. And the name of the
Madianitish wife, was Cosbi the daughter of Zur and head over the
people of an ancient house in Madian. And the LORD spake unto Moses
saying: vex the Madianites and smite them, for they have troubled you
with their wiles with thee which they have beguiled you, thorow Peor
and thorow their sister Cosbi the daughter of a lord in Madian, which
was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.
Chapter .xxvi.
And after the plague, the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazer
saying: take the number of all the multitude of the children of Israel
from twenty years and above thorowout their fathers' houses, all that
are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazer the priest told
them in the fields of Moab, by Iordan fast by Iericho, from twenty
years and above, as the LORD commanded Moses. And the children of
Israel that came of Egypt were: Ruben the eldest son of Israel. The
children of Ruben were, Hanoch, of whom cometh the kindred of the
Hanochites: and of Palu, cometh the kindred of the Paluites: And of
Hesron, cometh the kindred of the Hesronites: and of Carmi, cometh the
kindred of the Carmites. These are the kindreds of the Rubenites, which
were in number forty three thousand seven hundred and thirty. And the
sons of Palu were Eliab. And the sons of Eliab were: Nemuel, Dathan and
Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram councillors in the congregation,
which strove against Moses and Aaron in the company of Corah, when they
strove against the LORD. And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed
them and Corah also, when the multitude died, what time the fire
consumed two hundred and fifty men, and they became a sign:
Notwithstanding, the children of Corah died not. And the children of
Simeon in their kindreds were: Nemuel, of whom cometh the kindred of
the Nemuelites: Iamin, of whom cometh the kindred of the Iaminites:
Iachin, of whom cometh the kindred of the Iachinites: Serah of whom
cometh the kindred of the Serahites: Saul of whom cometh the kindred of
the Saulites. These are the kindreds of the Simeonites: in number
twenty two thousand and two hundred. And the children of Gad in their
kindreds were: Zephon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Zephonites:
and of Haggi, cometh the kindred of the Haggites: and of Suni, cometh
the kindred of the Sunites: and of Aseni, cometh the kindred of the
Asenites: and of Eri cometh the kindred of the Erites: and of Arod
cometh the kindred of the Arodites: and of Ariel cometh the kindred of
the Arielites. These are the kindreds of the children of Gad, in number
forty thousand and five hundred. The children of Iuda: Er and Onan,
which died in the land of Canaan. But the children of Iuda in their
kindred were: Sela of whom cometh the kindred of the Selamites: and of
Phares cometh the kindred of the Pharesites: and of Serah cometh the
kindred of the Serahites. And the children of Phares were Hesron, of
whom cometh the kindred of the Hesronites: and of Hamul cometh the
kindred of the Hamulites. These are the kindreds of Iuda, in number
seventy six thousand and five hundred. And the children of Isachar in
their kindreds were: Tola, of whom cometh the kindred of the Tolaites:
and Phuva, of whom cometh the kindred of the Phuvaites: and of Iasub
cometh the kindred of the Iasubites: and of Simron cometh the kindred
of the Simronites. These are the kindreds of Isachar in number sixty
four thousand and three hundred. The children of Zabulon in their
kindreds were: Sered, of whom cometh the kindred of the Seredites: and
Elon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Elonites: and of Iaheliel,
cometh the kindred of the Iahelelites. These are the kindreds of
Zabulon: in number sixty thousand and five hundred. The children of
Ioseph in their kindreds were: Manasse and Ephraim. The children of
Manasse: Machir, of whom cometh the kindred of the Machirites. And
Machir begat Gilead, of whom cometh the kindred of the Gileadites. And
these are the children of Gilead: Hieser, of whom cometh the kindred of
the Hieserites: and of Helech cometh the kindred of the Helechites: and
of Asriel the kindred of the Asrielites: and of Sichem cometh the
kindred of the Sichemites: and of Simida cometh the kindred of the
Simidites: and of Hepher cometh the kindred of the Hepherites. And
Zelaphead the son of Hepher had no sons but daughters. And the names of
the daughters of Zelaphead were: Mahela, Noa, Hagla, Milcha and Thirza.
These are the kindreds of Manasse, in number fifty two thousand and
seven hundred. These are the children of Ephraim in their kindreds:
Suthelah, of whom cometh the kindred of the Suthelahites: and Becher,
of whom cometh the kindred of the Becherites: and of Thaha cometh the
kindred of the Thahanites. And these are the children of Suthelah:
Eran, of whom cometh the kindred of the Eranites. These are the
kindreds of the children of Ephraim in number thirty two thousand and
five hundred. And these are the children of Ioseph in their kindreds.
These are the children of BenIamin in their kindreds: Bela, of whom
cometh the kindred of the Belaites: and of Asbel cometh the kindred of
the Asbelites: and of Ahiram, the kindred of the Ahiramites: and of
Supham the kindred of the Suphamites: and of Hupham the kindred of the
Huphamites. And the children of Bela were Ard and Naaman from whence
come the kindreds of the Ardites and of the Naamites. These are the
children of BenIamin in their kindreds, and in number forty five
thousand and six hundred. These are the children of Dan in their
kindreds: Suham, of whom cometh the kindred of the Suhamites. These are
the kindreds of Dan in their generations. And all the kindreds of the
Suhamites were in number sixty four thousand and four hundred. The
children of Asser in their kindreds were: Iemna, of whom cometh the
kindred of the Iemnites: and Iesui, of whom cometh the kindred of the
Iesuites: and of Bria cometh the kindred of Brites. And the children of
Bria were Heber, of whom cometh the kindred of the Heberites: and of
Malchiel came the kindred of the Malchielites. And the daughter of Aser
was called Sarah. These are the kindreds of Aser in number fifty three
thousand and four hundred. The children of Nephthali in their kindreds
were: Iaheziel, of whom came the kindred of the Iahezielites: and Guni,
of whom came the kindred of the Gunites: and of Iezer, came the kindred
of the Iezerites: and of Selem the kindred of Selemites. These are the
kindreds of Naphthali in their generations in number forty five
thousand and four hundred. These are the numbers of the children of
Israel: six hundred thousand, and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: unto these the land shall be
divided to inherit, according to the number of names: to many thou
shalt give the more inheritance and to few the less: to every tribe
shall the inheritance be given according to the number thereof.
Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot, and according to the
names of the tribes of their fathers, they shall inherit: and according
to their lot thou shalt divide their land, both to the many and to the
few. These are the sums of the Levites in their kindreds: of Gerson,
came the kindred of the Gersonites: and of Cahath came the kindred of
the Cahathites: and of Merari came the kindred of the Merarites. These
are the kindreds of Levi: the kindred of the Libnites, the kindred of
the Hebronites, the kindred of the Mahelites, the kindred of the
Musites, the kindred of the Karahites. Kahath begat Amram, and Amram's
wife was called Iochebed a daughter of Levi, which was born him in
Egypt. And she bare unto Amram, Aaron, Moses and Miriam their sister.
And unto Aaron were born, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazer and Ithamar. But Nadab
and Abihu died, as they offered strange fire before the LORD. And the
number of them was twenty three thousand, of all the males from a month
old and above. For they were not numbered among the children of Israel,
because there was no inheritance given them among the children of
Israel. These are the numbers of the children of Israel which Moses and
Eleazer the priest numbered in the fields of Moab, fast by Iordan nye
to Iericho. And among these there was not a man of the number of the
children of Israel which Moses and Aaron told in the wilderness of
Sinai. For the LORD said unto them, that they should die in the
wilderness and that there should not be left a man of them: save Caleb
the son of Iephune and Iosua the son of Nun.
Chapter .xxvij.
And the daughters of Zelaphead the son of Heber the son of Gilead, the
son of Machir the son of Manasse, of the kindreds of Manasse the son of
Ioseph (whose names were Mahela, Noha, Hagla, Melcha and Thirza) came
and stood before Moses and Eleazer the priest and before the lords and
all the multitude in the door of the tabernacle of witness saying: our
father died in the wilderness, and was not among the company of them
that gathered them selves together against the LORD in the congregation
of Corah: But died in his own sin, and had no sons. Wherefore should
the name of our father's be taken away from among his kindred, because
he had no son? Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our
father. And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. And the LORD
spake unto Moses saying: The daughters of Zelaphead speak right: thou
shalt give them a possession to inherit among their father's brethren,
and shalt turn the inheritance of their father unto them. And speak
unto the children of Israel saying: If a man die and have no son, ye
shall turn his inheritance unto his daughter. If he have no daughter,
ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. If he have no
brethren, ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren. If
he have no father's brethren, ye shall give his inheritance unto him
that is next to him of his kindred, and let him possess it. And this
shall be unto the children of Israel an ordinance, and a law, as the
LORD hath commanded Moses. And the LORD said unto Moses: get thee up
into this mount Abarim, and behold, the land which I have given unto
the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou shalt be
gathered unto thy people also, as Aaron thy brother was gathered unto
his people. For ye were disobedient unto my mouth in the desert of Zin
in the strife of the congregation, that ye sanctified me not in the
water before their eyes. That is the water of strife in Cades in the
wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the LORD saying: let the LORD
God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, which
may go in and out before them, and to lead them in and out, that the
congregation of the LORD be not as a flock of sheep without a shepherd.
And the LORD said unto Moses: take Iosua the son of Nun in whom there
is spirit, and put thine hands upon him, and set him before Eleazer the
priest and before all the congregation and give him a charge in their
sight. And put of thy praise upon him that all the company of the
children of Israel may hear. And he shall stond before Eleazar the
priest which shall ask counsel {councell} for him after the manner of
the light {judgement of Urim} before the LORD: And at the mouth of
Eleazer shall both he and all the children of Israel with him and all
the congregation, go in and out. And Moses did as the LORD commanded
him, and he took Iosua and set him before Eleazer the priest and before
all the congregation, and put his hands upon him and give him a charge,
as the LORD commanded thorow the hand of Moses.
Chapter .xxviij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: give the children of Israel a
charge and say unto them, that they take heed to offer unto me the
offering of my bread in the sacrifice of sweet savour, in his due
season. And say unto them. This is the offering which ye shall offer
unto the LORD: two lambs of a year old without spot day by day to be a
burntoffering perpetually. One lamb thou shalt offer in the morning,
and the other at even. And thereto the tenth part of an Epha of flour
for a meatoffering mingled with beaten oil, the fourth part of an hin:
which is a daily offering ordained in the mount Sinai unto a sweet
savour in the sacrifice of the LORD. And the drinkoffering of the same:
the fourth part of an hin unto one lamb, and pour the drinkoffering in
the holy place, to be good drink unto the LORD. And the other lamb thou
shalt offer at even, with the meatoffering and the drinkoffering after
the manner of the morning: a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
And on the Sabbath day two lambs of a year old apiece and without spot,
and two tenth deals of flour for a meatoffering mingled with oil, and
the drinkoffering thereto. This is the burntoffering of every Sabbath,
besides the daily burntoffering and his drinkoffering. And in the first
day of your months, ye shall offer a burntoffering unto the LORD: two
young bullocks, and a ram, and seven lambs of a year old without spot,
and three tenth deals of flour for a meatoffering mingled with oil unto
one bullock, and two tenth deals of flour for a meatoffering mingled
with oil unto one ram. And ever more, a tenth deal of flour mingled
with oil, for a meatoffering unto one lamb. That is a burntoffering of
a sweet savour in the sacrifice of the LORD. And their drink offerings
shall be half an hin of wine unto one bullock, and the third part of an
hin of wine unto a ram and the fourth part of an hin unto a lamb. This
is the burntoffering of every month thorowout all the months of the
year: and one he goat for a sinoffering unto the LORD, which shall be
offered with the daily burntoffering and his drinkoffering. And the
fourteenth day of the first month shall be passover unto the LORD. And
the fifteenth day of the same month shall be a feast, in which seven
days men must eat unleavened bread. The first day shall be an holy
feast, so that ye shall do no manner of laborious work therein. And ye
shall offer a burntoffering unto the LORD two bullocks, one ram, and
seven lambs of a year old without spot, and their meatoffering of flour
mingled with oil three tenth deals unto a bullock, and two tenth deals
unto a ram, and ever more one tenth deal unto a lamb, thorowout the
seven lambs: and an he goat for a sinoffering to make an atonement for
you. And ye shall offer these, beside the burntoffering in the morning
that is always offered. And after this manner ye shall offer thorowout
the seven days, the food of the sacrifice of sweet favour unto the
LORD. And it shall be done beside the daily burntoffering and his
drinkoffering. And the seventh day shall be an holy feast unto you, so
that ye shall do no laborious work therein. And the day of your first
fruits when ye bring a new meatoffering unto the LORD in your weeks,
shall be an holy feast unto you: so that ye shall do no labourious work
therein. And ye shall offer a burntoffering of a sweet savour unto the
LORD: two young bullocks, and a ram, and seven lambs of a year old
apiece, with their meatofferings of flour mingled with oil three tenth
deals unto a bullock two tenth deals to a ram, and ever more one tenth
deal unto a lamb thorowout the seven lambs, and an he goat to make an
atonement for you. And this ye shall do besides the daily
burntoffering, and his meatoffering: and they shall be without spot,
with their drinkofferings.
Chapter .xxix.
Also {and} the first day of the seventh month shall be an holy feast
unto you, and ye shall do no labourious work therein. It shall be a day
of trumpet blowing unto you. And ye shall offer a burntoffering of a
sweet savour unto the LORD: one young bullock and one ram and seven
lambs of a year old apiece that are pure. And their meatofferings of
flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals unto the bullock, and two
unto the ram, and one tenth deal unto one lamb thorow the seven lambs.
And an he goat for a sinoffering to make an atonement for you, beside
the burntoffering of the month and his meatoffering and beside the
daily burntoffering and his meatoffering, and the drinkofferings of the
same: according unto the manner of them for a savour of sweetness in
the sacrifice of the LORD. And the tenth day of that same seventh month
shall be an holy feast unto you, and ye shall humble your souls and
shall do no manner work therein. And ye shall offer a burntoffering
unto the LORD of a sweet savour: one bullock, and a ram, and seven
lambs of a year old apiece, without fault and their meatofferings of
flour mingled with oil: three tenth deals to a bullock, and two to a
ram and always a tenth deal unto a lamb, thorowout the seven lambs. And
one he goat for a sinoffering, beside the sinoffering of atonement and
the daily burntoffering, and the meat and drinkofferings that long to
the same. And the fifteenth day of the seventh month shall be holy day
and ye shall do no laborious work therein, and ye shall keep a feast
unto the LORD of seven days long. And ye shall offer a burntoffering of
a sweet savour unto the LORD: thirteen bullocks two rams and fourteen
lambs which are yearlings and pure, with oil, three tenth deals unto
every one of the thirteen bullocks: two tenth deals to either of the
rams, and one tenth deal unto each of the fourteen lambs. And one he
goat unto a sinoffering, beside the daily burntoffering with his meat
and drinkofferings. And the second day twelve young bullocks, two rams,
and fourteen yearling lambs without spot: and their meatofferings and
drinkofferings unto the bullocks, rams and lambs, according to the
number of them and after the manner. And an he goat for a sinoffering,
beside the daily burntoffering and his meat and drinkofferings. And the
third day eleven bullocks two rams and fourteen yearling lambs without
spot: and their meat and drinkofferings unto the bullocks, rams and
lambs, after the number of them and according to the manner. And an he
goat for a sinoffering, beside the daily burntoffering and his meat and
drinkofferings. And the fourth day ten bullocks two rams and fourteen
lambs, yearlings and pure: and their meat and drinkofferings unto the
bullocks, rams and lambs, according to their number and after the
manner. And an he goat for a sinoffering, beside the daily
burntoffering and his meat and drinkofferings. And the fifth day nine
bullocks two rams and fourteen lambs of one year old apiece without
spot. And their meat and drinkofferings unto the bullocks, rams and
lambs, according to the number of them and after the manner. And an he
goat for a sinoffering, beside the daily burntoffering and his meat and
drinkofferings. And the sixth day eight bullocks two rams and fourteen
yearling lambs without spot. And their meat and drinkofferings unto the
bullocks, rams and lambs, according to the manner. And an he goat for a
sinoffering, beside the daily burntoffering and his meat and
drinkofferings. And the seventh day seven bullocks two rams and
fourteen lambs that are yearlings and pure. And their meat and
drinkofferings unto the bullocks, rams and lambs, according to their
number and to the manner. And an hegoat for a sinoffering, beside the
daily burntoffering and his meat and drinkofferings. And the eighth day
shall be the conclusion of the feast unto you, and ye shall do no
manner laborious work therein. And ye shall offer a burntoffering of a
sweet savour unto the LORD: one bullock, one ram and seven yearling
lambs without spot. And the meat and drinkofferings unto the bullock,
ram and lambs, according to their numbers and according to the manner.
And an he goat for a sinoffering beside the daily burntoffering and his
meat and drinkofferings. These things ye shall do unto the LORD in your
feasts: beside your vows and freewill offerings, in your
burntofferings, meatofferings, drinkofferings and peaceofferings. And
Moses told the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD
commanded him.
Chapter .xxx.
And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel
saying: this is the thing which the LORD commandeth. If a man vow a vow
unto the LORD or swear an oath and bind his soul, he shall not go back
with his word: but shall fulfil all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
If a damsel vow a vow unto the LORD and bind herself being in her
father's house and unmarried: If her father hear her vow and bond which
she hath made upon her soul, and hold his peace thereto: then all her
vows and bonds which she hath made upon her soul shall stond in effect.
But and if her father forbid her the same day that he heareth it, none
of her vows nor bonds which she hath made upon her soul shall be of
value, and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father forbade her.
If she had an husband when she vowed or pronounced ought out of her
lips wherewith she bound her soul, and her husband heard it and held
his peace thereat the same day he heard it: Then her vows and her bonds
wherewith she bound her soul, shall stond in effect. But and if her
husband forbade her the same day that he heard it, then hath he made
her vow which she had upon her of none effect, and that also which she
pronounced with her lips wherewith she bound her soul, and the LORD
shall forgive her. The vow of a widow and of her that is divorced, and
all that they have bound their souls withal, shall stond in effect with
them. If she vowed in her husband's house or bound her soul with an
oath, and her husband heard it and held his peace and forbade her not:
then all her vows and bonds wherewith she bound her soul, shall stond.
But if her husband disannulled them the same day that he heard them,
then nothing that proceeded out of her lips in vows and bonds wherewith
she bound her soul shall stond in effect: for her husband hath lowsed
them, and the LORD shall forgive her. All vows and oaths that bind to
humble the soul, may her husband stablish or break. But if her husband
hold his peace from one day unto another, then he stablisheth all her
vows and bonds which she had upon her, because he held his peace the
same day that he heard them. And if he afterward break them, he shall
bear her sin himself. These are the ordinances which the LORD commanded
Moses, between a man and his wife, and between the father and his
daughter, being a damsel in her father's house.
Chapter .xxxj.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: avenge the children of Israel of
the Madianites, and afterward be gathered unto thy people. And Moses
spake unto the folk saying: Harness some of you unto war, and let them
go upon the Madianites and avenge the LORD of the Madianites. Ye shall
send unto the war a thousand of every tribe thorowout all the tribes of
Israel. And there were taken out of the thousands of Israel twelve
thousand prepared unto war, of every tribe a thousand. And Moses sent
them a thousand of every tribe, with Phineas the son of Eleazer the
priest to war, and the holy vessels and the trumpets to blow with in
his hand. And they warred against the Madianites, as the LORD commanded
Moses, and slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Madian among
other that were slain: Eui, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba: five kings of
Madian. And they slew Balam the son of Beor with the sword. And the
children of Israel took all the women of Madian prisoners and their
children, and spoiled all their cattle, their substance and their
goods. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all
their castles with fire. And they took all the spoil and all they could
catch, both of men and beasts. And they brought the captives and that
which they had taken and all the spoil unto Moses and Eleazer the
priest and unto the company of the children of Israel, even unto the
host, in the fields of Moab by Iordan nye to Iericho. And Moses and
Eleazer the priest and all the lords of the congregation went out of
the host against them. And Moses was angry with the officers of the
host, with the captains over thousands and over hundreds, which came
from war and battle, and said unto them: Have ye saved the women alive?
behold, these caused the children of Israel thorow Balam, to commit
trespass against the LORD, by the reason of Peor, and there followed a
plague among the congregation of the LORD. Now therefore slay all the
men children and the women that have lien with men fleshly: But all the
women children that have not lien with men, keep alive for your selves.
And lodge without the host seven days all that have killed any person
and all that have twiched any dead body, and purify both your selves
and your prisoners the third day and the seventh. And sprinkle all your
raiments and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair,
and all things made of wood. And Eleazer the priest said unto all the
men of war which went out to battle: this is the ordinance of the law
which the LORD commanded Moses: Gold, silver, brass, iron, tin and
lead, and all that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go thorow the
fire, and then it is clean. Neverthelater, it shall be sprinkled with
sprinkling water. And all that suffereth not the fire, ye shall make go
thorow the water. And wash your clothes the seventh day, and then ye
are clean. And afterward come into the host. And the LORD spake unto
Moses saying: take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of the
women and of cattle, thou and Eleazer the priest and the ancient heads
of the congregation. And divide it into two parts, between them that
took the war upon them and went out to battle and all the congregation.
And take a portion unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to
battle one of five hundred, of the women and of the oxen and of the
asses and of the sheep and ye shall take it of their half and give it
unto Eleazer the priest, an heave offering unto the LORD. And of the
half of the children of Israel, take one of fifty, of the women, of the
oxen, of the asses and of the sheep, and of all manner of beasts, and
give them unto the Levites which wait upon the habitation of the LORD.
And Moses and Eleazer the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses. And
the booty and the prey which the men of war had caught, was six hundred
thousand and seventy five thousand sheep: and seventy two thousand
oxen: and sixty one thousand asses: and thirty two thousand women that
had lien by no man. And the half which was the part of them that went
out to war, was three hundred thousand and thirty seven thousand and
five hundred sheep: And the LORD's part of the sheep was six hundred
and seventy five. And the oxen were thirty six thousand, of which the
LORD's part was seventy two. And the asses were thirty thousand and
five hundred, of which the LORD's part was sixty one. And the women
were sixteen thousand, of which the LORD's part was thirty two souls.
And Moses gave that sum which was the LORD's heave offering unto
Eleazer the priest: as the LORD commanded Moses. And the other half of
the children of Israel which Moses separated from the men of war (that
is to wete, the half that pertained unto the congregation) was three
hundred thousand and thirty seven thousand and five hundred sheep: and
thirty six thousand oxen: and thirty thousand asses and five hundred:
and sixteen thousand women. And Moses took of this half that pertained
unto the children of Israel: one of every fifty, both of the women and
of the cattle, and gave them unto the Levites which waited upon the
habitation of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. And the officers
of thousands of the host, the captains over the thousands and the
captains over the hundreds came forth and said unto Moses: Thy servants
have taken the sum of the men of war, which were under our hand, and
there lacked not one man of them. We have therefore brought a present
unto the LORD what every man found of Iewels of gold, chains,
bracelets, rings, earrings and spangles, to make an atonement for our
souls before the LORD. And Moses and Eleazer took the gold of them:
Iewels of all manner fashions. And all the gold of the heave offering
of the LORD, of the captains over thousands and hundreds was sixteen
thousand seven hundred and fifty sicles, which {for} the men of war had
spoiled, every man for himself. And Moses and Eleazer the priest took
the gold of the captains over the thousands and over the hundreds, and
brought it into the tabernacle of witness: to be a memorial unto the
children of Israel, before the LORD.
Chapter .xxxij.
The children of Ruben and the children of Gad, had an exceeding great
multitude of cattle. And when they saw the land of Iaeser and the land
of Gilead that it was an apt place for cattle, they came and spake unto
Moses and Eleazer the priest and unto the lords of the congregation
saying. The land of Ataroth, Dibo and Beon, which country the LORD
smote before the congregation of Israel: is a land for cattle and we
thy servants have cattle wherefore (said they) if we have found grace
in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants to possess, and
bring us not over Iordan. And Moses said unto the children of Gad and
of Ruben: shall your brethren go to war and ye tarry here? Wherefore
discourage ye the hearts of the children of Israel for to go over into
the land which the LORD hath given them? This did your fathers, when I
sent them from Cades bernea to see the land. And they went up even unto
the river of Escol and saw the land, and discouraged the hearts of the
children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the
LORD had given them. And the LORD was wroth the same time and sware
saying: None of the men that came out of Egypt from twenty years old
and above, shall see the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac and
Iacob, because they have not continually followed me: save Caleb the
son of Iephune the Kenesite, and Iosua the son of Nun, for they have
followed me continually. And the LORD was angry with Israel, and made
them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation
that had done evil in the sight of the LORD were consumed. And behold,
ye are risen up in your father's stead, the increase of sinful men, to
augment the fierce wrath of the LORD to Israelward. For if ye turn away
from after him, he will yet again leave the people in the wilderness,
so shall ye destroy all this folk. And they went near him and said: we
will build sheepfolds here for our sheep and for our cattle, and cities
for our children: But we our selves will go ready armed before the
children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place. And
our children shall dwell in the strong {fenced} cities, because of the
inhabiters of the land. And we will not return unto our houses, until
the children of Israel have inherited: every man his inheritance. For
we will not inherit with them on yonder side Iordan forward, because
our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Iordan eastward. And Moses
said unto them: If ye will do this thing, that ye will go all harnessed
before the LORD to war, and will go all of you in harness over Iordan
before the LORD, until he have cast out his enemies before him, and
until the land be subdued before the LORD, then ye shall return and be
without sin against the LORD and against Israel, and this land shall be
your possession before the LORD. But and if ye will not do so, behold,
ye sin against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. Build
your cities for your children and folds for your sheep, and see ye do
that ye have spoken. And the Children of Gad and of Ruben spake unto
Moses saying: thy servants will do as my lord commandeth. Our children,
our wives, substance and all our cattle shall remain here in the cities
of Gilead. But we thy servants will go all harnessed for the war unto
battle before the LORD, as my lord hath said. And Moses commanded
Eleazer the priest: and Iosua the son of Nun and the ancient heads of
the tribes of the children of Israel, and said unto them: If the
children of Gad and Ruben will go with you over Iordan, all prepared to
fight before the LORD: then when the land is subdued unto you, give
them the land of Gilead to possess, but and if they will not go over
with you in harness, then they shall have their possessions among you
in the land of Canaan. And the children of Gad and Ruben answered
saying: that which the LORD hath said unto thy servants we will do. We
will go harnessed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, and the
possession of our inheritance shall be on this side the Iordan. And
Moses gave unto the children of Gad and of Ruben and unto half the
tribe of Manasse the son of Ioseph, the kingdom of Sehon king of the
Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Basan, the land that longed
unto the cities thereof in the coasts of the country round about. And
the children of Gad built Dibo, ataroth Aroer, Atroth, Sophan, Iaeser,
Iegabea, Bethnimra and Betharan strong {fenced} cities, and they built
folds for their sheep. And the children of Ruben built Hesebon, Elalea,
Kiriathaim, Nebo, Baal Meon and turned their names, and Sibama also:
and gave names unto the cities which they built. And the children of
Machir the son of Manasse went to Gilead and took it, and put out the
Amorites that were therein. And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son
of Manasse and he dwelt therein. And Iahir the son of Manasse went and
took the small towns thereof, and called them the towns of Iair. And
Nobah went and took kenath with the towns longing thereto, and called
it Nobah after his own name.
Chapter .xxxiij.
These are the journeys of the children of Israel which went out of the
land of Egypt with their armies under Moses and Aaron. And Moses wrote
their going out by their journeys at the commandment of the LORD: even
these are the journeys of their going out. The children of Israel
departed from Rameses the fifteenth day of the first month, on the
morrow after Passover and went out with an high hand in the sight of
all Egypt, while the Egyptians buried all their firstborn which the
LORD had smoten among them. And upon their gods also the LORD did
execution. And the children of Israel removed from Rameses and pitched
in Sucoth. And they departed from Sucoth and pitched their tents in
Ethan, which is in the edge of the wilderness. And they removed from
Ethan and turned unto the entering of Hiroth which is before Baal
Zephon, and pitched before Migdol. And they departed from before Hiroth
and went thorow the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went
three days journey in the wilderness of Ethan, and pitched in Marah.
And they removed from Marah and went unto Elim where were twelve
fountains and seventy date {palm} trees and they pitched there. And
they removed from Elim and lay fast by the red sea. And they removed
from the red sea and lay in the wilderness of Zin. And they took their
journey out of the wilderness of Zin, and set up their tents in Daphka.
And they departed from Daphka, and lay in Alus. And they removed from
Alus, and lay at Raphedim, where was no water for the people to drink.
And they departed from Raphedim, and pitched in the wilderness of
Sinai. And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and lodged at the
graves of lust. And they departed from the sepulchres of lust, and lay
at Hazeroth. And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithma.
And departed from Rithma and pitched at Rimon Parez. And they departed
from Rimon Parez, and pitched in Libna. And they removed from Libna,
and pitched at Rissa. And they journeyed from Rissa and pitched at
Kehelatha. And they went from Kehelatha, and pitched in mount Sapher.
And they removed from mount Sapher, and lay in Harada. And they removed
from Harada, and pitched in Makeheloth. And they removed from
Makeheloth, and lay at Tahath, and they departed from Tahath and
pitched at Tharath. And they removed from Tharath, and pitched in
Mithca. And they went from Mithca, and lodged in Hasmona. And they
departed from Hasmona, and lay at Moseroth. And they departed from
Moseroth, and pitched among the children of Iaken. And they removed
from the children of [Bane] Iaken, and lay at Horgadgad. And they went
from Horgadgad, and pitched in Iathbatha. And they removed from
Iathbatha, and lay at Abrona. And they departed from Abrona, and lay at
Ezeon gaber. And they removed from Ezeon gaber, and pitched in the
wilderness of Sin, which is Cades. And they removed from Cades, and
pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Moab. {Edom} And Aaron
the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD and
died there, even in the fortieth year, after the children of Israel
were come out of the land of Egypt, and in the first day of the fifth
month. And Aaron was an hundred and thirty three years old when he died
in mount Hor. And king Erad the Cananite which dwelt in the south of
the land of Canaan, heard that the children of Israel were come. And
they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmona. And they departed
from Zalmona, and pitched in Phimon, and they departed from Phimon, and
pitched in Oboth. And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Igim
Abarim {Iehabarim} in the borders of Moab. And they departed from Igim,
{Iehabarim} and pitched in Dibon Gad. And they removed from Dibon Gad,
and lay in Almon Diblathama. And they removed from Almon Diblathama,
and pitched in the mountains of Abarim before Nibo. And they departed
from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the fields of Moab fast by
Iordan nye to Iericho. And they pitched upon Iordan, from Beth
Haiesmoth unto the plain of Sitim {Abelsatim} in the fields of Moab.
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the fields of Moab by Iordan nye unto
Iericho, saying: speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them:
when ye are come over Iordan into the land of Canaan, see that ye drive
out all the inhabiters of the land before you, and destroy their
imaginations {chapels} and all their Images of Metal, and pluck down
all their altars built on hills: And possess the land and dwell
therein, for I have given you the land to enjoy it. And ye shall divide
the inheritance of the land by lot among your kindreds, and give to the
more the more inheritance, and to the fewer the less inheritance. And
your inheritance shall be in the tribes of your fathers, in the place
where every man's lot falleth. But and if ye will not drive out the
inhabiters of the land before you, then these {those} which ye let
remain of them, shall be thorns in your eyes and darts in your sides,
and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it will come
to pass, that I shall do unto you as I thought to do unto them.
Chapter .xxxiiij.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: command the children of Israel
and say unto them: when ye come into the land of Canaan, this is the
land that shall fall unto your inheritance, the land of Canaan with all
her coasts. And your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin
along by the coast of Edom, so that your south quarter shall be from
the side of the salt sea eastward, and shall fetch a compass from the
south up to Acrabim, and reach to Zinna. And it shall go out on the
south side of Cades Bernea, and go out also at Hazar Adar, and go along
to Azmon. And shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt,
and shall go out at the sea. And your west quarter shall be the great
sea, which coast shall be your west coast. And this shall be your north
quarter: ye shall compass from the great sea unto mount Hor. And from
mount Hor, ye shall compass and go unto Hemath, and the end of the
coast shall be at Zedada, and the coast shall reach out to Ziphron and
go out at Hazor enan. And this shall be your north quarter. And ye
shall compass your east quarter from Hazar Enan to Sepham. And the
coast shall go down from Sepham to Ribla on the east side of Ain. And
then descend and go out at the side of the sea of Cenereth eastward.
And then go down along by Iordan, and leave at the salt sea. And this
shall be your land with all the coasts thereof round about. And Moses
commanded the children of Israel, saying: this is the land which ye
shall inherit by lot, and which the LORD commanded to give unto nine
tribes and an half: for the tribe of the children of Ruben, have
received, in the households of their fathers, and the tribe of the
children of Gad in their fathers' households, and half the tribe of
Manasse, have received their inheritance, that is to wete two tribes
and a half have received their inheritance on the other side of Iordan
by Iericho eastward, toward the son rising. And the LORD spake to Moses
saying: These are the names of the men, which shall divide you the land
to inherit. Eleazer the priest, and Iosua the son of Nun. And ye shall
take also a lord of every tribe to divide the land, whose names are
these: in the tribe of Iuda, Caleb the son of Iephune. And in the tribe
of the children of Simeon, Semuel the son of Amiud, and in the tribe of
BenIamin, Elidad the son of Cislon. And in the tribe of the children of
Dan, the lord Bucki the son of Iagli. And among the children of Ioseph:
in the tribe of the children of Manasse, the lord Haniel the son of
Ephod. And in the tribe of the children of Ephraim, the lord Cemuel the
son of Siphtan. And in the tribe of the sons of Zabulon, the lord
Elizaphan the son of Parnac. And in the tribe of the children of
Isachar, the lord Palthiel the son of Asan. And in the tribe of the
sons of Aser, the lord Ahihud the son of Selomi. And in the tribe of
the children of Naphthali, the lord Pada El the son of Ammihud. These
are they which the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the
children of Israel, in the land of Canaan.
Chapter .xxxv.
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the fields of Moab by Iordan Iericho
saying: command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites
of the inheritance of their possession: cities to dwell in. And ye
shall give also unto the cities of the Levites, suburbs round about
them. The cities shall be for them to dwell in, and the suburbs for
their cattle, possession and all manner beasts of theirs. And the
suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach
from the wall of the city outward, a thousand cubits round about. And
ye shall measure without the city, and make the utmost border of the
east side: two thousand cubits. And the utmost border of the south
side: two thousand cubits. And the utmost border of the west side: two
thousand cubits. And the utmost border of the north side: two thousand
cubits also: and the city shall be in the midst. And these shall be the
suburbs of their cities. And among the cities which ye shall give unto
the Levites, there shall be six cities of franchise which ye shall give
to that intent that he which killeth, may fly thither. And to them ye
shall add forty two cities more: {mo} so that all the cities which ye
shall give the Levites shall be forty eight with their suburbs. And of
the cities which ye shall give out of the possessions of the children
of Israel, ye shall give many out of their possessions that have much
and few out of their possessions that have little: so that every tribe
shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to the inheritance
which he inheriteth. And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: speak unto
the children of Israel and say unto them: when ye be come over Iordan
into the land of Canaan, ye shall build cities which shall be
privileged towns for you: that he which slayeth a man unawares, may fly
thither. And the cities shall be to flee from the executer of blood,
that he which killed die not, until he stond before the congregation in
judgement. And of these six free cities which ye shall give three ye
shall give on this side Iordan and three in the land of Canaan. And
these six free cities shall be for the children of Israel and for the
stranger and for him that dwelleth among you, that all they which kill
any person unawares, may flee thither. If any man smite another with a
weapon of iron that he die, then he is a murderer, and shall die for
it. If he smite him with a throwing stone that he die therewith, then
he shall die: For he is a murderer and shall be slain therefore. If he
smite him with a hand weapon of wood that he die therewith, then he
shall die: for he is a murderer and shall be slain therefore. The judge
{justice} of blood shall slay the murderer, as soon as he findeth him:
If he thrust him of hate, or hurl at him with laying of wait that he
die or smite him with his hand of envy that he die, he that smote him
shall die, for he is a murderer. The justice of blood shall slay him as
soon as he findeth him. But and if he pushed him by chance and not of
hate or cast at him with any manner of thing and not of laying of wait:
or cast any manner of stone at him that he die therewith, and saw him
not: And he cast it upon him and he died, but was not his enemy,
neither sought him any harm: Then the congregation shall judge between
the slayer and the executer of blood in such cases. And the
congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the judge of
blood, and shall restore him again unto the franchised city, whither he
was fled. And he shall bide there unto the death of the high priest
which was anointed with holy oil. But and if he came without the
borders of his privileged city whither he was fled, if the blood
avenger find him without the borders of his free town, he shall slay
the murderer and be guiltless, because he should have bidden in his
free town until the death of the high priest, and after the death of
the high priest, he shall return again unto the land of his possession.
And this shall be an ordinance and a law unto you, among your children
after you in all your habitations. Whosoever slayeth, shall be slain at
the mouth of witnesses. For one witness shall not answer against one
person to put him to death. Moreover ye shall take none amends for the
life of the murderer which is worthy to die: But he shall be put to
death. Also ye shall take none atonement for him that is fled to a free
city, that he should come again and dwell in the land before the death
of the high priest. And see that ye pollute not the land which ye are
in, for blood defileth the land. And the land can none otherwise be
cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of it that
shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye inhabit, and in the
midst of which I also dwell, for I am, the LORD which dwell among the
children of Israel.
Chapter .xxxvi.
And the ancient heads of the children of Gilead the son of Machir the
son of Manasse of the kindred of the children of Ioseph, came forth and
spake before Moses and the princes which were ancient heads among the
children of Israel and said: The LORD commanded my lord to give the
land to inherit by lot to the children of Israel. And then my lord
commanded in the name of the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelaphead
our brother unto his daughters. Now when any of the sons of the tribes
of Israel take them to wives, then shall their inheritance be taken
from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put unto the
inheritance of the tribe in which they are and shall be taken from the
lot of our inheritance. And when the free year {of jubilee} cometh unto
the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be put unto the
inheritance of the tribe where they are in, and so shall their
inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our
fathers. And Moses commanded the children of Israel at the mouth of the
LORD saying: the tribe of the children of Ioseph have said well. This
therefore doeth the LORD: command the daughters of Zelaphead saying:
let them be wives to whom they themself think best, but in the kindred
of the tribe of their fathers shall they marry, that the inheritance of
the children of Israel roll not from tribe to tribe. But that the
children of Israel may abide, every man in the inheritance of the tribe
of his fathers. And every daughter that possesseth any inheritance
among the tribes of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of
the kindred of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may
enjoy every man the inheritance of his father, and that the inheritance
go not from one tribe to another: but that the tribes of the children
of Israel, may abide every man in his own inheritance. And as the LORD
commanded Moses even so did the daughters of Zelaphead: Mahela, Thirza,
Hagla, Milcha and Noa, and were married unto their fathers' brothers'
sons, of the kindred of the children of Manasse the son of Ioseph: and
so they had their inheritance in the tribe of the kindred of their
father. These are the commandments and laws which the LORD commanded
thorow Moses, unto the children of Israel in the fields of Moab upon
Iordan nye unto Iericho.
The end of the .iiij. book of Moses.
The Fifth Book of Moses, called Deuteronomy
Chapter .j.
These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel, on the other side
Iordan in the wilderness and in the fields by the red sea, between
Pharan and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Disahab twelve days journey from
Horeb unto Cades barne, by the way that leadeth unto mount Seir. And it
fortuned the first day of the eleventh month in the fortieth year, that
Moses spake unto the children of Israel according unto all that the
LORD had given him in commandment unto them, after that he had smote
Sehon the king of the Amorites which dwelt in Hesbon, and Og king of
Basan which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei. On the other side Iordan in the
land of Moab, Moses began to declare this law saying: the LORD our God
spake unto us in Horeb saying: Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:
depart therefore and take your journey and go unto the hills of the
Amorites and unto all places nye there unto: both fields, hills and
dales: and unto the south and unto the sea's side in the land of
Canaan, and unto Libanon: even unto the great river Euphrates. Behold,
I have set the land before you: go in therefore and possess the land
which the LORD sware unto your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Iacob, to
give unto them and their seed after them. And I said unto you the same
season: I am not able to bear you myself alone. For the LORD your God
hath multiplied you: so that ye are this day as the stars of heaven in
number (the LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many
more as ye are, and bless you as he hath promised you) how (said I) can
I myself alone, bear the cumbrance, charge and strife that is among
you: bring therefore men of wisdom and of understanding and expert,
known among your tribes, that I may make them rulers over you. And ye
answered me and said: that which thou hast spoken is good to be done.
And then I took the heads of your tribes, men of wisdom and that were
expert, and made them rulers over you: captains over thousands and over
hundreds, over fifty and over ten, and officers among your tribes. And
I charged your judges the same time saying: hear your brethren and
judge righteously between every man and his brother and the stranger
that is with him. See that ye know no man in judgement: but hear the
small as well as the great and be afraid of no man, for the law is
God's. {judgment is Gods} And the cause that is too hard for you, bring
unto me and I will hear it. And I commanded you the same season, all
the things which ye should do. And then we departed from Horeb and
walked thorow all that great and terrible wilderness as ye have seen
along by the way that leadeth unto the hills of the Amorites, as the
LORD our God commanded us, and came to Cades barne. And there I said
unto you: Ye are come unto the hills of the Amorites, which the LORD
our God doth give unto us. Behold the LORD thy God hath set the land
before thee, go up and conquer it, as the LORD God of thy fathers
sayeth unto thee: fear not, neither be discouraged. And then ye came
unto me every one and said: Let us send men before us, to search us out
the land and to bring us word again, both what way we shall go up by,
and unto what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well, and
I took twelve men of you, of every tribe one. And they departed and
went up into the high country and came unto the river Escol, and
searched it out, and took of the fruit of the land in their hands and
brought it down unto us and brought us word again and said: it is a
good land which the LORD our God doeth give us. Notwithstanding ye
would not consent to go up, but were disobedient unto the mouth of the
LORD your God, and murmured in your tents and said: because the LORD
hateth us, therefore he hath brought us out of the land of Egypt, to
deliver us into the hands of the Amorites and to destroy us. How shall
we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts saying: the people
is greater and taller than we, and the cities are great and walled even
up to heaven, and moreover we have seen the sons of the Enakims there.
And I said unto you: dread not nor be afraid of them: The LORD your God
which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that
he did unto you in Egypt before your eyes and in the wilderness: as
thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee as a man should bear
his son, thorowout all the way which ye have gone, until ye came unto
this place. And yet for all this saying ye did not believe the LORD
your God which goeth the way before you, to search you out a place to
pitch your tents in, in fire by night, that ye might see what way to go
and in a cloud by day. And the LORD heard the voice of your words and
was wroth and swore saying, there shall not one of these men of this
froward generation see that good land which I sware to give unto your
fathers, save Caleb the son of Iephune, he shall see it, and to him I
will give the land which he hath walked in and to his children, because
he hath continually followed the LORD. Likewise the LORD was angry with
me for your sakes saying: thou also shalt not go in thither. But Iosua
the son of Nun which stondeth before thee, he shall go in thither. Bold
him therefore for he shall divide it unto Israel. Moreover your
children which ye said should be a prey, and your sons which know
neither good nor bad this day, they shall go in thither and unto them I
will give it, and they shall enjoy it. But as for you, turn back and
take your journey into the wilderness: even the way to the red sea.
Then ye answered and said unto me: We have sinned against the LORD: we
will go up and fight, according to all that the LORD our God commanded
us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war and were
ready to go up into the hills, the LORD said unto me: say unto them,
see that ye go not up and that ye fight not, for I am not among you:
lest ye be plagued before your enemies. And when I told you ye would
not hear: but disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and went presumptuously
up into the hills. Then the Amorites which dwelt in those hills, came
out against you and chased you as bees do, and hewed you in Seir, even
unto Horma. And ye came again and wept before the LORD: but the LORD
would not hear your voice nor give you audience. And so ye abode in
Cades a long season, according unto the time that ye there dwelt.
Chapter .ij.
Then we turned and took our journey into the wilderness, even the way
to the red sea as the LORD commanded me. And we compassed the mountains
of Seir a long time. Then the LORD spake unto me saying: Ye have
compassed these mountains long enough, turn you northward. And warn the
people saying: Ye shall go thorow the coasts of your brethren the
children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you:
But take good heed unto your selves that ye provoke them not, for I
will not give you of their land, no not so much as a foot breadth:
because I have given mount Seir unto Esau to possess. Ye shall buy meat
of them for money to eat, and ye shall buy water of them for money to
drink. For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thine
hand, and knew thee as thou wentest thorow this great wilderness.
Moreover the LORD thy God hath been with thee this forty years, so that
thou hast lacked nothing. And when we were departed from our brethren
the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir by the field way from Elath
and Ezion Gaber, we turned and went the way to the wilderness of Moab.
Then the LORD said unto me: see that thou vex not the Moabites, neither
provoke them to battle for I will not give thee of their land to
possess: because I have given Ar unto the children of loth to possess.
The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, many and tall,
as the Enakims: which also were taken for giants as the Enakims: And
the Moabites called them Emims. In like manner the Horims dwelt in Seir
before time which the children of Esau cast out, and destroyed them
before them and dwelt there in their stead: as Israel did in the land
of his possession which the LORD gave them. Now rise up (said I) and
get you over the river Zared: and we went over the river Zared. The
space in which we came from Cades barne until we were come over the
river Zared was thirty eight years: until all the generation of the men
of war were wasted out of the host as the LORD sware unto them. For
indeed the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them out of
the host, till they were consumed. And as soon as all the men of war
were consumed and dead from among the people, then the LORD spake unto
me saying: Thou shalt go thorow Ar the coast of Moab this day, and
shalt come nye unto the children of Ammon: see that thou vex them not,
nor yet provoke them. For I will not give thee of the land of the
children of Ammon to possess, because I have given it unto the children
of Loth to possess. That also was taken for a land of giants and giants
dwelt therein in old time, and the Ammonites called them Zamzumims. A
people that was great, many and tall, as the Enakims. But the LORD
destroyed them before the Ammonites, and they cast them out and they
dwelt there in their stead: as he did for the children of Esau which
dwell in Seir: even as he destroyed the Horims before them, and they
cast them out and dwell in their stead unto this day. And the Avims
which dwelt in Hazarim even unto Aza, the Caphthorims which came out of
Caphthor destroyed them and dwelt in their rooms. Rise up, take your
journey and go over the river Arnon. Behold, I have given into thy hand
Sehon the Amorite king of Hesbon, and his land. Go to and conquer and
provoke him to battle. This day I will begin to send the fear and dread
of thee upon all nations that are under all ports of heaven: so that
when they hear speak of thee, they shall tremble and quake for fear of
thee. Then I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto
Sihon king of Hesbon, with words of peace saying: Let me go thorow thy
land. I will go always along by the high way and will neither turn unto
the right hand nor to the left. Sell me meat for money for to eat, and
give me drink for money for to drink: I will go thorow by foot only (as
the children of Esau did unto me which dwell in Seir and the Moabites
which dwell in Ar) until I be come over Iordan, into the land which the
LORD our God giveth us. But Sihon the king of Hesbon would not let us
pass by him, for the LORD thy God had hardened his spirit and made his
heart tough because he would deliver him into thy hands as it is come
to pass this day. And the LORD said unto me: behold, I have begun to
set Sihon and his land before thee: go to and conquer, that thou mayst
possess his land. Then both Sihon and all his people came out against
us unto battle at Iahab. And the LORD set him before us, and we smote
him and his sons and all his people. And we took all his cities the
same season, and destroyed all the cities with men, women, and children
and let nothing remain, save the cattle only we caught unto our selves
and the spoil of the cities which we took, from Aroer upon the brink of
the river of Arnon, and the city in the river, unto Gilead: there was
not one city too strong for us. The LORD our God delivered all unto us:
only unto the land of the children of Ammon ye came not, nor {ner} unto
all the coast of the river Iabock nor {ner} unto the cities in the
mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbade us.
Chapter .iij.
Then we turned and went up the way to Basan. And Og the king of Basan
came out against us: both he and all his people to battle at Edrei. And
the LORD said unto me: fear him not, for I have delivered him and all
his people and his land into thy hand and thou shalt deal with him as
thou dealest with Sihon king of the Amorites which dwelt at Hesbon. And
so the LORD our God delivered into our hands, Og also the king of Basan
and all his folk. And we smote him until nought was left him. And we
took all his cities the same season (for there was not a city which we
took not from them) even three score cities, all the region of Argob,
the kingdom of Og in Basan. All these cities were made strong with high
walls, gates and bars, beside unwalled towns a great many. And we
utterly destroyed them, as we played with Sihon king of Hesbon:
bringing to nought all the cities with men, women and children. But all
the cattle and the spoil of the cities, we caught for ourselves. And
thus we took the same season, the land out of the hand of two kings of
the Amorites on the other side Iordan, from the river of Arnon unto
mount Hermon (which Hermon the Sidons call Sirion, but the Amorites
call it Senir) all the cities in the plain and all Gilead and all Basan
unto Salcha and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Basan. For only
Og king of Basan remained of the remnant of the giants: behold, his
iron bed is yet at Rabath among the children of Ammon nine cubits long
and, four cubits broad, of the cubits of a man. And when we had
conquered this land the same time, I gave from Aroer which is upon the
river of Arnon, and half mount Gilead and the cities thereof unto the
Rubenites, and Gadites. And the rest of Gilead and all Basan the
kingdom of Og, I gave unto the half tribe of Manasse: all the region of
Argob with all Basan was called the land of giants. Iair the son of
Manasse took all the region of Argob unto the coasts of Gesuri and
Maachati, and called the towns of Basan after his own name: the towns
of [Havoth] Iair unto this day. And I gave half Gilead unto Machir. And
unto Ruben and Gad, I gave from Gilead unto the river of Arnon and half
the valley and the coast, even unto the river Iabock which is the
border of the children of Ammon, and the fields and Iordan with the
coast, from Cenereth even unto the sea in the field which is the salt
sea under the springs of Pisga eastward. And I commanded you the same
time (ye Ruben and Gad) saying: the LORD your God hath given you this
land to enjoy it: see that ye go harnessed before your brethren the
children of Israel, all that are men of war among you. Your wives only,
your children and your cattle (for I wot that ye have much cattle)
shall abide in your cities which I have given you, until the LORD have
given rest unto your brethren as well as unto you, and until they also
have conquered the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond
Iordan: and then return again every man unto his possession which I
have given you. And I warned Iosua the same time saying: thine eyes
have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings,
even so the LORD will do unto all kingdoms whither thou goest. Fear
them not, for the LORD your God he it is that fighteth for you. And I
besought the LORD the same time saying: O Lord Iehoua, thou hast begun
to shew thy servant thy greatness and thy mighty hand, for there is no
God in heaven nor in earth that can do after thy works and after thy
power: let me go over and see the good land that is beyond Iordan, that
goodly high country and Libanon. But the LORD was angry with me for
your sakes and would not hear me, but said unto me, be content, and
speak henceforth no more unto me of this matter; Get thee up into the
top of Pisga and lift up thine eyes west, north, south and east, and
behold it with thine eyes for thou shalt not go over this Iordan.
Moreover, charge Iosua and courage him and bold him. For he shall go
over before his people, and he shall divide the land which thou shalt
see unto them. And so we abode in the valley beside Beth Peor.
Chapter .iiij.
And now hearken Israel unto the ordinances and laws which I teach you,
for to do them, that ye may live and go and conquer the land which the
LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall put nothing unto the word
which I command you neither do ought therefrom, that ye may keep the
commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have
seen what the LORD did unto Baal Peor: for all the men that followed
Baal Peor, the LORD your God hath destroyed from among you. But ye that
clave unto the LORD your God, are alive every one of you this day.
Behold, I have taught you ordinances and laws, such as the LORD my God
commanded me, that ye should do even so in the land whither ye go to
possess it. Keep them therefore and do them, for that is your wisdom
and understanding in the sight of the nations: which when they have
heard all these ordinances, shall say: O what a wise and understanding
people is this great nation. For what nation is so great that hath Gods
{Goddes} so nye unto him: as the LORD our God is nye unto us, in all
things, when we call unto him? Yea, and what nation is so great that
hath ordinances and laws so righteous, as all this law which I set
before you this day. Take heed to thy self therefore only and keep thy
soul diligently, that thou forget not the things which thine eyes have
seen, and that they depart not out of thine heart, all the days of
thine life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons son's. The day that I
stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when he said unto me, gather
me the people together, that I may make them hear my words that they
may learn to fear me as long as they live upon the earth and that they
may teach their children: ye came and stood also under the hill, and
the hill burnt with fire: even unto the midst of heaven, and there was
darkness, clouds and mist. And the LORD spake unto you out of the fire
and ye heard the voice of the words: But saw no image, save heard a
voice only. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded
you to do, even ten verses and wrote them in two tables of stone. And
the LORD commanded me the same season to teach you ordinances and laws,
for to do them in the land whither ye go to possess it. Take heed unto
yourselves diligently as pertaining unto your souls, for ye saw no
manner of image the day when the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of
the fire: lest ye mar yourselves and make you graven images after
whatsoever likeness it be: whether after the likeness of man or woman
or any manner beast that is on the earth or of any manner feathered
fowl that flyeth in the air, or of any manner worm that creepeth on the
earth or of any manner fish that is in the water beneath the earth: Yea
and lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the
son and the moon and the stars and whatsoever is contained in heaven,
shouldest be deceived and shouldest bow thyself unto them and serve the
things which the LORD thy God hath distributed unto all nations that
are under all quarters of heaven. For the LORD took you and brought you
out of the iron furnace of Egypt, to be unto him a people of
inheritance, as it is come to pass this day. Furthermore, the LORD was
angry with me for your sakes and sware, that I should not go over
Iordan and that I should not go unto that good land, which the LORD thy
God giveth thee to inheritance. For I must die in this land, and shall
not go over Iordan: But ye shall go over and conquer that good land.
Take heed unto yourselves therefore, that ye forget not the appointment
of the LORD your God which he made with you, and that ye make you no
graven image of whatsoever it be that the LORD thy God hath forbidden
thee. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, and a jealous God. If
after thou hast gotten children and children's children and hast dwelt
long in the land, ye shall mar yourselves and make graven images after
the likeness of whatsoever it be, and shall work wickedness in the
sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him. I call heaven and earth to
record unto you this day, that ye shall shortly perish from off the
land whither ye go over Iordan to possess it: Ye shall not prolong your
days therein, but shall shortly be destroyed. And the LORD shall
scatter you among nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the
people whither the LORD shall bring you: and there ye shall serve gods
which are the works of man's hand, wood and stone which neither see nor
hear nor eat nor smell. Neverthelater ye shall seek the LORD your God
even there, and shalt find him if thou seek him with all thine heart
and with all thy soul. In thy tribulation and when all these things are
come upon thee, even in the latter days, thou shalt turn unto the LORD
thy God, and shalt hearken unto his voice. For the LORD thy God is a
pitiful God: he will not forsake thee neither destroy thee, nor forget
the appointment made with thy fathers which he sware unto them. For ask
I pray thee of the days that are past which were before thee, since the
day that God created man upon the earth and from the one side of heaven
unto the other, whether anything hath been like unto this great thing
or whether any such thing hath been heard as it is, that a nation hath
heard the voice of God speaking out of fire as thou hast heard, and yet
lived? either whether God assayed to go and take him a people from
among nations, thorow temptations and signs and wonders and thorow war
and with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm and with mighty terrible
sights, according unto all that the LORD your God did unto you in Egypt
before your eyes. Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know, how
that the LORD he is God and that there is none but he. Out of heaven he
made thee hear his voice to nurture thee, and upon earth he shewed thee
his great fire, and thou heardest his words out of the fire. And
because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them
and brought thee out with his presence and with his mighty power of
Egypt: to thrust out nations greater and mightier than thou before
thee, to bring thee in and to give thee their land to inheritance: as
it is come to pass this day. Understand therefore this day and turn it
to thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above and upon the
earth beneath, there is no more: keep therefore his ordinances, and his
commandments which I command thee this day, that it may go well with
thee and with thy children after thee and that thou mayst prolong thy
days upon the earth which the LORD thy God giveth thee for ever. {thy
life long.} Then Moses severed three cities on the other side Iordan
toward the son rising, that he should flee thither which had killed his
neighbour unwares and hated him not in time past, and therefore should
flee unto one of the same cities and live: Bezer in the wilderness even
in the plain country among the Rubenites: and Ramoth in Gilead among
the Gadites and Solan in Basan among the Manassites. This is the law
which Moses set before the children of Israel, and these are the
witness, ordinances and statutes which Moses told the children of
Israel after they came out of Egypt, on the other side Iordan in the
valley beside Beth Peor in the land of Sehon king of the Amorites which
dwelt at Hesbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote after they
were come out of Egypt, and conquered his land and the land of Og king
of Basan two kings of the Amorites on the other side Iordan toward the
son rising: from Aroer upon the bank of the river Arnon, unto mount
Sion which is called Hermon and all the fields on the other side Iordan
eastward: even unto the sea in the field under the springs of Pisga.
Chapter .v.
And Moses called unto all Israel and said unto them: Hear Israel the
ordinances and laws which I speak in thine ears this day, and learn
them and take heed that ye do them. The LORD {Loode} our God made an
appointment with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this bond with our
fathers, but with us: we are they, which are all here alive this day.
The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the fire. And
I stood between the LORD and you the same time, to shew you the saying
of the LORD. For ye were afraid of the fire and therefore went not up
into the mount and he said. I am the LORD thy God which brought thee
out of the land of Egypt the house of bondage. Thou shalt have
therefore none other gods in my presence. Thou shalt make thee no
graven Image of any manner likeness that is in heaven above, or in the
earth beneath, or in the water beneath the earth. Thou shalt neither
bow thyself unto them nor serve them, for I the LORD thy God, am a
jealous God, visiting the wickedness of the fathers upon the children,
even in the third and the fourth generation, among them that hate me:
and shew mercy upon thousands among them that love me and keep my
commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain:
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain.
Keep the Sabbath day that thou sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath
commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour and do all that thou hast to
do, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: thou shalt
do no manner work, neither thou nor thy son nor thy daughter nor thy
servant nor thy maid nor thine ox nor thine ass nor any of thy cattle,
nor the stranger that is within thy city, that thy servant and thy maid
may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the
land of Egypt and how that the LORD God, brought thee out thence with a
mighty hand and a stretched out arm. For which cause the LORD thy God
commandeth thee to keep the Sabbath day. Honour thy father and thy
mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee: that thou mayst
prolong thy days, and that it may go well with thee on the land, which
the LORD thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not slee. Thou shalt not break
wedlock. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbour's wife:
thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, field, servant, maid, ox,
ass nor ought that is thy neighbour's. These words the LORD spake unto
all your multitude in the mount out of the fire, cloud and darkness,
with a loud voice, and added no more thereto, and wrote them in two
tables of stone and delivered them unto me. But as soon as ye heard the
voice out of the darkness and saw the hill burn with fire, ye came unto
me all the heads of your tribes and your elders: and ye said: behold,
the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we
have heard his voice out of the fire, and we have seen this day that
God may talk with a man and he yet live. And now wherefore should we
die that this great fire should consume us: If we should hear the voice
of the LORD our God any more, we should die. For what is any flesh that
he should hear the voice of the living God speaking out of the fire as
we have done and should yet live: Go thou and hear all that the LORD
our God sayeth, and tell thou unto us all that the LORD our God sayeth
unto thee, and we will hear it and do it. And the LORD heard the voice
of your words when ye spake unto me, and he said unto me: I have heard
the voice of the words of this people which they have spoke unto thee,
they have well said all that they have said. Oh that they had such an
heart with them to fear me and keep all my commandments alway, that it
might go well with them and with their children for ever. Go and say
unto them: get you into your tents again, but stond thou here before me
and I will tell thee all the commandments, ordinances and laws which
thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give
them to possess. Take heed therefore that ye do as the LORD your God
hath commanded you, and turn not aside: either to the right hand or to
the left: but walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath
commanded you, that ye may live and that it may go well with you and
that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Chapter .vi.
These are the commandments, ordinances and laws which the LORD your God
commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go
to possess it: that thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all
his ordinances and his commandments which I command thee, both thou and
thy son and thy son's son all days of thy life, that thy days may be
prolonged. Hear therefore Israel and take heed that thou do thereafter,
that it may go well with thee and that ye may increase mightily: even
as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, a land that floweth
with milk and honey. Hear Israel, the LORD thy God is LORD onely, and
thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, with all thy
soul and with all thy might. And these words which I command thee this
day, shall be in thine heart and thou shalt whet them on thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou art at home in thine house and as thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up:
and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand. And they shall be
papers of remembrance between thine eyes, and shalt write them upon the
posts of thy house and upon thy gates. And when the LORD thy God hath
brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers Abraham,
Isaac and Iacob, to give thee with great and goodly cities which thou
buildest not, and houses full of all manner goods which thou filledst
not, and wells digged which thou diggedst not, and vines and olive
trees which thou planted not, and when thou hast eaten, and art full:
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD which brought thee out of the
land of Egypt the house of bondage. But fear the LORD thy God and serve
him, and swear by his name, and see that ye walk not after strange gods
{goddes} off the gods of the nations which are about you. For the LORD
thy God is a jealous God among you, lest the wrath of the LORD thy God
wax hot upon thee and destroy thee from the earth. Ye shall not tempt
the LORD your God as ye did at Masa. But see that ye keep the
commandments of the LORD your God, his witnesses and his ordinances
which he hath commanded thee, and see thou do that which is right and
good in the sight of the LORD: that thou mayst prosper and that thou
mayst go and conquer that good land which the LORD sware unto thy
fathers, and that the LORD may cast out all thine enemies before thee
as he hath said. When thy son asketh thee in time to come saying: What
meaneth the witnesses, ordinances and laws which the LORD our God hath
commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son: We were bondmen unto
Pharao in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty
hand. And the LORD shewed signs and wonders both great and evil upon
Egypt, Pharao and upon all his household, before our eyes, and brought
us from thence: to bring us in and to give us the land which he sware
unto our fathers. And therefore commanded us to do all these ordinances
and for to fear the LORD our God, for our wealth always and that he
might save us, as it is come to pass this day. Moreover it shall be
righteousness unto us before the LORD our God, if we take heed to keep
all these commandments as he hath commanded us.
Chapter .vij.
When the LORD thy God hath brought thee into the land whither thou
goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee: the
Hethites, the Girgosites, the Amorites, the Cananites, the Pheresites,
the Hevites and the Iebusites. Seven nations more in number and
mightier than thou: and when the LORD thy God hath set them before thee
that thou shouldest smite them, see that thou utterly destroy them and
make no covenant with them nor have compassion on them. Also thou shalt
make no marriages with them, neither give thy daughter unto his son nor
take his daughter unto thy son. For they will make your sons depart
from me and serve strange gods, and then will the wrath of the LORD wax
hot upon you and destroy you shortly. But thus ye shall deal with them:
overthrow their altars, break down their pillars, cut down their groves
and burn their images with fire. For thou art an holy nation unto the
LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a several people
unto himself of all nations that are upon the earth. It was not because
of the multitude of you above all nations, that the LORD had lust unto
you and chose you. For ye were fewest of all nations: But because the
LORD loved you and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn
unto your fathers, therefore he brought you out of Egypt with a mighty
hand and delivered you out of the house of bondage: even from the hand
of Pharao king of Egypt. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God he
is God and that a true God, which keepeth appointment and mercy unto
them that love him and keep his commandments, even thorowout a thousand
generations and rewardeth them that hate him before his face so that he
bringeth them to nought, and will not defer the time unto him that
hateth him but will reward him before his face. Keep therefore the
commandments, ordinances and laws which I command you this day, that ye
do them. If ye shall hearken unto these laws and shall observe and do
them, then shall the LORD thy God keep appointment with thee and the
mercy which he sware unto thy fathers and will love thee, bless thee
and multiply thee: he will bless the fruit of thy womb and the fruit of
thy field, thy corn, thy wine and thy oil, the fruit of thine oxen and
the flocks of thy sheep in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to
give thee. Thou shalt be blessed above all nations, there shall be
neither man nor woman unfruitful among you, nor anything unfruitful
among your cattle. Moreover the LORD will turn from thee all manner
infirmities, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt (which
thou knowest) upon thee, but will send them upon them that hate thee.
Thou shalt bring to nought all nations which the LORD thy God
delivereth thee, thine eye shall have no pity upon them neither shalt
thou serve their gods, for that shall be thy decay. If thou shalt say
in thine heart: these nations are more than I, how can I cast them out?
Fear them not, but remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharao and
unto all Egypt, and the great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the
signs and wonders and mighty hand and stretched out arm wherewith the
LORD thy God brought thee out: even so shall the LORD thy God do unto
all the nations of which thou art afraid. Thereto, the LORD thy God
will send hornets among them until they that are left, and hide them
selves from thee, be destroyed. See thou fear them not for the LORD
{lord} thy God is among you a mighty God and a terrible. The LORD thy
God will put out these nations before thee a little and a little: thou
mayst not consume them at once lest the beasts of the field increase
upon thee. And the LORD {lorde} thy God shall deliver them unto thee
and stir up a mighty tempest among them, until they be brought to
nought. And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou
shalt destroy their names from under heaven. There shall no man stond
before thee, until thou have destroyed them. The images of their gods
thou shalt burn with fire, and see that thou covet not the silver or
gold that is on them nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared
therewith. For it is an abomination unto the LORD thy God. Bring not
therefore the Abomination to thine house, lest thou be a damned thing
as it is: but utterly defy it and abhor it, for it is a thing that must
be destroyed.
Chapter .viij.
All the commandments which I command thee this day ye shall keep for to
do them, that ye may live and multiply and go and possess the land
which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And think on all the way which
the LORD thy God led thee this forty years in the wilderness, for to
humble thee and to prove thee, to wete what was in thine heart, whether
thou wouldest keep his commandments or no. He humbled thee and made
thee hunger and fed thee with manna which neither thou nor thy father
knew of, to make thee know that a man must not live by bread only: but
by all that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD must a man live.
Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy feet swell this
forty years. Understand therefore in thine heart, that as a man
nurtureth his son, even so the LORD thy God nurtureth thee. Keep
therefore the commandments of the LORD thy God that thou walk in his
ways and that thou fear him. For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a
good land, a land of rivers of water, of fountains and of springs that
spring out both in valleys and hills: a land of wheat and of barley, of
vines, fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees with oil and
of honey: a land wherein thou shalt not eat bread in scarceness, and
where thou shalt lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of
whose hills thou shalt dig brass. When thou hast eaten therefore and
filled thyself, then bless the LORD for the good land which he hath
given thee. But beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, that thou
wouldest not keep his commandments, laws and ordinances which I command
thee this day: yea and when thou hast eaten and filled thyself and hast
built goodly houses and dwelt therein, and when thy beasts and thy
sheep are waxed many and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied and all
that thou hast increased, then beware lest thine heart rise and thou
forget the LORD thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt the
house of bondage, and which led thee in the wilderness both great and
terrible with fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst {drouth} where
was no water, which brought the water out of the rock of flint: which
fed thee in the wilderness with Man whereof thy fathers knew not, for
to humble thee and to prove thee, that he might do thee good at thy
latter end. And beware that thou say not in thine heart, my power and
the might of mine own hand hath done me all these acts: But remember
the LORD thy God, how that it is he which gave thee power to do
manfully, for to make good the promise which he sware unto thy fathers,
as it is come to pass this day. For if thou shalt forget the LORD thy
God and shalt walk after strange gods and serve them and worship them,
I testify unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish. As the
nations which the LORD destroyeth before thee, even so ye shall perish,
because ye would not hearken unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Chapter .ix.
Hear Israel, thou goest over Iordan this day, to go and conquer nations
greater and mightier than thyself: and cities great and walled up to
heaven, and people great and tall, even the children of the Enakims,
which thou knowest and of whom thou hast heard say who is able to stond
before the children of Enack? But understand this day that the LORD thy
God which goeth over before thee a consuming fire, he shall destroy
them and he shall subdue them before thee. And thou shalt cast them
out, and bring them to nought quickly as the LORD hath said unto thee.
Speak not in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them
out before thee saying: for my righteousness the LORD hath brought me
into possess this land. Nay, but for the wickedness of these nations
the LORD doth cast them out before thee. It is not for thy
righteousness' sake and right heart that thou goest to possess their
land: But partly for the wickedness of these nations, the LORD thy God
doth cast them out before thee, and partly to perform that which the
LORD thy God sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Iacob.
Understand therefore that it is not for thy righteousness' sake, that
the LORD thy God doth give thee this good land to possess it, for thou
art a stiffnecked people. Remember and forget not how thou provokedest
the LORD thy God in the wilderness: for since the day that thou camest
out of the land of Egypt until ye came unto this place, ye have
rebelled against the LORD. Also in Horeb ye angered the LORD so that
the LORD was wroth with you, even to have destroyed you, after that I
was gone up into the mount, to fetch the tables of stone, the tables of
appointment which the LORD made with you. And I abode in the hill forty
days and forty nights and neither ate bread nor drank water. And the
LORD delivered me two tables of stone written with the finger of God,
and in them was according to all the words which the LORD said unto you
in the mount out of the fire in the day when the people were gathered
together. And when the forty days and forty nights were ended, the LORD
gave me the two tables of stone, the tables of the testament, and said
unto me: Up, and get thee down quickly from hence, for thy people which
thou hast brought out of Egypt, have marred them selves. They are
turned at once out of the way, which I commanded them, and have made
them a god of metal. Furthermore the LORD spake unto me saying: I see
this people how that it is a stiffnecked people, let me alone that I
may destroy them and put out the name of them from under heaven, and I
will make of thee a nation both greater and more than they. And I
turned away and came down from the hill (and the hill burnt with fire)
and had the two tables of the appointment in my hands. And when I
looked and saw that ye had sinned against the LORD your God and had
made you a calf of metal and had turned at once out of the way which
the LORD had commanded you. Then I took the two tables and cast them
out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes. And I fell before
the LORD: even as at the first time forty days and nights, and neither
ate bread nor drank water, over all your sins which ye had sinned in
doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD and in provoking him. For I was
afraid of the wrath and fierceness wherewith the LORD was angry with
you, even for to have destroyed you; But the LORD heard my petition at
that time also. The LORD was very angry with Aaron also, even for to
have destroyed him: But I made intercession for Aaron also the same
time. And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made and burnt him
with fire and stamped him and ground him a good, even unto small dust.
And I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the
mount. Also at Thabeera and at Masa and at the sepulchres of lust ye
angered the LORD, yea and when the LORD sent you from Cades Barnea
saying: go up and conquer the land which I have given you, ye disobeyed
the mouth of the LORD your God, and neither believed him nor hearkened
unto his voice. Thus ye have been disobedient unto the LORD, since the
day that I knew you. And I fell before the LORD forty days and forty
nights which I lay there, for the LORD was minded to have destroyed
you. But I made intercession unto the LORD {Lorde} and said: O Lord
Iehoua, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance which thou hast
delivered thorow thy greatness and which thou hast brought out of Egypt
with a mighty hand. Remember thy servants Abraham, Isaac and Iacob and
look not unto the stubbornness of this people nor unto their wickedness
and sin: lest the land whence thou broughtest them say: Because the
LORD was not able to bring them into the land which he promised them
and because he hated them, therefore he carried them out to destroy
them in the wilderness. Moreover they are thy people and thine
inheritance, which thou broughtest out with thy mighty power and with
thy stretched out arm.
Chapter .x.
In the same season the LORD said unto me: hew thee two tables of stone
like unto the first and come up unto me into the mount and make thee an
Ark of wood, and I will write in the table, the words that were in the
first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
And I made an ark of sethim wood and hewed two tables of stone like
unto the first, and went up into the mountain and the two tables in
mine hand. And he wrote in the tables, according to the first writing
(the ten verses which the LORD spake unto you in the mount out of the
fire in the day when the people were gathered) {[together]} and gave
them unto me. And I departed and came down from the hill and put the
tables in the ark which I had made: and there they remained, as the
LORD commanded me. And the children of Israel took their journey from
Beroth Ben {of the children of} Iaken to Mosera, where Aaron died and
where he was buried, and Eleazer his son became priest in his stead.
And from thence they departed unto Gudgod: and from Gudgod to Iathbath,
a land of rivers of water. And the same season the LORD separated the
tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the appointment of the LORD and to
stond before the LORD, and to minister unto him and to bless in his
name unto this day. Wherefore the Levites have no part nor inheritance
with their brethren. The LORD he is their inheritance, as the LORD thy
God hath promised them. And I tarried in the mount, even as at the
first time forty days and forty nights, and the LORD hearkened unto me
at that time also, so that the LORD would not destroy thee. And the
LORD said unto me: up and go forth in the journey before the people and
let them go in and conquer the land which I sware unto their fathers to
give unto them. And now Israel what is it that the LORD thy God
requireth of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God and to walk in all his
ways and to love him and to serve the LORD thy God with all thine heart
and with all thy soul, that thou keep the commandments of the LORD and
his ordinances which I command thee this day, for thy wealth. Behold,
heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD's thy God, and the earth
with all that therein is: only the LORD had a lust unto thy fathers to
love them, and therefore chose you their seed after them of all
nations, as it is come to pass this day Circumcise therefore the
foreskin of your hearts, and be no longer stiffnecked. For the LORD
your God, he is God of gods {God of goddes} and Lord of lords, {lorde
of lordes} a great God, a mighty and a terrible which regardeth no
man's person nor taketh gifts: but doeth right unto the fatherless and
widow and loveth the stranger, to give him food and raiment. Love
therefore the stranger, for ye were strangers your selves in the land
of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God and serve him and cleave
unto him and swear by his name, for he is thy praise and he is thy God
that hath done these great and terrible things for thee, which thine
eyes have seen. Thy fathers went down into Egypt with seventy souls,
and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven in
multitude.
Chapter .xi.
Love the LORD thy God and keep his observances, his ordinances, his
laws and his commandments alway. And call to mind this day that which
your children have neither known nor seen: even the nurture of the LORD
your God, his greatness, his mighty hand and his stretched out arm: his
miracles and his acts which he did among the Egyptians, even unto
Pharao the king of Egypt and unto all his land: and what he did unto
the host of the Egyptians, unto their horses and chariots, how he
brought the water of the red sea upon them as they chased you, and how
the LORD hath brought them to nought unto this day: and what he did
unto you in the wilderness, until ye came unto this place: and what he
did unto Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab the son of Ruben, how the
earth opened her mouth and swallowed them with their households and
their tents, and all their substance that was in their possession, in
the midst of Israel. For your eyes have seen all the great deeds of the
LORD which he did. Keep therefore all the commandments which I command
thee this day that ye may be strong and go and conquer the land whither
ye go to possess it, and that ye may prolong your days in the land
which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their
seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. For the land whither
thou goest to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt whence thou
camest out, where thou sowedest thy seed and wateredest it with thy
labour as a garden of herbs: but the land whither ye go over to possess
it, is a land of hills and valleys and drinketh water of the rain of
heaven, and a land which the LORD thy God careth for. The eyes of the
LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year unto
the latter end of the year. If thou shalt hearken therefore unto my
commandments which I command you this day, that ye love the LORD your
God and serve him with all your hearts and with all your souls: then he
will give rain unto your land in due season, both the first rain and
the latter, and thou shalt gather in thy corn, thy wine and thine oil.
And he will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle: and thou shalt eat
and fill thyself. But beware that your hearts deceive {disceave} you
not that ye turn aside and serve strange gods and worship them, and
then the wrath of the LORD wax hot upon you and shut up the heaven that
there be no rain and that your land yield not her fruit, and that ye
perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Put up
therefore these my words in your hearts and in your souls, and bind
them for a sign unto your hands, and let them be as papers of
remembrance between your eyes, and teach them your children: so that
thou talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up:
yea and write them upon the doorposts of thine house and upon thy
gates, that your days may be multiplied and the days of your children
upon the earth which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as
long as the days of heaven last upon the earth. For if ye shall keep
all these commandments which I command you, so that ye do them and love
the LORD your God and walk in all his ways and cleave unto him. Then
will the LORD cast out all these nations {[and ye shall conquer them
which are]} both greater and mightier than your selves. All the places
whereon the soles of your feet shall tread, shall be yours: even from
the wilderness and from Libanon and from the river Euphrates, even unto
the uttermost sea shall your coasts be. There shall no man be able to
stond before you: the LORD your God shall cast the fear and dread of
you upon all lands whither ye shall come, as he hath said unto you.
Behold, I set before you this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing:
if ye hearken unto the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you this day: And a curse: if ye will not hearken unto the
commandments of the LORD your God: but turn out of the way which I
command you this day to go after strange gods which ye have not known.
When the LORD thy God hath brought thee into the land whither thou
goest to possess it, then put the blessing upon mount Garizim and the
curse upon mount Ebal, which are on the other side Iordan on the back
side of the way toward the going down of the son in the land of the
Cananites which dwell in the fields over against Gilgal beside Moreh
grove. For ye shall go over to go and possess the land which the LORD
your God giveth you, and shall conquer it and dwell therein. Take heed
therefore that ye do all the commandments and laws, which I set before
you this day.
Chapter .xij.
These are the ordinances and laws which ye shall observe to do in the
land which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, as
long as ye live upon the earth. See that ye destroy all places where
the nations which ye conquer serve their gods, upon high mountains and
on high {an hye} hills and under every green tree. Overthrow their
altars and break their pillars and burn their groves with fire and hew
down the images of their gods, and bring the names of them to nought
out of that place. See ye do not so unto the LORD your God but ye shall
enquire the place which the LORD your God shall have chosen out of all
your tribes to put his name there and there to dwell. And thither thou
shalt come, and thither ye shall bring your burnt sacrifices and your
offerings, your tithes and heave offerings of your hands, your vows and
free will offerings and thy first born of your oxen and of your sheep.
And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice
in all that ye lay your hands on, both ye and your households, because
the LORD thy God hath blessed thee. Ye shall do after nothing that we
do here this day, every man what seemeth him good in his own eyes. For
ye are not yet come to rest nor unto the inheritance which the LORD
your God giveth you. But ye shall go over Iordan and dwell in the land
which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and he shall give you
rest from all your enemies round about: and ye shall dwell in safety.
Therefore when the LORD your God hath chosen a place to make his name
dwell there, thither ye shall bring all that I command you, your
burntsacrifices and your offerings, your tithes and the heaveofferings
of your hands and all your godly vows which ye vow unto the LORD. And
ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God, both ye, your sons and your
daughters, your servants and your maids and the Levite that is within
your gates for he hath neither part nor inheritance with you. Take heed
that thou offer not thy burntofferings in whatsoever place thou seest:
but in the place which the LORD shall have chosen among one of thy
tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings and there thou shalt
do all that I command thee. Notwithstanding thou mayst kill and eat
flesh in all thy cities, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after according to
the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee both the
unclean and the clean mayst thou eat, even as the roe and the hart:
only eat not the blood, but pour it upon the earth as water. Thou mayst
not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thy
oil, either the firstborn of thine oxen or of thy sheep, neither any of
thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewillofferings or heave
offerings of thine hands: but thou must eat them before the LORD thy
God, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen: both thou thy son
and thy daughter, thy servant and thy maid and the Levite that is
within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, in
all that thou puttest thine hand to. And beware that thou forsake not
the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. If (when the LORD thy
God hath enlarged thy coasts as he hath promised thee) thou say: I will
eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh: then thou shalt eat
flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth. If the place which the LORD thy God
hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou mayst
kill of thy oxen and of thy sheep which the LORD hath given thee as I
have commanded thee, and thou mayst eat in thine own city whatsoever
thy soul lusteth. Neverthelater, as the roe and the hart is eaten, even
so thou shalt eat it: the unclean and the clean indifferently thou
shalt eat. But be strong that thou eat not the blood. For the blood,
that is the life: and thou mayst not eat the life with the flesh: thou
mayst not eat it: but must pour it upon the earth as water. See thou
eat it not therefore that it may go well with thee and with thy
children after thee, when thou shalt have done that which is right in
the sight of the LORD. But thy holy things which thou hast and thy
vows, thou shalt take and go unto the place which the LORD hath chosen,
and thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, both flesh and blood upon the
altar of the LORD thy God, and the blood of thine offerings thou shalt
pour out upon the altar of the LORD thy God, and shalt eat the flesh.
Take heed and hear all these words which I command thee that it may go
well with thee and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou
doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.
When the LORD thy God hath destroyed the nations before thee, whither
thou goest to conquer them, and when thou hast conquered them, and
dwelt in their lands: Beware that thou be not taken in a snare after
them, after that they be destroyed before thee, and that thou ask not
after their gods saying: how did these nations serve their gods, that I
may do so likewise? Nay, thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God:
for all abominations which the LORD hated did they unto their gods. For
they burnt both their sons and their daughters with fire unto their
gods. But whatsoever I command you that take heed ye do: and put nought
thereto, nor take ought there from.
Chapter .xiij.
If there arise among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams and give thee
a sign or a wonder, and that sign or wonder which he hath said come to
pass, and then say: let us go after strange gods which thou hast not
known, and let us serve them: hearken not unto the words of that
prophet or dreamer of dreams. For the LORD thy God tempteth you, to
wete whether ye love the LORD your God with all your hearts and with
all your souls. For ye must walk after the LORD your God and fear him
and keep his commandments and hearken unto his voice and serve him and
cleave unto him. And that prophet or dreamer of dreams shall die for
it, because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God
which brought you out of the land of Egypt and delivered you out of the
house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God
commanded thee to walk in: and so thou shalt put evil away from thee.
If thy brother the son of thy mother or thine own son or thy daughter
or the wife that lieth in thy bosom or thy friend which is as thine own
soul unto thee, entice thee secretly saying: let us go and serve
strange gods which thou hast not known nor yet thy fathers, of the gods
of the people which are round about thee, whether they be nye unto thee
or far off from thee, from the one end of the land unto the other. See
thou consent not unto him nor hearken unto him: no, let not thine eye
pity him nor have compassion on him, nor keep him secret, but cause him
to be slain: Thine hand shall be first upon him to kill him: and then
the hands of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones that
he die, because he hath gone about to thrust thee away from the LORD
thy God which brought thee out of Egypt the house of bondage. And all
Israel shall hear and fear and shall do no more and such wickedness as
this is, among them. If thou shalt hear say of one of thy cities which
the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell in, that certain being the
children of Belial are gone out from among you and have moved the
inhabiters of their city saying: let us go and serve strange gods which
ye have not known. Then seek and make search and enquire diligently. If
it be true and the thing of a surety that such abomination is wrought
among you: then thou shalt smite the dwellers of that city with the
edge of the sword, and destroy it merciless and all that is therein,
and even the very cattle thereof with the edge of the sword. And gather
all the spoil of it into the midst of the streets thereof, and burn
with fire: both the city and all the spoil thereof every whit unto the
LORD thy God. And it shall be an heap for ever and shall not be built
again. And see that there cleave nought of the damned thing in thine
hand, that the LORD may turn from his fierce wrath and shew thee mercy
and have compassion on thee and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto
thy fathers: when thou hast hearkened unto the voice of the LORD thy
God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day so that
thou do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.
Chapter .xiiij.
Ye are the children of the LORD your God, cut not your selves nor make
you any baldness between the eyes for any man's death. For thou art an
holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be
a several people unto himself, of all the nations that are upon the
earth. Ye shall eat no manner of abomination. These are the beasts
which ye shall eat of: oxen, sheep and goats, hart, roe and bugle, hart
{wild} goat, unicorn, origen and Camelion. And all beasts that cleave
the hoof, and slit it into two claws and chew the cud, them ye shall
eat. Nevertheless, these ye shall not eat of them that chew cud and of
them that divide and cleave the hoof: the camel, the hare and the
coney. For they chew cud, but divide not the hoof: and therefore are
unclean unto you: and also the swine, for though he divide the hoof,
yet he cheweth not cud, and therefore is unclean unto you: Ye shall not
eat of the flesh of them nor touch the dead carcasses of them. These ye
shall eat of all that are in the waters: All that have fins and scales.
And whatsoever hath not fins and scales, of that ye may not eat, for
that is unclean unto you. Of all clean birds ye shall eat, but these
are they of which ye may not eat: the eagle, the goshawk, the
cormorant, the ixion, the vultur, the kite and her kind, and all kind
of ravens, the Ostrich, the nightcrow, the cuckoo, the sparrowhawk and
all her kind, the little owl, the great owl, the back, the bittern, the
pye, the stork, the heron, the Iay in his kind, the lapwing, the
swallow. And all creeping fowls are unclean unto you and may not be
eaten of: but of all clean fowls ye may well eat. Ye shall eat of
nothing that dieth alone: But thou mayest give it unto the stranger
that is in thy city that he eat it, or mayst sell it unto an Alien. For
thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a
kid in his mother's milk. Thou shalt tithe all the increase of thy seed
that cometh out of the field year by year. And thou shalt eat before
the LORD thy God in the place, which he hath chosen to make his name
dwell there the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thine oil, and
the firstborn of thine oxen and of thy flock that thou mayst learn to
fear the LORD thy God alway. If the way be too long for thee, so that
thou art not able to carry it, because the place is too far from the
which the LORD thy God hath chosen to set his name there (for the LORD
thy God hath blessed thee) then make it in money and take the money in
thine hand, and go unto the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen,
and bestow that money on whatsoever thy soul lusteth after: on oxen,
sheep, wine and good drink, and on whatsoever thy soul desireth, and
eat there before the LORD thy God and be merry: both thou and thine
household and the Levite that is in thy city. See thou forsake not the
Levite, for he hath neither part nor inheritance with thee. At the end
of three years, thou shalt bring forth all the tithes of thine increase
the same year and lay it up within thine own city, and the Levite shall
come because he hath neither part nor inheritance with thee, and the
stranger and the fatherless and the widow which are whithin thy city
and shall eat and fill them selves: that the LORD thy God may bless
thee in all the works of thine hand which thou doest.
Chapter .xv.
At the end of seven years thou shalt make a free year. And this is the
manner of the free year, whosoever lendeth ought with his hand unto his
neighbour, may not ask again that which he hath lent, of his neighbour
or of his brother: because it is called the LORD's {lordes} free year,
yet of a stranger thou mayst call it home again. But that which thou
hast with thy brother thine hand shall remit, and that in any wise,
that there be no beggar among you. For the LORD shall bless the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee, an heritance to possess it: so that
thou hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and do all
these commandments which I command you this day: yea and then the LORD
thy God shall bless thee as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt lend
unto many nations, and shalt borrow of no man, and shalt reign over
many nations, but none shall reign over thee. When one of thy brethren
among you is waxed poor in any of thy cities within thy land which the
LORD thy God giveth thee, see that thou harden not thine heart nor shut
to thine hand from thy poor brother: But open thine hand unto him and
lend him sufficient for his need which he hath. And beware that there
be not a point of Belial in thine heart, that thou wouldest say: The
seventh year, the year of freedom is at hand, and therefore it grieve
thee to look on thy poor brother and givest him nought and he then cry
unto the LORD against thee and it be sin unto thee: But give him, and
let it not grieve thine heart to give. Because that for that thing, the
LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works and in all that thou
puttest thine hand to. For the land shall never be without poor.
Wherefore I command thee saying: open thine hand unto thy brother that
is needy and poor in thy land. If thy brother an Hebrew sell himself to
thee, or an Hebrewess, he shall serve thee six years and the seventh
year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him
out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: but shalt
give him of thy sheep and of thy corn and of thy wine, and give him of
that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee. And remember that
thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God
delivered thee thence: wherefore I command thee this thing today. But
and if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee, because he
loveth thee and thine house and is well at ease with thee. Then take an
awl and nail his ear to the door therewith and let him be thy servant
forever, and unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise. And let it
not grieve thine eyes to let him go out from thee, for he hath been
worth a double hired servant to thee in his service six years. And the
LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest. All the firstborn
that come of thine oxen and of thy sheep that are males, thou shalt
hallow unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt do no service with the
firstborn of thy sheep: but shalt eat them before the LORD thy God year
by year in the place which the LORD hath chosen both thou and thine
household. If there be any deformity therein, whether it be lame or
blind or whatsoever evil favouredness it hath, thou shalt not offer it
unto the LORD thy God: But shalt eat it in thine own city, the unclean
and the clean indifferently, as the roe and the hart. Only eat not the
blood thereof, but pour it upon the ground as water.
Chapter .xvi.
Observe the month of Abib, and offer passover unto the LORD thy God.
For in the month of Abib, the LORD thy God brought thee out of Egypt by
night: Thou shalt therefore offer passover unto the LORD thy God, and
sheep and oxen in the place which the LORD shall choose to make his
name dwell there. Thou shalt eat no leavened bread therewith: but shalt
eat therewith the bread of tribulation seven days long. For thou camest
out of the land of Egypt in haste, that thou mayst remember the day
when thou camest out of the land of Egypt, all days of thy life. And
see that there be no leavened bread seen in all thy coasts seven days
long, and that there remain nothing of the flesh which thou hast
offered the first day at evening, until the morning. Thou mayst not
offer passover in any of thy cities which the LORD thy God giveth thee:
But in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to make his name
dwell in, there thou shalt offer Passover at evening about the going
down of the son, even in the season that thou camest out of Egypt. And
thou shalt seethe and eat {[it]} in the place which the LORD thy God
hath chosen, and depart on the morrow and get thee unto thy tent. Six
days thou shalt eat sweet bread, and the seventh day is for the people
to come together to the LORD thy God, that thou mayst do no work. Then
reckon the seven weeks, and begin to reckon the seven weeks when the
sicle beginneth in the corn, and keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD
thy God, that thou give a freewilloffering of thine hand unto the LORD
thy God according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee. And rejoice
before the LORD thy God both thou, thy son, thy daughter, thy servant
and thy maid, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the
stranger, the fatherless and the widow that are among you, in the place
which the LORD thy God hath chosen to make his name dwell there. And
remember that thou was a servant in Egypt, that thou observe and do
these ordinances. Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven
days long, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine. And
thou shalt rejoice in that thy feast, both thou and thy son, thy
daughter, thy servant, thy maid, the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless and the widow that are in thy cities. Seven days thou shalt
keep holy day unto the LORD thy God, in the place which the LORD shall
choose: for the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy fruits and in
all the works of thine hands, and thou shalt be all together gladness.
Three times in the year shall all your males appear before the LORD thy
God in the place which he shall choose: In the feast of sweet bread, in
the feast of weeks and in the booth feast. {feast of the tabernacles.}
And they shall not appear before the LORD empty: but every man with the
gift of his hand, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God, which
he hath given thee. Iudges and officers thou shalt make thee in all thy
cities {gates} which the LORD thy God giveth thee thorowout thy tribes:
And let them judge the people righteously. Wrest not the law nor know
any person neither take any reward: for gifts blind the wise and
pervert the words of the righteous. But in all things follow
righteousness, that thou mayst live and enjoy the land which the LORD
thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt plant no grove of whatsoever trees it
be, nye unto the altar of the LORD thy God which thou shalt make thee.
Thou shalt set thee up no pillar, which the LORD thy God hateth.
Chapter .xvij.
Thou shalt offer unto the LORD thy God no ox or sheep wherein is any
deformity, whatsoever evil favouredness it be: for that is an
abomination unto the LORD thy God. If there be found among you in any
of thy cities which the LORD thy God giveth thee man or woman that hath
wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, that they have
gone beyond his appointment, so that they have gone and served strange
gods and worshipped them, whether it be the son or moon or anything
contained in heaven which I forbade, and it was told thee and thou hast
heard of it: Then thou shalt enqui:re diligently. And if it be true and
the thing of a surety that such abomination is wrought in Israel, then
thou shalt bring forth that man or that woman which have committed that
wicked thing, unto thy gates and shalt stone them with stones and they
shall die. At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is
worthy of death, die: but at the mouth of one witness he shall not die.
And the hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to kill him, and
afterward the hands of all the people: so shalt thou put wickedness
away from thee. If a matter be too hard for thee in judgement between
blood and blood, plea and plea, plage and plage in matters of strife
within thy cities: Then arise and get thee up unto the place which the
LORD thy God hath chosen, and go unto the priests the Levites, and unto
the judge that shall be in those days, and ask, and they shall shew
thee how to judge. And see that thou do according to that which they of
that place(which the LORD hath chosen shew thee, and see that thou
observe to do according to all that they inform thee. According to the
law which they teach thee and manner of judgement which they tell thee,
see that thou do and that thou bow not from that which they shew thee,
neither to the right hand nor to the left. And that man that will do
presumptuously, so that he will not hearken unto the priest that
stondeth there to minister unto the LORD thy God or unto the judge,
shall die: and so thou shalt put away evil from Israel. And all the
people shall hear and shall fear, and shall do no more presumptuously.
When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee and
enjoyest it and dwellest therein: If thou shalt say, I will set a king
over me, like unto all the nations that are about me: Then thou shalt
make him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose. One of thy
brethren must thou make king over thee, and mayst not set a stranger
over thee which is not of thy brethren. But in any wise let him not
hold too many horses, that he bring not the people again to Egypt
thorow the multitude of horses, forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto
you: ye shall henceforth go no more again that way. Also he shall not
have too many wives, lest his heart turn away, neither shall he gather
him silver and gold too much. And when he is sitten upon the seat of
his kingdom, he shall write him out this second law in a book taking a
copy of the priests' the Levites'. And it shall be with him and he
shall read there in all days of his life that he may learn to fear the
LORD his God for to keep all the words of this law and these ordinances
for to do them: that his heart arise not above his brethren and that he
turn not from the commandment: either to the right hand or to the left:
that both he and his children may prolong their days in his kingdom in
Israel.
Chapter .xviij.
The priests the Levites, all the tribe of Levi shall have no part nor
inheritance with Israel. The offerings of the LORD and his inheritance
they shall eat, but shall have no inheritance among their brethren: the
LORD he is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them. And this is
the duty of the priests, of the people and of them that offer, whether
it be ox or sheep: They must give unto the priest, the shoulder and the
two cheeks and the maw, the first fruits of thy corn, wine and oil, and
the first of thy sheep shearing must thou give him. For the LORD thy
God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes to stond and to minister in
the name of the LORD: both him and his sons for ever. If a Levite come
out of any of thy cities or any place of Israel, where he is a
sojourner, and come with all the lust of his heart unto the place which
the LORD hath chosen: he shall there minister in the name of the LORD
his God as all his brethren the Levites do which stond there before the
LORD. And they shall have like portions to eat, beside that which
cometh to him of the patrimony of his elders. When thou art come into
the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, see that thou learn not to
do after the abominations of these nations. Let there not be found
among you that maketh his son or his daughter go thorow fire, either a
bruterar or a maker of dismal days or that useth witchcraft {or that
useth withcraft, or a chooser out of days or that regardeth the flyeng
of souls} or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or that speaketh {counseleth}
with a spirit, or a soothsayer or that talketh with them that are dead.
{prophesiar or that asketh the advise of the dead.} For all that do
such things are abomination unto the LORD: and because of these
abominations the LORD thy God doeth cast them out before thee, be pure
therefore with the LORD thy God. For these nations which thou shalt
conquer, hearken unto makers {choosers out} of dismal days and
bruterars. {prophesyars, or profit-seers} But the LORD thy God
permitteth not that to thee. The LORD thy God will stir up a Prophet
among you: even of thy brethren like unto me: and unto him ye shall
hearken according to all that thou desiredest of the LORD thy God in
Horeb in the day when the people were gathered saying: Let me hear the
voice of my LORD God no more, nor see this great fire any more, that I
die not. And the LORD said unto me: they have well spoken, I will raise
them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee and will put
my words into his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
command him. And whosoever will not hearken unto the words which he
shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet which
shall presume to speak ought in my name which I commanded him not to
speak, and he that speaketh in the name of strange gods, the same
prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, how shall I know
that which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the
name of the LORD, if the thing follow not nor come to pass, that is the
thing which the LORD hath not spoken. But the prophet hath spoken it
presumptuously: be not afeared therefore of him.
Chapter .xix.
When the LORD thy God hath destroyed the nations whose land the LORD
thy God giveth thee, and thou hast conquered them and dwellest in their
cities and in their houses: thou shalt appoint three cities in the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it: thou shalt prepare
the way and divide the coasts of thy land which the LORD thy God giveth
thee to possess it: thou shalt prepare the way and divide the coasts of
thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to inherit, into three
parts that whosoever committeth murder may flee thither. And this is
the cause of the slayer that shall flee thither and be saved: If he
smite his neighbour ignorantly and hated him not in time past: As when
a man goeth unto the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and as his
hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe, the head slippeth from the helve
and smiteth his neighbour that he die: the same shall flee unto one of
the same cities and be saved. Lest the executer of blood follow after
the slayer while his heart is hot and overtake him, because the way is
long, and slay him, and yet there is no cause worthy of death in him,
inasmuch as he hated not his neighbour in time past. Wherefore I
command thee saying: see that thou appoint out three cities. And if the
LORD thy God enlarge thy coasts as he hath sworn unto thy fathers and
give thee all the land which he said he would give unto thy fathers (so
that thou keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee
this day, that thou love the LORD thy God and walk in his ways ever)
then thou shalt add three cities more unto those three, that innocent
blood be not shed in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to
inherit, and so blood come upon thee. But and if there be any man that
hateth his neighbour and layeth await for him and riseth against him
and smiteth him that he die, and fleeth unto any of these cities. Then
let the elders of his city send and fetch him thence and deliver him
into the hands of the justice of blood, and he shall die. Let thine eye
have no pity on him, and so thou shalt put away innocent blood from
Israel, and happy art thou. Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's mark
which they of old time have set in thine inheritance that thou
inheritest in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to enjoy it.
One witness shall not rise against a man in any manner trespass or sin,
whatsoever sin a man sinneth: But at the mouth of two witnesses or of
three witnesses shall all matters be tried. If an unrighteous witness
rise up against a man to accuse him of trespass: then let both the men
which strive together stond before the LORD, before the priests and the
judges which shall be in those days, and let the judges enquire a good.
And if the witness be found false and that he hath given false witness
against his brother then shall ye do unto him as he had thought to do
unto his brother, and so thou shalt put evil away from thee. And other
shall hear and fear and shall henceforth commit no more any such
wickedness among you. And let thine eye have no compassion, but life
for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for
foot.
Chapter .xx.
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses
and chariots and people more than thou, be not afeared of them, for the
LORD thy God is with thee which brought thee out of the land of Egypt.
And when ye are come nye unto battle, let the priest come forth and
speak unto the people and say unto them: Hear Israel, ye are come unto
battle against your enemies, let not your hearts faint, neither fear
nor be amazed nor a dread of them. For the LORD thy God goeth with you
to fight for you against your enemies and to save you. And let the
officers speak unto the people saying: If any man have built a new
house and have not dedicate it, let him go and return to his house lest
he die in the battle, and another dedicate it. And if any man have
planted a vineyard and have not made it common, let him go and return
again unto his house, lest he die in the battle and another make it
common. And if any man be betrothed unto a wife and have not taken her,
let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle
and another take her. And let the officers speak further unto the
people and say. If any man fear and be fainthearted, let him go and
return unto his house, lest his brother's heart be made faint as well
as his. And when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the
people, let them make captains of war over them. When thou comest nye
unto a city to fight against it, offer them peace. And if they answer
thee again peaceably, and open unto thee, then let all the people that
is found therein be tributaries unto thee and serve thee. But and if
they will make no peace with thee, then make war against the city and
besiege it. And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine
hands, smite all the males thereof with the edge of the sword, save the
women and the children and the cattle and all that is in the city and
all the spoil thereof take unto thyself and eat the spoil of thine
enemies which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Thus thou shalt do unto all
the cities which are a great way off from thee and not of the cities of
these nations. But in the cities of these nations which the LORD thy
God giveth thee to inherit, thou shalt save alive nothing that
breatheth. But shalt destroy them without redemption, both the
Hethites, the Amorites, the Cananites, the Pherezites, the Hevites and
the Iebusites, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee, that they teach
you not to do after all their abominations which they do unto their
gods, and so should sin against the LORD your God. When thou hast
besieged a city long time in making war against it to take it, destroy
not the trees thereof, that thou wouldest thrust an axe unto them. For
thou mayst eat of them, and therefore destroy them not. For the trees
of the fields are no men that they might come against thee to besiege
thee. Neverthelater those trees which thou knowest that men eat not of
them, thou mayst destroy and cut them down and make bulwarks against
the city that maketh war with thee, until it be overthrown.
Chapter .xxj.
If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to
possess it, and lieth in the fields, and not known who hath slain him:
Then let thine elders and thy judges come forth and meet unto the
cities that are round about the slain. And let the elders of that city
which is next unto the slain man, take an heifer that is not laboured
with nor hath drawn in the yoke, and let them bring her unto a valley
where is neither earing nor sowing, and strike off her head there in
the valley. Then let the priests the sons of Levi come forth (for the
LORD thy God hath chosen them to minister and to bless in the name of
the LORD and therefore at their mouth shall all strife and plague be
tried.) And all the elders of the city that is next to the slain man
shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the plain,
and shall answer and say: our hands have not shed this blood neither
have our eyes seen it. Be merciful LORD unto thy people Israel which
thou hast delivered and put not innocent blood unto thy people Israel:
and the blood shall be forgiven them. And so shalt thou put innocent
blood from thee, when thou shalt have done that which is right in the
sight of the LORD. When thou goest to war against thine enemies and the
LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands and thou hast take
them captive, and seest among the captives a beautiful woman and hast a
fantasy unto her that thou wouldest have her to thy wife. Then bring
her home to thine house and let her shave her head and pare her nails
and put her raiment that she was taken in from her, and let her remain
in thine house and beweep her father and her mother a month long and
after that go in unto her and marry her and let her be thy wife. And if
thou have no favour unto her, then let her go whither she lusteth: for
thou mayst not sell her for money nor make chevisance of her, because
thou hast humbled her. If a man have two wives, one loved and another
hated, and they have borne him children, both the loved and also the
hated. If the firstborn be the son of the hated: then when he dealeth
his goods among his children, he may not make the son of the beloved
firstborn before the son of the hated which is indeed the firstborn:
But he shall know the son of the hated for his firstborn, that he give
him double of all that he hath. For he is the first of his strength,
and to him belongeth the right of the firstbornship. If any man have a
son that is stubborn, and disobedient, that he will not hearken unto
the voice of his father and voice of his mother, and they have taught
him nurture, but he would not hearken unto them: Then let his father
and his mother take him and bring him out unto the elders of that city
and unto the gate of that same place, and say unto the elders of the
city. This our son is stubborn and disobedient and will not hearken
unto our voice, he is a rioter and a drunkard. Then let all the men of
that city stone him with stones unto death. And so thou shalt put evil
away from thee, and all Israel shall hear and fear. If a man have
committed a trespass worthy of death and is put to death for it and
hanged on tree: let not his body remain all night upon the tree, but
bury him the same day. For the curse of God is on him that is hanged.
Defile not thy land therefore, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to
inherit.
Chapter .xxij.
If thou see thy brother's ox or sheep go astray, thou shalt not
withdraw thyself from them: But shalt bring them home again unto thy
brother. If thy brother be not nye unto thee or if thou know him not,
then bring them unto thine own house and let them be with thee, until
thy brother ask after them, and then deliver him them again. In like
manner shalt thou do with his ass, with his raiment and with all lost
things of thy brother which he hath lost and thou hast found, and thou
mayst not withdraw thyself. If thou see that thy brother's ass or ox is
fallen down by the way, thou shalt not withdraw thyself from them: but
shalt help him to heave them up again. The woman shall not wear that
which pertaineth unto the man, neither shall a man put on woman's
raiment. For all that do so, are abomination unto the LORD thy God. If
thou chance upon a bird's nest by the way, in whatsoever tree it be or
on the ground, whether they be young or eggs, and the dam sitting upon
the young or upon the eggs: thou shalt not take the mother with the
young. But shalt in any wise let the dam go and take the young, that
thou mayst prosper and prolong thy days. When thou buildest a new
house, thou shalt make a battlement unto the roof, that thou lade not
blood upon thine house, if any man fall thereof. Thou shalt not sow thy
vineyard with divers seed: lest thou hallow the seed which thou hast
sown with the fruit of thy vineyard. Thou shalt not plough with an ox
and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment made of wool and
flax together. Thou shalt put ribbons upon the four quarters of thy
vesture wherewith thou coverest thyself. If a man take a wife and when
he hath lien with her hate her and lay shameful things unto her charge
and bring up an evil name upon her and say: I took this wife, and when
I came to her, I found her not a maid: Then let the father of the
damsel and the mother bring forth the tokens of the damsel's virginity,
unto the elders of the city, even unto the gate. And let the damsel's
father say unto the elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife
and he hateth her: and lo, he layeth shameful things unto her charge
saying, I found not thy daughter a maid. And yet these are the tokens
of my daughter's virginity. And let them spread the vesture before the
elders of the city. Then let the elders of that city take that man and
chastise him and merce him in an hundred sicles of silver and give them
unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name
upon a maid in Israel. And she shall be his wife, and he may not put
her away all his days. But and if the thing be of a surety that the
damsel be not found a virgin, let them bring her unto the door of her
father's house, and let the men of that city stone her with stones to
death, because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in
her father's house. And so thou shalt put evil away from thee. If a man
be found lying with a woman, that hath a wedded husband, then let them
die either other of them: both the man that lie with the wife and also
the wife: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. If a maid be
handfasted unto an husband, and then a man find her in the town and lay
with her, then ye shall bring them both out unto the gates of that same
city and shall stone them with stones to death: The damsel because she
cried not being in the city: And the man, because he hath humbled his
neighbour's wife, and thou shalt put away evil from thee. But if a man
find a betrothed damsel in the field and force her and lie with her:
Then the man that lay with her shall die alone, and unto the damsel
thou shalt do no harm: because there is in the damsel no cause of
death. For as when a man riseth against his neighbour and slayeth him,
even so is this matter. For he found her in the fields and the
betrothed damsel cried: but there was no man to succour her. If a man
find a maid that is not betrothed and take her and lie with her and be
found: Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's
father fifty sicles of silver. And she shall be his wife, because he
hath humbled her, and he may not put her away all his days. No man
shall take his father's wife, nor unhele his father's covering.
Chapter .xxiij.
None that is gelded or hath his privy members cut off, shall come into
the congregation of the LORD. And he that is born of a common woman
shall not come in the congregation of the LORD, no in the tenth
generation he shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. The
Ammonites and the Moabites shall not come into the congregation of the
LORD, no not in the tenth generation, no they shall never come in to
the congregation of the LORD, because they met you not with bread and
water in the way when ye came out of Egypt, and because they hired
against thee Balaam the son of Beor the interpreter of Mesopotamia, to
curse thee. Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balam,
but turned the curse to a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God
loved thee. Thou shalt never therefore seek that which is prosperous or
good for them all thy days for ever. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite,
for he is thy brother: neither shalt thou abhor an Egyptian, because
thou wast a stranger in his land. The children that are begotten of
them shall come into the congregation of the LORD in the third
generation. When thou goest out with the host against thine enemies,
keep thee from all wickedness for the LORD is among you. If there be
any man that is unclean by the reason of uncleanness that chanceth him
by night, let him go out of the host and not come in again until he
have washed himself with water before the evening: and then when the
son is down, let him come into the host again. Thou shalt have a place
without the host whither thou shalt resort to and thou shalt have a
sharp point at the end of thy weapon: and when thou wilt ease thyself,
dig therewith and turn and cover that which is departed from thee. For
the LORD thy God walketh in thine host, to rid thee and to set thine
enemies before thee. Let thine host be pure that he see no unclean
thing among you and turn from you. Thou shalt not deliver unto his
master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee. Let him
dwell with thee, even among you in what place he himself liketh best,
in one of thy cities where it is good for him, and vex him not. There
shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor whorekeeper of the
sons of Israel. Thou shalt neither bring the hire of an whore nor the
price of a dog into the house of the LORD thy God, in no manner of vow:
for even both of them are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt
be no usurer unto thy brother, neither in money nor in food, nor in any
manner thing that is lent upon usury. Unto a stranger thou mayst lend
upon usury, but not unto thy brother, that the LORD thy God may bless
thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou
goest to conquer it. When thou hast vowed a vow unto the LORD thy God,
see thou be not slack to pay it. For he will surely require it of thee,
and it shall be sin unto thee. If thou shalt leave vowing, it shall be
no sin unto thee: but that which is once gone out of thy lips, thou
must keep and do, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God a
freewill offering which thou hast spoken with thy mouth. When thou
comest into thy neighbour's vineyard, thou mayst eat grapes thy
bellyful at thine own pleasure: but thou shalt put none in thy bag.
When thou goest into thy neighbour's corn, thou mayst pluck the ears
with thine hand, but thou mayst not move a sicle unto thy neighbour's
corn.
Chapter .xxiiij.
When a man hath taken a wife and married her, if she find no favour in
his eyes, because he hath spied some uncleanness in her: Then let him
write her a bill of divorcement and put it in her hand and send her out
of his house. If when she is departed out of his house, she go and be
another man's wife and the second husband hate her and write her a
letter of divorcement and put it in her hand and send her out of his
house, or if the second man die which took her to wife; Her first man
which sent her away may not take her again to be his wife, inasmuch as
she is defiled. For that is abomination in the sight of the LORD: that
thou defile not the land with sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee
to inherit. When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go a warfare
neither shall be charged with any business: but shall be free at home
one year and rejoice with his wife which he hath taken. No man shall
take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge, for then he taketh a
man's life to pledge. If any man be found stealing any of his brethren
the children of Israel, and maketh chevisance of him or selleth him,
the thief shall die. And thou shalt put evil away from thee. Take heed
to thyself as concerning the plague of leprosy, that thou observe
diligently to do according to all that the priests the Levites shall
teach thee, as I commanded them so ye shall observe to do. Remember
what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were
come out of Egypt. If thou lend thy brother any manner succour, thou
shalt not go into his house to fetch a pledge: but shalt stond without
and the man to whom thou lendest, shall bring thee the pledge out at
the door. Furthermore if it be a poor body, go not to sleep with his
pledge: but deliver him the pledge again by that the son go down, and
let him sleep in his own raiment and bless thee. And it shall be
righteousness unto thee, before the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not
defraud an hired servant that is needy and poor, whether he be of thy
brethren or a stranger that is in thy land within thy cities. Give him
his hire the same day, and let not the son go down thereon. For he is
needy and therewith sustaineth his life, lest he cry against thee unto
the LORD and it be sin unto thee. The fathers shall not die for the
children nor the children for the fathers: but every man shall die for
his own sin. Hinder not the right of the stranger nor of the
fatherless, nor take widow's raiment to pledge. But remember that thou
wast a servant in Egypt, and how the LORD thy God delivered thee
thence. Wherefore I command thee to do this thing. When thou cuttest
down thine harvest in the field and hast forgotten a sheaf in the
field, thou shalt not go again and fetch it: But it shall be for the
stranger, the fatherless and the widow, that the LORD thy God may bless
thee in all the work of thine hand. When thou beatest down thine olive
trees thou shalt not make clean riddance after thee: but it shall be
for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. And when thou gatherest
thy vineyard, thou shalt not gather clean after thee: but it shall be
for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. And remember that thou
wast a servant in the land of Egypt: wherefore I command thee to do
this thing.
Chapter .xxv.
When {If} there is strife between men, let them come unto the law, and
let the judges justify the righteous and condemn the trespasser. And if
the trespasser be worthy of stripes, then let the judge cause to take
him down and to beat him before his face according to his trespass,
unto a certain number. Forty stripes he shall give him and not pass:
lest if he should exceed and beat him above that with many stripes, thy
brother should appear ungodly before thine eyes. Thou shalt not muzzle
{mosell} the ox that treadeth out the corn. When brethren dwell
together and one of them die and have no child, the wife of the dead
shall not be given out unto a stranger: but her brotherinlaw shall go
in unto her and take her to wife and marry her. And the eldest son
which she beareth, shall stond up in the name of his brother which is
dead, that his name be not put out in Israel. But and if the man will
not take his sisterinlaw, then let her go to the gate unto the elders
and say: My brotherinlaw refuseth to stir up unto his brother a name in
Israel, he will not marry me. Then let the elders of his city call unto
him and commune with him. If he stond and say: I will not take her,
then let his sister-in-law go unto him in the presence of the elders
and loose his shoe off his foot and spit in his face and answer and
say: So shall it be done unto that man that will not build his
brother's house. And his name shall be called in Israel, the unshoed
house. If when men strive together, one with another, the wife of the
one run to, for to rid her husband out of the hands of him that smiteth
him and put forth her hand and take him by the secrets: cut off her
hand, and let not thine eye pity her. Thou shalt not have in thy bag
two manner weights, a great and a small: neither shalt thou have in
thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a
perfect and a just measure: that thy days may be lengthened in the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things and all
that do unright, are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Remember what
Amalech did unto thee by the way after thou camest out of Egypt, he met
thee by the way and smote the hindmost of you, all that were over
laboured and dragged behind, when thou wast fainted and weary, and he
feared not God. Therefore when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest
from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God
giveth thee to inherit and possess: see that thou put out the name of
Amalech from under heaven, and forget not.
Chapter .xxvi.
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to
inherit and hast enjoyed it and dwellest therein: take of the first of
all the fruit of the earth, which thou hast brought in out of the land
that the LORD thy God giveth thee and put it in a maund and go unto the
place which the LORD thy God shall choose to make his name dwell there.
And thou shalt come unto the priest that shall be in those days and say
unto him: I knowledge this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come
unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us.
And the priest shall take the maund out of thine hand, and set it down
before the altar of the LORD thy God. And thou shalt answer and say
before the LORD thy God: The Sirians would have destroyed my father,
and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there with a few folk and
grew there unto a nation great, mighty and full of people. And the
Egyptians vexed us and troubled us, and laded us with cruel bondage.
And we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our
voice and looked on our adversity, labour and oppression. And the LORD
brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm and
with great terribleness and with signs and wonders. And he hath brought
us into this place and hath given us this land that floweth with milk
and honey. And now lo, I have brought the first fruits of the land
which the LORD hath given me. And set it before the LORD thy God and
worship before the LORD thy God and rejoice over all the good thing
which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee and unto thine house, both
thou the Levite and the stranger that is among you. When thou hast made
an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year, the
year of tithing: and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless and the widow, and they have eaten in thy gates and filled
them selves. Then say before the LORD thy God: I have brought thee
hallowed things out of mine house: and have given them unto the Levite,
the stranger, the fatherless and the widow according to all the
commandments which thou commandest me: I have not overskipped thy
commandments, nor forgotten them. I have not eaten thereof in my
mourning nor taken away thereof unto any uncleanness, nor spent thereof
about any dead corpse: but have hearkened unto the voice of the LORD my
God, and have done after all that he commanded me, look down from thy
holy habitation heaven and bless thy people Israel and the land which
thou hast given us (as thou swearest unto our fathers) a land that
floweth with milk and honey. This day the LORD thy God hath commanded
thee to do these ordinances and laws. Keep them therefore and do them
with all thine heart and all thy soul. Thou hast set up the LORD this
day to be thy God and to walk in his ways and to keep his ordinances,
his commandments and his laws, and to hearken unto his voice. And the
LORD hath set thee up this day, to be a several people unto him (as he
hath promised thee) and that thou keep his commandments, and to make
thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, in name and
honour: that thou mayst be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he
hath said.
Chapter .xxvij.
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people saying: keep
all the commandments which I command you this day. And when ye be come
over Iordan unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, set up
great stones and plaster them with plaster, and write upon them all the
words of this law, when thou art come over: that thou mayst come into
the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee: a land that floweth with
milk and honey, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee. When
ye be come over Iordan, see that ye set up these stones which I command
you this day in mount Ebal, and plaster them with plaster. And there
build unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones and see thou lift up no
iron upon them: But thou shalt make the altar of the LORD thy God of
rough stones and offer burntofferings thereon unto the LORD thy God.
And thou shalt offer peaceofferings and shalt eat there and rejoice
before the LORD thy God. And thou shalt write upon the stones all the
words of this law, manifestly and well. And Moses with the priests the
Levites spake unto all Israel saying: take heed and hear Israel, this
day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God. Hearken therefore
unto the voice of the LORD thy God and do his commandments and his
ordinances which I command you this day. And Moses charged the people
the same day saying: These shall stond upon mount Grisim to bless the
people, when ye are come over Iordan: Simeon, Levi, Iuda, Isachar,
Ioseph and BenIamin. And these shall stond upon mount Ebal to curse:
Ruben, Gad, Asser, Zabulon, Dan and Nephthali. And the Levites shall
begin and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice: Cursed be
he that maketh any carved image or image of metal (an abomination unto
the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman) and putteth it in a
secret place: And all the people shall answer and say Amen. Cursed be
he that curseth his father or his mother, and all the people shall say
Amen. Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's mark, and all the
people shall say Amen. Cursed be he that maketh the blind go out of his
way, and all the people shall say Amen. Cursed be he that hindreth the
right of the stranger, fatherless and widow, and all the people shall
say Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife because he
hath opened his father's covering, and all the people shall say Amen.
Cursed be he that lieth with any manner beast, and all the people shall
say Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister whether she be the
daughter of his father or of his mother, and all the people shall say
Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law, and all the
people shall say Amen. Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour
secretly, and all the people shall say Amen. Cursed be he that taketh a
reward to slay innocent blood, and all the people shall say Amen.
Cursed be he that maintaineth not all the words of this law to do them,
and all the people shall say Amen.
Chapter .xxviij.
If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to
observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
The LORD will set thee on high {an hye} above all nations of the earth.
And all these blessings shall come on thee and over take thee, if thou
shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be
in the town and blessed in the fields, blessed shall be the fruit of
thy body, the fruit of thy ground and the fruit of thy cattle, the
fruit of thine oxen, and thy flocks of sheep, blessed shall thine
almery be and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be, both when thou goest
out, and blessed when thou comest in. The LORD shall smite thine
enemies that rise against thee before thy face. They shall come out
against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. The LORD shall
command the blessing to be with thee in thy store houses and in all
that thou settest thine hand to, and will bless the in the land which
the LORD thy God giveth thee. The LORD shall make thee an holy people
unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee: if thou shalt keep the
commandments of the LORD thy God and walk in his ways. And all nations
of the earth shall see that thou art called after the name of the LORD,
and they shall be afeared of thee. And the LORD shall make thee
plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, in the fruit of thy
cattle and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware
unto thy fathers to give thee. The LORD shall open unto thee his good
treasure, even the heaven, to give rain unto thy land in due season and
to bless all the labours of thine hand. And thou shalt lend unto many
nations, but shalt not need to borrow thyself. And the LORD shall set
thee before and not behind, and thou shalt be above only and not
beneath: if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God
which I command thee this day to keep and to do them. And see that thou
bow not from any of these words which I command thee this day either to
the right hand or to the left, that thou wouldest go after strange gods
to serve them. But and if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the
LORD thy God to keep and to do all his commandments and ordinances
which I command thee this day: then all these curses shall come upon
thee and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the town, and cursed in
the field, cursed shall thine almery be and thy store. Cursed shall be
the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy land be and the fruit of
thine oxen and the flocks of thy sheep. And cursed shalt thou be when
thou goest in, and when thou goest out. And the LORD shall send upon
thee cursing, going to nought and complaining in all that thou settest
thine hand to, whatsoever thou doest: until thou be destroyed and
brought to nought quickly, because of the wickedness of thine
inventions in that thou hast forsaken the LORD. And the LORD shall make
the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from the
land whither thou goest to enjoy it. And the LORD shall smite thee with
swelling, with fevers, heat, burning, weathering, with smiting and
blasting. And they shall follow thee, until thou perish. And the heaven
that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee,
iron. And the LORD shall turn the rain of the land unto powder and
dust: even from heaven they shall come down upon thee, until thou be
brought to nought. And the LORD shall plague thee before thine enemies:
Thou shalt come out one way against them, and flee seven ways before
them, and shalt be scattered among all the kingdoms of the earth. And
thy carcass shall be meat unto all manner fowls of the air and unto the
beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away. And the LORD will
smite thee with the botches of Egypt and the emerods, scall and
manginess, that thou shalt not be healed thereof. And the LORD shall
smite thee with madness, blindness and dazing of heart. And thou shalt
grope at noonday as the blind gropeth in darkness, and shalt not come
to the right way. And thou shalt suffer wrong only and be polled
evermore, and no man shall succour thee: thou shalt be betrothed unto a
wife, and another shall lie with her. Thou shalt build an house and
another shall dwell therein. Thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not
make it common. Thine ox shall be slain before thine eyes, and thou
shalt not eat thereof. Thine ass shall be violently taken away even
before thy face, and shall not be restored thee again. Thy sheep shall
be given unto thine enemies, and no man shall help thee. Thy sons and
thy daughters shall be given unto another nation, and thine eyes shall
see and daze upon them all day long, but shalt have no might in thine
hand. The fruit of thy land and all thy labours shall a nation which
thou knowest not, eat, and thou shalt but suffer violence only and be
oppressed alway: that thou shalt be clean beside thyself for the sight
of thine eyes which thou shalt see. The LORD shall smite thee with a
mischievous botch in the knees and legs, so that thou canst not be
healed: even from the sole of the foot unto the top of the head. The
LORD shall bring both thee and thy king which thou hast set over thee,
unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, and there
thou shalt serve strange gods: even wood and stone. And thou shalt go
to waste and be made an example and a jesting stock unto all nations
whither the LORD shall carry thee. Thou shalt carry much seed out into
the field, and shalt gather but little in: for the locusts
{grasshoppers} shall destroy it. Thou shalt plant a vineyard and dress
it, but shalt neither drink of the wine neither gather of the grapes,
for the worms shall eat it. Thou shalt have olive trees in all thy
coasts, but shalt not be anointed with the oil, for thine olive trees
shall be rooted out. Thou shalt get sons and daughters, but shalt not
have them: for they shall be carried away captive. All thy trees and
fruit of thy land shall be marred with blasting. The strangers that are
among you shall climb above thee up on high, {an hye} and thou shalt
come down beneath alow. He shall lend thee and thou shalt not lend him,
he shall be before and thou behind. Moreover all these curses shall
come upon thee and shall follow thee and overtake thee, till thou be
destroyed: because thou hearkenedest not unto the voice of the LORD thy
God, to keep his commandments and ordinances which he commanded thee,
and they shall be upon thee as miracles and wonders and upon thy seed
for ever. And because thou servedest not the LORD thy God with
joyfulness and with a good heart for the abundance of all things,
therefore thou shalt serve thine enemy which the LORD shall send upon
thee: in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and in need of all things: and
he shall put a yoke of iron upon thine neck, until he have brought thee
to nought. And the LORD shall bring a nation upon thee from afar, even
from the end of the world, as swift as an eagle fleeth: {flyeth} a
nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand: a hard favoured nation
which shall not regard the person of the old nor have compassion on the
young. And he shall eat the fruit of thy land and the fruit of thy
cattle until he have destroyed thee: so that he shall leave thee
neither corn, wine, nor oil, neither the increase of thine oxen nor the
flocks of thy sheep: until he have brought thee to nought. And he shall
keep thee in all thy cities, until thy high and strong walls be come
down wherein thou trustedest, thorow all thy land. And he shall besiege
thee in all thy cities thorowout all thy land which the LORD thy God
hath given thee. And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body: the
flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters which the LORD thy God hath
given thee, in that straitness and siege wherewith thine enemy shall
besiege thee: so that it shall grieve the man that is tender and
exceeding delicate among you, to look on his brother and upon his wife
that lieth in his bosom and on the remnant of his children, which he
hath yet left, for fear of giving unto any of them of the flesh of his
children, which he eateth, because he hath nought left him in that
straitness and siege wherewith thine enemy shall besiege thee in all
thy cities. Yea and the woman that is so tender and delicate among you
that she dare not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground
for softness and tenderness, shall be grieved to look on the husband
that lieth in her bosom and on her son and on her daughter: even
because of the afterbirth, that is come out from between her legs, and
because of her children which she hath borne, because she would eat
them for need of all things secretly, in the straitness and siege
wherewith thine enemy shall besiege thee in thy cities. If thou wilt
not be diligent to do all the words of this law that are written in
this book, for to fear this glorious and fearful name of the LORD thy
God: the LORD will smite both thee and thy seed with wonderful plagues
and with great plagues and of long continuance, and with evil
sicknesses and of long durance. Moreover he will bring upon thee all
the diseases of Egypt which thou wast afraid of, and they shall cleave
unto thee. Thereto all manner sicknesses and all manner plagues which
are not written in the book of this law, will the LORD bring upon thee
until thou be come to nought. And ye shall be left few in number,
wheretofore ye were as the stars of heaven in multitude: because thou
wouldest not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. And as the
LORD rejoiced over you to do you good and to multiply you: even so he
will rejoice over you, to destroy you and to bring you to nought. And
ye shall be wasted from off the land whither thou goest to enjoy it.
And the LORD shall scatter thee among all nations from the one end of
the world unto the other, and there thou shalt serve strange gods,
which neither thou nor thy fathers have known: even wood and stone. And
among these nations thou shalt be no small season, and yet shalt have
no rest for the sole of thy foot. For the LORD shall give thee there a
trembling heart and dazing eyes and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall
hang before thee, and thou shalt fear both day and night and shalt have
no trust in thy life. In the morning thou shalt say, would God it were
night. And at night thou shalt say, would God it were morning. For fear
of thine heart which thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes
which thou shalt see. And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again
with ships, by the way which I bade thee that thou shouldst see it no
more. And there ye shall be sold unto your enemies, for bondmen and
bondwomen: and yet no man shall buy you.
Chapter .xxix.
These are the words of the appointment which the LORD commanded Moses
to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the
appointment which he made with them in Horeb. And Moses called unto all
Israel and said unto them: Ye have seen all, that the LORD did before
your eyes in the land of Egypt, unto Pharao and unto all his servants,
and unto all his land, and the great temptations which thine eyes have
seen and those great miracles and wonders: And yet the LORD hath not
given you an heart to perceive, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear unto
this day. And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: and your
clothes are not waxed old upon you, nor are thy shoes waxed old upon
thy feet. Ye have eaten no bread nor drunk wine or strong drink: that
ye might know, how that he is the LORD your God. And at the last ye
came unto this place, and Sihon the king of Hesbon and Og king of Basan
came out against you unto battle, and we smote them and took their land
and gave it an heritance unto the Rubenites and Gadites and to the half
tribe of Manasse. Keep therefore the word of this appointment and do
them, that ye may understand all that ye ought to do. Ye stond here
this day every one of you before the LORD your God: both the heads of
your tribes, your elders, your officers and all the men of Israel: your
children, your wives and the strangers that are in thine host, from the
hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: that thou shouldst come
under the appointment of the LORD thy God, and under his oath which the
LORD thy God maketh with thee this day. For to make thee a people unto
himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee
and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers Abraham, Isaac and Iacob. Also I
make not this bond and this oath with you only: but both with him that
stoodeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with
him that is not here with us this day. For ye know how we have dwelt in
the land of Egypt, and how we came thorow the midst of the nations
which we passed by. And ye have seen their abominations and their
idols: wood, stone, silver, gold, which they had. Lest there be among
you man or woman kindred or tribe that turneth away in his heart this
day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations:
and lest there be among you some root {|rote|} that beareth gall and
wormwood, so that when he heareth the words of this curse, he bless
himself in his heart saying: I fear it not, {shall have peace} I will
therefore walk {work} after the lust of mine own heart, that the
drunken destroy {may perish with} the thirsty. And so the LORD will not
be merciful unto him, but then the wrath of the LORD and his jealousy,
smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this
book light upon him, and the LORD do out his name from under heaven,
and separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel according
unto all the curses of the appointment that is written in the book of
this law. So that the generation to come of your children that shall
rise up after you and the stranger that shall come from a far land, say
when they see the plagues of that land, and the diseases wherewith the
LORD hath smitten it, how all the land is burnt up with brimstone and
salt, that it is neither sown nor beareth, nor any grass groweth
therein, after the overthrowing of Sodom, Gomor, Adama and Zeboim:
which the LORD overthrew in his wrath and anger. And then all nations
also say: wherefore hath the LORD done of this fashion unto this land?
O how fierce is this great wrath? And men shall say: because they left
the testament of the LORD God of their fathers which he made with them,
when he brought them out of the land of Egypt. And they went and served
strange gods and worshipped them: gods which they knew not and which
had given them nought. And therefore the wrath of the LORD waxed hot
upon that land to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this
book. And the LORD cast them out of their land in anger, wrath and
great furiousness, and cast them into a strange land, as it is come to
pass this day. The secrets pertain unto the LORD our God and the things
that are opened pertain unto us and our children for ever, that we do
all the words of this law.
Chapter .xxx.
When all these words are come upon thee, whether it be the blessing or
the curse which I have set before thee, yet if thou turn unto thine
heart among all the nations whither the LORD thy God hath thrust thee,
and come again unto the LORD thy God and hearken unto his voice
according to all that I command thee this day: both thou and thy
children with all thine heart and all thy soul: Then the LORD thy God
will turn thy captivity and have compassion upon thee and go and fetch
thee again from all the nations, among which the LORD thy God shall
have scattered thee. Though thou wast cast unto the extreme parts of
heaven: even from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee and from
thence fetch thee and bring thee into the land which thy fathers
possessed, and thou shalt enjoy it. And he will shew thee kindness and
multiply thee above thy fathers. And the LORD thy God will circumcise
thine heart and the heart of thy seed for to love the LORD thy God with
all thine heart and all thy soul, that thou mayst live. And the LORD
thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies and on them that
hate thee and persecute thee. But thou shalt turn and hearken unto the
voice of the LORD and do all his commandments which I command thee this
day. And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in all the works of
thine hand and in the fruit of thy body, in the fruit of thy cattle and
fruit of thy land and in riches. For the LORD will turn again and
rejoice over thee to do thee good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If
thou hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his
commandments and ordinances which are written in the book of this law,
if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart and all thy
soul. For the commandment which I command thee this day, is not
separated from thee neither far off. It is not in heaven, that thou
needest to say: who shall go up for us into heaven, and fetch it us,
that we may hear it and do it: Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou
shouldest say: who shall go over sea for us and fetch it us that we may
hear it and do it. But the word is very nye unto thee: even in thy
mouth and in thine heart, that thou do it. Behold I have set before you
this day life and good, death and evil: in that I command thee this day
to love the LORD thy God and to walk in his ways and to keep his
commandments, his ordinances and his laws: that thou mayst live and
multiply, and that the LORD thy God may bless thee in the land whither
thou goest to possess it. But and if thine heart turn away, so that
thou wilt not hear: but shalt go astray and worship strange gods and
serve them, I pronounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish
and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land whither thou
passest over Iordan to go and possess it. I call to record this day
unto you, heaven and earth, that I have set before you life and death,
blessing and cursing: but choose life, that thou and thy seed may live,
in that thou lovest the LORD thy God, hearkenest unto his voice and
cleavest unto him. For he is thy life and the length of thy days, that
thou mayst dwell upon the earth which the LORD sware unto thy fathers:
Abraham, Isaac and Iacob to give them.
Chapter .xxxj.
And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel and said unto
them: I am an hundred and twenty years old this day, and can no more go
out and in. Also the LORD hath said unto me, thou shalt not go over
this Iordan. The LORD your God he will go over before thee and he will
destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt conquer them. And
Iosua he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said. And the LORD
shall do {go} unto them, as he did to Sehon and Og kings of the
Amorites and unto their lands which kings he destroyed. And when the
LORD hath delivered them to thee, see that ye do unto them according
unto all the commandments which I have commanded you. Pluck up your
hearts and be strong, dread not nor be afeared of them: for the LORD
thy God himself will go with thee, and will neither let thee go nor
forsake thee. And Moses called unto Iosua and said unto him in the
sight of all Israel. Be strong and bold, for thou must go with this
people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to
give them, and thou shalt give it them to inherit. And the LORD he
shall go before thee and he shall be with thee, and will not let thee
go nor forsake thee, fear not therefore nor be discomforted. And Moses
wrote this law and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi which
bare the ark of the testament of the LORD, and unto all the elders of
Israel, and commanded them saying: At the end of seven years, in the
time of the free year, in the feast of the tabernacles, when all Israel
is come to appear before the LORD thy God, in the place which he hath
chosen: see that thou read this law before all Israel in their ears.
Gather the people together: both men, women and children and the
strangers that are in thy cities, that they may hear, learn and fear
the LORD your God, and be diligent to keep all the words of this law,
and that their children which know nothing may hear and learn to fear
the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over
Iordan to possess it. And the LORD said unto Moses: Behold thy days are
come, that thou must die. Call Iosua and come and stond in the
tabernacle of witness, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and
Iosua went and stood in the tabernacle of witness. And the LORD
appeared in the tabernacle: even in the pillar of the cloud. And the
pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle. And the LORD
said unto Moses: behold, thou must sleep with thy fathers, and this
people will go a whoring after strange gods of the land whither they go
and will forsake me and break the appointment which I have made with
them. And then my wrath will wax hot against them, and I will forsake
them and will hide my face from them, and they shall be consumed. And
when much adversity and tribulation is come upon them, then they will
say: because our God is not among us, these tribulations are come upon
us. But I will hide my face that same time for all the evil's sake
which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto strange
gods. Now therefore write ye this song, and teach it the children of
Israel and put it in their mouths that this song may be my witness unto
the children of Israel. For when I have brought them into the land
which I sware unto their fathers that runneth with milk and honey, then
they will eat and fill them selves and wax fat and turn unto strange
gods and serve them and rail on me and break my testament. And then
when much mischief and tribulation is come upon them, this song shall
answer before them, and be a witness. It shall not be forgotten out of
the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go
about even now before I have brought them into the land which I sware.
And Moses wrote this song the same season, and taught it the children
of Israel. And the Lord {|LORDE|} gave Iosua the son of Nun a charge
and said: be bold and strong for thou shalt bring the children of
Israel into the land which I sware unto them, and I will be with thee.
When Moses had made an end of writing out the words of this law in a
book unto the end of them he commanded the Levites which bare the ark
of the testament of the LORD saying: take the book of this law and put
it by the side of the ark of the testament of the LORD your God, and
let it be there for a witness unto thee. For I know thy stubbornness
and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye
have been disobedient unto the LORD: and how much more after my death.
Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I
may speak these words in their ears and call heaven and earth to record
against them. For I am sure that after my death, they will utterly mar
them selves and turn from the way which I commanded you, and
tribulation will come upon you in the latter days, when ye have wrought
wickedness in the sight of the LORD to provoke him with the works of
your hands. And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of
Israel the words of this song, unto the end of them.
Chapter .xxxij.
Hear o heaven, what I shall speak and hear o earth the words of my
mouth. My doctrine drop as doeth the rain, and my speech flow as doeth
the dew, as the mizzling upon the herbs, and as the drops upon the
grass. For I will call on the name of the LORD: Magnify the might of
our God. He is a Rocke and perfect are his deeds, for all his ways are
with discretion. God is faithful and without wickedness, both righteous
and just is he. The froward and overthwart generation hath marred them
selves to himward, and are not his sons for their deformities' sake.
Dost thou so reward the LORD? O foolish nation and unwise. Is not he
thy father and thine owner? hath he not made thee and ordained thee?
Remember the days that are past: consider the years from time to time.
Ask thy father and he will shew thee, thine elders and they will tell
thee. When the most highest gave the nations an inheritance, and
divided the sons of Adam, he put the borders of the nations, fast by
the multitude of the children of Israel. For the LORD's part is his
folk, and Israel is the portion of his inheritance. He found him in a
desert land, in a void ground and a roaring wilderness. He led him
about and gave him understanding, and kept him as the apple of his eye.
As an eagle that stirreth up her nest and fluttereth over her young, he
stretched out his wings and took him up and bare him on his shoulders.
The LORD alone was his guide, and there was no strange god with him. He
set him up upon an high land, and he ate the increase of the fields.
And he gave him honey to suck out of the rock, and oil out of the hard
stone. With butter of the kine and milk of the sheep, with fat of the
lambs and fat rams and he goats with fat kidneys and with wheat. And of
the blood of grapes thou drunkest wine. And Israel waxed fat and
kicked. Thou wast fat, thick and smooth. And he let God go that made
him and despised the rock that saved him. They angered him with strange
gods and with abominations provoked him. They offered unto field devils
and not to God, and to gods which they knew not and to new gods that
came newly up which their fathers feared not. Of the rock that begat
thee thou art unmindful and hast forgot God that made thee. And when
the LORD saw it, he was angry because of the provoking of his sons and
daughters. And he said: I will hide my face from them and will see what
their end shall be. For they are a froward generation and children in
whom is no faith. They have angered me with that which is no god, and
provoked me with their vanities; And I again will anger them with them
which are no people, and will provoke them with a foolish nation. For
fire is kindled in my wrath, and shall burn unto the bottom of hell.
And shall consume the earth with her increase, and set afire the
bottoms of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon thee and will
spend all mine arrows at them. Burnt with hunger and consumed with heat
and with bitter pestilence. I will also send the teeth of beasts upon
them and poison serpents. Without forth, the sword shall rob them of
their children: and within in the chamber, fear: both young men and
young women and the sucklings with the men of gray heads. I have
determined to scatter them thorowout the world, and to make away the
remembrance of them from among men. Were it not that I feared the
railing of their enemies, lest their adversaries would be proud and
say: our high hand hath done all these works and not the LORD. For it
is a nation that hath an unhappy forecast, and hath no understanding in
them: I would they were wise and understood this and would consider
their latter end. How it cometh that one shall chase a thousand, and
two put ten thousand of them to flight?: except their rock had sold
them, and because the LORD had delivered them. For our rock is not as
their rock, no though our enemies be judge. But their vines are of the
vines of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorra. Their grapes are grapes
of gall, and their clusters be bitter. Their wine is the poison of
dragons, and the cruel gall of asps. Are not such things laid in store
with me, and sealed up among my treasures? Vengeance is mine and I will
reward: their feet shall slide, when the time cometh. For the time of
their destruction is at hand, and the time that shall come upon them
maketh haste. For the LORD will do justice unto his people, and have
compassion on his servants. For it shall be seen that their power shall
fail, and at the last they shall be prisoned and forsaken. And it shall
be said: where are their gods and their rock wherein they trusted? The
fat of whose sacrifices they ate, and drank the wine of their
drinkofferings, let them rise up and help you and be your protection.
See now how that I, I am he, and that there is no God but I. I can kill
and make alive, and what I have smitten that I can heal: neither is
there that can deliver any man out of my hand. For I will lift up my
hand to heaven, and will say: I live ever. If I whet the lightning of
my sword, and mine hand take in hand to do justice, I will shew
vengeance on mine enemies and will reward them that hate me. I will
make mine arrows drunken with blood, and my sword shall eat flesh of
the blood of the slain and of the captive and of the bare head of the
enemy. Rejoice {Praise ye} heathen with his people, for he will avenge
the blood of his servants, and will avenge him of his adversaries, and
will be merciful unto the land of his people. And Moses went and spake
all the words of this song in the ears of the people, both he and Iosua
the son of Nun. And when Moses had spoken all these words unto the end
to all Israel, then he said unto them. Set your hearts unto all the
words which I testify unto you this day: that ye command them unto your
children, to observe and do all the words of this law. For it is not a
vain word unto you: but it is your life, and thorow this word ye shall
prolong your days in the land whither ye go over Iordan to conquer it.
And the LORD spake unto Moses the self same day saying: get thee up
into this mountain Abarim unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab
over against Iericho. And behold the land of Canaan which I give unto
the children of Israel to possess. And die in the mount which thou
goest upon, and be gathered unto thy people: As Aaron thy brother died
in mount Hor and was gathered unto his people. For ye trespassed
against me among the children of Israel at the waters of strife, at
Cades in the wilderness of Zin: because ye sanctified me not among the
children of Israel. Thou shalt see the land before thee, but shall not
go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.
Chapter .xxxiij.
This is the blessing wherewith Moses God's {gods} man blessed the
children of Israel before his death saying: The LORD came from Sinai
and shewed his beams from Seir unto them, and appeared gloriously from
mount Pharan, and he came with thousands of saints, and in his right
hand a law of fire for them. How loved he the people? All his saints
are in his hand. They joined them selves unto thy foot and received thy
words. Moses gave us a law which is the inheritance of the congregation
of Iacob. And he was in Israel king when he gathered the heads of the
people and the tribes of Israel together. Ruben shall live and shall
not die: but his people shall be few in number. This is the blessing of
Iuda. And he said: hear LORD the voice of Iuda and bring him unto his
people: let his hands fight for him: but be thou his help against his
enemies. And unto Levi he said: thy perfectness and thy light be after
thy merciful man whom thou temptest at Masa and with whom thou
strivedest at the waters of strife. He that sayeth unto his father and
mother: I saw him not, and unto his brethren I knew not, and to his son
I wot not: for they have observed thy words and kept thy testament.
They shall teach Iacob thy judgements and Israel thy laws. They shall
put cense before thy nose and whole sacrifices upon thine altar. Bless
LORD their power and accept the works of their hands: smite the backs
of them that rise against them and of them that hate them: that they
rise not again. Unto Ben Iamin he said: The LORD's darling shall dwell
in safety by him and keep himself in the haven by him continually, and
shall dwell between his shoulders. And unto Ioseph he said: blessed of
the LORD is his land with the goodly fruits of heaven, with dew and
with springs that lie beneath: and with fruits of the increase of the
son and with ripe fruit of the months, and with the tops of mountains
that were from the beginning and with the dainties of hills that last
ever, and with goodly fruit of the earth and of the fulness thereof.
And the goodwill of him that dwelleth in the bush shall come upon the
head of Ioseph and upon the top of the head of him that was separated
from among his brethren, his beauty is as a firstborn ox and his horns
as the horns of an unicorn. And with them he shall push the nations
together, even unto the ends of the world. These are the many thousands
of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasse. And unto Zabulon he said:
Rejoice Zabulon in thy going out, and thou Isachar in thy tents. They
shall call the people unto the hill, and there they shall offer
offerings of righteousness. For they shall suck of the abundance of the
sea and of treasure hid in the sand. And unto Gad he said: blessed is
the rowmmaker Gad. He dwelleth as a lion and caught the arm and also
the top of the head. He saw his beginning, that a part of the teachers
were {teacher was} hid there and come with the heads of the people, and
executed the righteousness of the LORD and his judgements with Israel.
And unto Dan he said: Dan is a lion's whelp, he shall flow from Basan.
And unto Nephthali, he said: Nephthali he shall have abundance of
pleasure and shall be filled with the blessing of the LORD and shall
have his possessions in the southwest. And of Asser he said: Asser
shall be blessed with children: he shall be acceptable unto his
brethren and shall dip his foot in oil: Iron and brass shall hang on
thy shoes and thine age shall be as thy youth. There is none like unto
the God of thee of Israel: he that sitteth upon heaven shall be thine
help, whose glory is in the clouds, that is the dwelling place of God
from the beginning and from under the arms of the world: he hath cast
out thine enemies before thee and said: destroy. And Israel shall dwell
in safety alone. And the eyes of Iacob shall look upon a land of corn
and wine, moreover his heaven shall drop with dew. Happy art thou
Israel, who is like unto thee? A people that art saved by the LORD thy
shield and helper and sword of thy glory. And thine enemies shall hide
them selves from thee, and thou shalt walk upon their high hills.
Chapter .xxxiiij.
And Moses went from the fields of Moab up into mount Nebo which is the
top of Pisga, that is over against Iericho. And the LORD shewed him all
the land of Gilead even unto Dan, and all Naphthali and the land of
Ephraim and Manasse, and all the land of Iuda: even unto the utmost
sea, and the south and the region of the plain of Iericho the city of
datetrees {palm trees} even unto Zoar. And the LORD said unto him. This
is the land which I sware unto Abraham, Isaac and Iacob saying: I will
give it unto thy seed. I have shewed it thee before thine eyes: but
thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the LORD died
there in the land of Moab at the commandment of the LORD. And he buried
him in a valley in the land of Moab beside Beth Peor: but no man wist
of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty
years old when he died, and yet his eyes were not dim nor his cheeks
abated. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the fields of Moab
thirty days. And the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.
And Iosua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom: for Moses
had put his hand upon him. And all the children of Israel hearkened
unto him and did as the LORD commanded Moses. But there arose not a
prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to
face, in all the miracles and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in
the land of Egypt, unto Pharao and all his servants and unto all his
land: and in all the mighty deeds and great terrible things which Moses
did in the sight of all Israel.
The end of the fifth book of Moses.
The New Testament first translated into English from the original
tongue
by William Tyndale: printed partially in 1525, and completly in 1526.
The text of Matthew is from the Cologne quarto (1525) fragment; til
Chapter 22:
"The king came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man which had
not on a wedding garment, and said unto him: friend, how camest thou in
hither, and"
The rest of the New Testament is from the Worms octavo edition of 1526;
Also with some few variants [in] {brackets} from W.T. 1534 edition.
{Editor's notes at bottom.}
(Proloque from the Cologne quarto 1525.)
The Prologue.
I have here translated (brethren and sisters most dear and tenderly
beloved in Christ) the new Testament for your spiritual edifying,
consolation and solace: Exhorting instantly and beseeching those that
are better seen in the tongues than I, and that have higher gifts of
grace to interpret the sense of the Scripture, and meaning of the
Spirit, than I, to consider and ponder my labor, and that with the
spirit of meekness. And if they perceive in any places that I have not
attained the very sense of the tongue, or meaning of the Scripture, or
have not given the right English word, that they put to their hands to
amend it, remembering that so is their duty to do. For we have not
received the gifts of God for ourselves only, or for to hide them; but
for to bestow them unto the honoring of God and Christ, and edifying of
the congregation, which is the body of Christ.
The causes that moved me to translate, I thought better that others
should imagine, then that I should rehearse them. Moreover I supposed
it superfluous, for who is so blind tare why light should be shewed to
them that walk in darkness, where they cannot but stumble, and where to
stumble is the danger of eternal damnation, other so despiteful that he
would envy any man (I speak not his brother) so necessary a thing, or
so bedlam made to affirm that good is the natural cause of blindness,
and deafness to proceed out of sight, and that lying should be grounded
in troth and verity, and not rather seen contrary, that light
destroyeth darkness, and verity reproveth all manner saying.
After it had pleased God to put in my mind, and also to give me grace
to translate this fore rehearsed new testament into our English tongue,
howsoever we have done it. I supposed it very necessary to put you in
remembrance of certain points, which are: that ye well understand what
these words mean:
The old testament.
The new testament.
The law.
The gospell.
Moses.
Christ.
Nature.
Grace.
Worshipping and believing.
Deeds and faith;
Lest we ascribe, to the one that which belongeth to the other, and make
of Christ Moses, of the gospell the Law, despise grace and rob faith:
and fall from meek learning unto idle despicions, brawling and scolding
about words.
((The old testament.))
The old testament is a base, where in is written the law and
commandments of God, and the deeds of them which fulfill them, and of
them also which fulfilleth them not.
((The new testament))
The new testament is a base where in are contained the promises of God,
and the deeds of them which believe them or believe them not.
((The gospell or evangelion))
Evangelion (that we call the gospell) is a Greek word; and signifieth
good, merry, glad and joyful tidings, that maketh a man's heart glad,
and maketh him sing, dance, and leap for joy. As when David had killed
Goliah the giant, came glad tidings unto the jewes, that their fearful
and cruel enemy was slain, and they delivered out of all danger: for
gladness whereof, they sung, danced, and were joyful. In like manner is
the Evangelion of God (which we call Gospel; and the New Testament)
joyful tidings; and as some say, a good hearing published by the
apostles throughout all the world, of Christ the right David how that
he hath fought with sin, with death, and the devil, and overcome them.
Whereby all men that were in bondage to sin, wounded with death,
overcome of the devil, are with out their own merits or deservings,
loosed, justified, restored to life, and saved, brought to liberty, and
reconciled unto the favour of God, and set at one with him again: which
tidings as many as believe, laud praise and thank God; are glad, sing
and dance for joy.
((with evangelion is called a testament))
This evangelion or gospell (that is to say, such joyful tidings) is
called the new testament. Because that as a man when he shall die
appointeth his goods to be dealt and distributed after his death among
them which he nameth to be his heirs. Even so Christ before his death
commanded and appointed that such evangelion, gospell, or tidings
should be declared through out all the world, and there with to give
unto all that believe all his goods, that is to say, his life, where
with he swallowed and devoured up death: his righteousness, where with
he banished sin: his salvation, where with he overcame eternal
damnation. Now can the wretched man (that is wrapped in sin, and is in
danger to death and hell) hear no more joyous a thing, then such glad
and comfortable tidings, of Christ. So that he cannot but be glad and
laugh from the low bottom of his heart, if he believe that the tidings
are true.
To strength such faith with all, God promised this his evaglion in the
old testament by the prophets (as Paul sayth in the first chapter unto
the romans). How that he was chosen out to preach God's evangelion,
which he before had promised by the prophets in the holy scriptures
that treat of his son which was born of the seed of David. In the third
chapter of Genesis, God saith to the serpent: I will put hatred between
thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed, that self seed shall
tread thy head under foot. Christ is this woman's seed, he it is that
hath trodden under foot the devil's seed, that is to say sin, death,
hell, and all his power. For with out this seed can no man avoid sin,
death, hell and everlasting damnation.
Again Gen. xxij. God promised Abraham saying: by thy seed shall all the
generations of the earth be blessed. Christ is that seed of Abraham
sayth saint Paul in the third to the Galathyans: He hast blessed all
the world through the gospell. For where Christ is not, there remaineth
the curse that fell on Adam as soon as he had sinned; So that they are
in bondage under the domination of sin, death, and hell. Against this
curse blesseth now the gospell all the world, in as much as it crieth
openly, who so ever believeth on the seed of Abraham shall be blessed,
that is, he shall be delivered from sin, death and hell, and shall
hence forth continue righteous, living, and saved for ever, as Christ
him self saith (in the xi. of Ihon) He that believeth on me shall never
more die.
The law (saith the gospell of Ihon in the first chapter) was given by
Moses: but grace and verity by Iesus Christ. The law (whose mnistrer is
Moses) was given to bring us unto the knowledge of our selves, that we
might there by feel and perceive what we are of nature. The law
condemneth us and all our deeds, and is called of Paul (in the third
chap. Of the second pistel unto the Corrinthians) the ministration of
death. For it killeth our consciences and driveth us to desperation, in
as much as it requireth of us that which is unpossible for us to do. It
requireth of us the death of an whole, man. It requireth perfect love
from the low bottom and ground of the heart, as well in all things
which we suffer, as in those things which we do. But saith Ihon (in the
same place) grace and verity is given us in Christ. So that when the
law hath passed upon us, and condemned us to death (which is his nature
to do) then have we in Christ grace, that is to say favour, promises of
life, of mercy, of pardon freely by the merits of Christ, and in Christ
have we verity and troth, in that God fulfilleth all his promises to
them that believe. Therefore is the gospell the ministration of life.
Paul calleth it, in the fore rehearsed place of the second chap. To the
Cor. The ministration of the spirit, and of righteousness. In the
gospell when we believe the promises, we receive the spirit of life,
and are justified in the blood of Christ from all things where of the
law condemned us. Of Christ it is written in the fore rehearsed first
chapter of Ihon: This is he of whose abundance, or fullness, all we
have received, grace for grace, or favour for favour. That is to say,
for the favour that God hath to his son Christ, he giveth unto us his
favour, and good will, as a father to his sons. As affirmeth Paul
saying: which loved us in his beloved before the creation of the world.
For the love that God hath to Christ, he loveth us, and not for our own
faith. Christ is made lord over all, and is called in scripture God's
mercy foretold whosoever flyeth to Christ, can neither bear nor receive
of God any other thing save mercy.
In the old testament are many promises, which are nothing else but the
evangelion or gospell, to save those that believed them, from the
vengeance of the law. And in the new testament is oft made mention of
the law, to condemn them, which believe not the promises. Moreover the
law and gospell may never be separate: for the gospell and promises
serve but for troubled consciences which are brought to desperation and
feel the pains of hell and death under the law, and are in captivity
and bondage under the law. In all my deeds I must have the law before
me to condemn mine unperfections. For all that I do (be I never so
perfect) is yet damnable sin, when it is compared to the law, which
requireth the ground and bottom of mine heart. I must therefore have
always the law in my sight, that I may be meek in the spirit, and give
God all the laud and praise, ascribing to him all righteousness, and to
my self all unrigteousness and sin. I must also have the promises
before mine eyes, that I despair not, in which promises I see the
mercy, favour, and good will of God upon me in the blood of his son
Christ, which hath made satisfaction for mine unperfections, and
fulfilled from me, that which I could not do.
Here may ye perceive that two manner of people are sore deceived. First
they which justify them self with outward deeds, in that they abstain
outwardly from that which the law forbiddeth, and do outwardly that
which the law commandeth. They compare them selves to open sinners and
in respect of them justify them selves condemning the open sinners.
They see not how the law requireth love from the bottom of the heart.
If they did they would not condemn their neighbours. Love hideth the
multitude of sins, saith Saynct Peter in his first pistel. For whom I
love from the deep bottom and ground of mine heart, him condemn I not,
neither reckon his sins, but suffer his weakness and infirmity, as a
mother the weakness of her son, until he grow up in to a perfect man.
Those also are deceived which with out all fear of God give them selves
unto all manner vices with full consent, and full delectation, having
no respect to the law of God (under whose vengeance they are locked up
in captivity) but say: god is merciful and christ died for us,
supposing that such dreaming and imagination is that faith which is so
greatly commended in holy scripture. Nay that is not faith, but rather
a foolish opinion springing of their own nature, and is not given them
of the spirit of God. True faith is (as saith the apostle Paul) the
gift of God and is given to sinners after the law hath passed upon them
and hath brought their consciences unto the brim of desperation, and
sorrows of hell.
They that have this right faith, consent to the law that it is
righteous and good, and justify God which made the law, and have
delectation in the law (not with stonding that they can not fulfill it,
for their weakness) and they abhor what soever the law forbiddeth,
though they cannot avoid it. And their great sorrow is, because they
cannot fulfill the will of God in the law, and the spirit that is in
them crieth to God night and day for strength and help with tears (as
saith Paul) that cannot be expressed with tongue.
((A justiciary))
The first, that is to say a justiciary, which justifieth him self with
his outward deeds, cosenteth not to the law in ward, neither hath
delectation therein, yee, he would rather that no such law were. So
justifieth he not God, but hateth him as a tyrant, neither careth he
for the promises, but will with his own strength be favour of him self:
no wise glorifieth he God, though he seem outward to do.
((A sensual man))
The second, that is to say the sensual person, as a voluptuous swine,
neither feareth God in his law, neither is thankful to him for his
promises and mercy, which is set forth in Christ to all them that
believe.
((A Christen man.))
The right Christen man consenteth to the law that it is righteous, and
justifieth God in the law, for he affirmeth that God is righteous and
just, which is author of the law, he believeth the promises of God, and
so justifieth God, judging him true and believing that he will fulfill
his promises. With the law he condemneth him self and all his deeds,
and giveth all the praise to God. He believeth the promises, and
ascribeth all troth to god, thus every where justifieth he God, and
praiseth God.
((Nature.))
By nature through the fall of Adam, are we the children of wrath, heirs
of the vengeance of God by birth, yee and from our conception, we have
our fellowship with the damned devils under the power of darkness and
rule of satan, while we are yet in our mother's wombs, though we shew
not forth the fruits of sin, yet are we full of the natural poison
where of all sinful deeds spring, and cannot but sin outwards (be we
never so young) if occasion be given, for our nature is to do sin, as
is the nature of a serpent to sting. And as a serpent yet young, or yet
un-brought forth is full of poison, and cannot afterward (when the time
is come and occasion given) but bring forth the fruits there of. And as
an edder, a toad, or a snake is hated of man, (not for the evil that it
hath done, but for the poison that is in it and hurt which it cannot
but do) So are we hated of God for that natural poison which is
conceived and born with us, before we do any outward evil. And as the
evil, which a venomous worm doeth, maketh it not a serpent: but be
cause it is a venomous worm. Therefore doeth it evil and poisoneth. And
as the fruit maketh not the tree evil: but because it is an evil tree,
therefore bringeth it forth evil furit, when the season of fruit is.
Even so do not our evil deeds make us evil: but because that of nature
we are evil, therefore we both think and do evil, and are under
vengeance, under the law, convicted to eternal damnation by the law,
and are contrary to the will of God in all our will, and in all things
consent to the will of the land.
By grace (that is to say by favour) we are plucked out of Adam the
ground of all evil, and grafted in Christ the root of all goodness. In
Christ God loved us his elect and chosen, before the world began, and
referred us unto the knowledge of his son and of his holy gospell, and
when the gospell is preached to us he openeth our hearts, and giveth us
grace to believe and putteth the spirit of Christ in us, and we know
him as our father most merciful, and consent to the law, and love it
inwardly in our heart, and desire to fulfill it, and sorrow because we
cannot, which will (sin we of frailty never so much) is sufficient till
more strength be given us, the blood of Christ hath made satisfaction
for the rest: the blood of Christ hath obtained all things for us of
God. Christ is our satisfaction, redeemer, deliverer, saviour from
vengeance and wrath. Observe and mark in the pistels of Paul, and
Peter, and the gospell and pistels of Ihon what Christ is unto us.
((faith, love, works))
By faith are we never with out love and good works, yet is our saving
imputed neither to love nor unto good works, but unto faith only. For
love and works are under the law which requireth perfection, and the
ground and fountain of the heart, and damneth all imperfections. Now is
faith under the promises, which damn not: but give all grace, mercy and
favour, and whatsoever is contained in the promises.
((Righteousness other wise justifying or justice))
Righteousness is divers; Blind reason imagineth many matter of
righteousnesses. As the just ministration of all manner of laws, and
the observing of them, and moral virtues were in philosophers put their
felicity and blessedness, which all are nothing in the sight of God.
There is in like manner the justifying of ceremonies, some imagine them
their own selves, some counterfeit other, saying in their blind reason:
such holy persons did thus and thus, and they were holy men, therefore
if I do so like wise I shall please God: but they have none answer of
God, that that pleaseth. The jewes seek righteousness in their
ceremonies which God gave unto them, not for to justify: but to
describe and paint Christ unto them, of which jewes testifieth Paul
saying how that they have affection to God: but not after knowledge,
for they go about to stablish their own justice, and are not obedient
to the justice or righteousness that cometh of God. The cause is
verily, that except a man cast away his own imagination and reason, he
cannot perceive God, and understand the virtue and power of the blood
of Christ. There is the righteousness of works (as I said before) when
the heart is away, they feel not how the law is spiritual and cannot be
fulfilled, but from the bottom of the heart. There is a full
righteousness, when the law is fulfilled from the ground of the heart.
This had neither Peter nor Paul in this life perfectly: but sighed
after it. They were so far forth blessed in Christ, that they hungered
and thirsted after it. Paul had this thirst, he consented to the law of
God, that it ought so to be, but he found an other lust in his members
contrary to the lust and desire of his mind, and therefore cried out
saying: Oh wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from this body
of death, thanks be to God thorow Iesus Christ. The righteousness that
before God is of value, is to believe the promises of God, after the
law hath confounded the conscience. As when the temporal law oft times
condemneth the thief or murderer and bringeth him to execution, so that
he saith nothing before him but present death, and then cometh good
tidings, a charter from the King and delivereth him. Likewise when
God's law hath brought the sinner into knowledge of him self, and hath
confounded his conscience, and opened unto him the wrath and vengeance
of God, then cometh good tidings, the Evangelion sheweth unto him the
promises of God in Christ, and how that Christ hath purchased pardon
for him hath satisfied the law for him, and appeased the wrath of God,
and the poor sinner believeth, laudeth and thanketh God, thorow Christ,
and breaketh out into exceeding inward joy and gladness, for that he
hath escaped so great wrath, so heavy vengeance, so fearful and so
everlasting a death, and he hence forth is an hungered, and at thirst
after more righteousness, that he might fulfill the law, and mourneth
continually commending his weakness unto God in the blood of our
saviour Christ Iesus.
Here shall ye see compendiously and plainly set out
the order and practice of every thing afore rehearsed.
(Adam bringeth us to bondage.)
The fall of Adam hath made us heirs of the vengeance and wrath of God,
and heirs of eternal damnation; And hath brought us into captivity and
bondage under the devil; And the devil is our lord, and our ruler, our
head, our governor, our prince, yee and our god. And our will is locked
and knit faster unto the will of the devils, then cond an hundred
thousand chains bind a man unto a post. Unto the devils' will consent
we, with all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our might, power,
strength, will and lust. With what poisoned, deadly, and venomous hate,
hateth a man his enemy; With how great malice of mind inwardly do we
slay and murder; With what violence and rage, ye and with how fervent
lust commit we advoutry, fornication, and such like uncleanness: with
what pleasure and delectation inwardly serveth a glutton his belly;
With what diligence deceive we; How busily seek we things of the world;
Whatsoever we do, think, or imagine, is abominable in the sight of God.
And we are as it were asleep in so deep blindness, that we can neither
see, nor feel in what misery, thralldom, and wretchedness we are in,
till Moses come and wake us, and publish he the law. When we hear the
law truly preached, how that we ought to love and honour God with all
our strength and might, from the low bottom of the heart: and our
neighbours (yee our enemies.) as our selves inwardly from the ground of
the heart, and to do whatsoever God biddeth, and abstain from
whatsoever God forbiddeth, with all love and meekness, with a fervent
and a burning lust, from the center of the heart, then beginneth the
conscience to rage against the law, and against God; No less (be it
never so great a tempest) is so unquiet. It is not possible for a
natural man to consent to the law, that it should be good, or that God
should be righteous, which maketh the law. Man's wit, reason, and will,
are so fast glued, yee nailed and chained unto the will of the devil.
Neither can any creature lowse the bonds, save the blood of Christ.
(( Christ letteth us at liberty ))
This is the captivity and bondage whence Christ delivered us, redeemed,
and lowsed us. His blood, his death, his patience, in suffering rebukes
and wrongs, his prayers and fastings, his meekness and fulfilling of
the utmost point of the law, appeased the wrath of God, brought the
favor of God to us again, obtained that God should love us first, and
be our father, and that a merciful father, that will consider our
infirmities and weakness, and will give us his spirit again (which was
taken away in the fall of Adam) to rule govern and strength us, and to
break the bonds of Satan, where in we were so strait bound.
((The evangleion bringeth faith, faith bringeth love: love
worketh))
When Christis thus wise preached, and the promises rehearsed, which are
contained in the prophets, in the psalms, and in divers places of the
five books of Moses: then the hearts of them which are elect and
chosen, begin to meek soft, and to melt at the bounteous mercy of God,
and kindness shewed of Christ. For when the evangelion is preached, the
spirit of God entereth in to them which God hath ordained and appointed
unto eternal life, and openeth there inward eyes, and worketh such
belief in them.
When the wofull consciences feel and taste how sweet a thing the bitter
death of Christ is, and how merciful and loving God is through Christ's
purchasing and merits; They begin to love again, and to consent to the
law of God, how that it is good, and ought so to be, and that God is
righteous which made it; And desire to fulfill the law, even as a sick
man desireth to be whole, and are anhungered, and athirst after more
righteousness, and after more strength, to fulfill the law more
perfectly. And in all that they do, or omit and leave undone, they seek
God's honour, and his will with meekness, ever condemning the
unperfectness of their deeds by the law.
((Christ bringeth all goodness freely, and giveth an ensample how
to be stow in godly.))
Now Christ stondeth us in double sted, and serveth us two manner ways.
First he is our redeemer, deliverer, reconciler, mediator, intercessor,
advocate, attorney, solicitor, our hope, comfort, shield, protection,
defender, strength, health, satisfaction, and salvation. His blood, his
death, all that he ever did, is ours. And Christ him self, with all
that he is or can do, is ours. His blood sheding and all that he did,
doeth me as good service, as though I my self had done it. And God (as
great as he is) is mine with all that he hath, thorow Christ and his
purchasing.
Secondarily after that we be overcome with love and kindness, and now
seek to do the will of God (which is a christen man's nature) Then have
we Christe an ensample to counterfeit, as saith Christ him self in
Ihon: I have given you an ensample. And in an other evangelist, he
saith; He that will be great among you shall be your servant and
minister, as the son of man came to minister and not to be ministered
onto.
((Faith receiveth of God, and love bestoweth the same on his
neighbour.))
And Paul saith: Counterfeit Christ. And Peter saith: Christ died for
you, and left you an ensample to follow his steps. Whatsoever therefore
faith hath received of God thorow Christ's blood and deserving, that
same must love shed out everywhere, and bestow it on our neighbours
unto their profit, yee and that though they be our enemies. By faith we
receive of God, and by love we shed out again. And that must we do
freely after the ensample of Christ with out any other respect, save
our neighbour's wealth only, and neither look for reward in earth, nor
yet in heaven for our deeds: but of pure love must we bestow ourselves,
all that we have, and all that we are able to do, even on our enemies
to bring them to God, considering nothing but their wealth, as Christ
did ours.
((A true christyn man believeth that heaven is his already by Christ's
purchasing,
And therefore loveth, and worketh, to honour God only, and to draw all
things to God.))
Christ did not his deeds to obtain heaven thereby (that had been a
madness) heaven was his already, he was heir thereof, it was his by
inheritance: but did them freely for our sakes, considering no thing
but our wealth, and to bring the favour of God to us again, and us to
God. As no natural son that is his father's heir, doeth his father's
will because he would be heir, that he is already by birth: his father
gave him that yer he was born, and is lothther that he should go with
out it, then he himself hath wit to be: but of pure love doeth he that
he doeth. And ask him why he doeth any thing that he doeth, he
answereth: my father bade, it is my father's will, it pleaseth my
father. Bond servants work for hire, Children for love. For their
father with all he hath, is theirs already. So doeth a christen man
freely all that he doeth, considereth nothing but the will of God, and
his neighbour's wealth only. If I live chaste, I do it not to obtain
heaven thereby. For then should I do wrong to the blood of Christ:
Christ's blood hath obtained me that, Christ's merits have made me heir
thereof. He is both door and way thither wards. Neither that I look for
an heir room in heaven, then they shall have which live in wedlock,
other then a hoar of the stews (if she repent) for that were the pride
of lucifer: But freely to wait on the evangelion, and to serve my
brother with all, even as one hand helpeth another, or one member
another, because one feeleth another's grief, and the pain of the one
is the pain of the other. Whatsoever is done to the least of us
(whether it be good or bad) it is done to Christ. And whatsoever is
done to my brother (if I be a christen man) that same is done to me:
neither doeth my brother's pain grieve me less then mine own. If it
were not so: how saith Paul: let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the
Lord: that is to say Christ, which is lord over all creatures. If my
merits obtained me heaven, or an higher room there, then had I where in
I might rejoice besides the Lord.
((To bynd and lowse.))
Here see ye the nature of the law, and the nature of the evangelion.
How the Law bindeth and damneth all men, and the Evangelion lowseth
them again. The law goeth before, and the evangelion followeth. When a
preacher preacheth the Law, he bindeth all consciences, and when he
preacheth the Gospell, he loveth them again. These two salves (I mean
the Law and the Gospell) useth God and his preacher to heal and cure
sinners withall. The law driveth out the disease, and maketh it appear,
and is a sharp salve, and a fretting coursey, and killeth the deed
fleshly, and lowseth and draweth the sores out by the roots, and all
corruption. It pulleth from a man the trust and confidence that he hath
in him self, and in his own works, merits, deservings and ceremonies.
It killeth him, sendeth him down to hell, and bringeth him to utter
desperation, and prepareth the way of the lord, as it is written of
Ihon the Baptist: for it is not possible that Christ should come to a
man, as long as he trusteth in him self, or in any worldly thing. Then
cometh the Evengelion, a more gentle plaster, which sowpleth, and
swageth the wounds of the conscience, and bringeth health. It bringeth
the spirit of God, which lowseth the honds of satan, and coupleth us to
God and his will thorow strong faith and fervent love, with bonds too
strong for the devil, the world, or any creature to lowse them.
((A christen man feeleth the working of the holy ghost in his soul:
and in all tribulations and adversities fealeth God a merciful
father and a loving.))
And the poor and wretched sinner feeleth so great mercy, love, and
kindness in God, that he is sure in him self how that it is not
possible that God should forsake him, or withdraw his mercy and love
from him. And boldly crieth out with Paul saying: Who shall separate us
from the love that God loveth us withall? That is to say: what shall
make me believe that God loveth me not? Shall tribulation? Anguish?
Persecution? Shall hunger? Nakedness? Shall a sword? Nay, I am sure
that neither death, nor life, neither angel, neither rule, nor power,
neither present things, nor things to come, neither high nor low,
neither any creature able to separate us from the love of God which is
in Christ Iesu our lord. In all such tribulations a Christen man
perceiveth that God is his father, and loveth him, even as he loved
Christ when he shed his blood on the cross. Finally, as before, when I
was bond to the devil and his will, I wrought all manner evil and
wickedness, not for hell's sake which is there ward of sin, but be
cause I was heir of hell by birth and bondage to the devil, did I evil.
For I would none other ways do; to do sin was my nature. Even so now
since I am coupled to God by Christ's blood, do I well, not for
heaven's sake: but be cause I am heir of Heaven by grace and Christ's
purchasing, and have the spirit of God, I do good freely, for so is my
nature. As a good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and an evil tree evil
fruit. By the fruits shall ye know what the tree is: a man's deeds
declare what he is within but make him neither good nor bad &c. We must
be first evil yer we do evil, as a serpent is first poisoned yer he
poison. We must be also good yer we do good yer we do good, as the fire
must be first hot yer it warm any thing. Take an ensample. As those
blind which are cured in the evangelion, could not see till Christ had
given them sight; And deaf could not hear, till Christ had given them
hearing; And those sick could not do the deeds of an whole man, till
Christ had given them health: So can no man do good in his soul, till
Christ have lowsed him out of the bonds of satan, and have given him
where with to do good, yee and first have poured into him that self
good thing which he sheddeth forth afterward on other. Whatsoever is
our own is sin. Whatsoever is above that, is Christ's gift, purchase,
doing, and working. He bought it of his father derely with his blood,
yee with his most bitter death and gave his life for it. Whatsoever
good thing is in us, that is given us freely with out our deserving or
merits for Christ's blood's sake. That we desire to follow the will of
God, it is the gift of Christ's blood. That we now hate the devil's
will (where unto we were so fast locked, and could not but love it) is
also the gift of Christ's blood, unto whom belongeth the praise and
honour of our good deeds, and not unto us.
(Preface of the Worms octavo edition of 1526.)
To the Reader.
Give diligence, reader (I exhort thee) that thou come with a pure mind,
and, as the Scripture saith, with a single eye, unto the words of
health and of eternal life, by the which (if we repent and believe
them) we are born anew, created afresh, and enjoy the fruits of the
blood of Christ. Which blood crieth not for vengeance, as the blood of
Abel, but hath purchased life, love, favor, grace, blessing, and
whatsoever is promised in the Scriptures, to them that believe and obey
God, and standeth between us and wrath, vengeance, curse, and
whatsoever the Scripture threateneth against the unbelievers and
disobedient, which resist, and consent not in their hearts to the law
of God, that it is right, holy, just, and ought so to be.
Mark the plain and manifest places of the Scriptures, and in doubtful
places see thou add no interpretation contrary to them; but (as Paul
saith) let all be conformable and agreeing to the faith.
Note the difference of the Law and of the Gospell. The one asketh and
requireth, the other pardoneth and forgiveth. The one threateneth, the
other promiseth all good things to them that set their trust in Christ
only. The gospel signifieth glad tidings, and is nothing but the
promises of good things. All is not gospel that is written in the
gospel book: for if the law were away, thou couldest not know what the
gospel meant, even as thou couldest not see pardon, favor, and grace
except the law rebuked thee, and declared unto thee thy sin, misdeed,
and trespass.
Repent and believe the gospel, as saith Christ in the first of Mark.
Apply alway the Law to thy deeds, whether thou find lust (1) in the
bottom of thine heart to the law-ward, and so shalt thou no doubt
repent, and feel in thyself a certain sorrow, pain, and grief to thine
heart, because thou canst not with full lust do the deeds of the law.
Apply the gospel that is to say the promises unto the deserving of
Christ, and to the mercy of God and his truth, and so shalt thou not
despair, but shall feel God as a kind and a merciful father. And his
spirit shall dwell in thee, and shall be strong in thee, and the
promises shall be given thee at the last (though not by and by, lest
thou shouldest forget thyself, and be negligent) and all threatenings
shall be forgiven thee for Christ's blood's sake to whom commit thyself
altogether without respect either of thy good deeds or of thy bad.
Them that are learned Christianly I beseech forasmuch as I am sure, and
my conscience beareth me record, that of a pure intent, singly and
faithfully I have interpreted it, as far forth as God gave me the gift
of knowledge and understanding that the rudeness of the work now at the
first time offend them not, but that they consider how that I had no
man to counterfeit, neither was helped with English of any that had
interpreted the same or such like things in the Scripture beforetime.
Moreover, even very necessity and cumbrance (God is record) above
strength which I will not rehearse, lest we should seem to boast
ourselves caused that many things are lacking which necessarily are
required. Count it as a thing not having his full shape, but as it were
born before his time, even as a thing begun rather than finished. In
time to come (if God have appointed us thereunto) we will give it his
full shape, and put out if aught be added superfluously, and add to if
aught be overseen through negligence, and will enforce to bring to
compendiousness that which is now translated at the length, and to give
light where it is required, and to seek in certain places more proper
English, and with a table to expound the words which are not commonly
used and shew how the Scripture useth many words which are otherwise
understood of the common people, and to help with a declaration where
one tongue taketh not another; and will endeavor ourselves, as it were,
to seeth (2) it better, and to make it more apt for the weak stomachs;
desiring them that are learned and able, to remember their duty, and to
help thereunto, and to bestow unto the edifying of Christ's body (which
is the congregation of them that believe) those gifts which they have
received of God for the same purpose. The grace that cometh of Christ
be with them that love him. Pray for us.
(1) "Lust" here is used in a good sense: eagerness to obey.
(2) "Seeth" means "boil, cook."
THE NEW TESTAMENT
as it was written, and
caused to be written,
by them which heard it. To whom
also our saviour
Christ Iesus
commanded that
they should preach it unto all
creatures.
The Books Contained in the new Testament
i The gospell of Saynct Mathew
ij The gospell of S. Marke
iij The gospell of S. Luke
iiij The gospell of S. Ihon
iv The acts of the apostles written by S. Luke
vj The epistel of S. Paul to the Romans
vij The first epistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
viij The second epistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
ix The pistel of S. Paul to the Galathians.
x The pistel of S. Paul to the Ephesians.
xj The pistel of S. Paul to the Philippians
xij The pistel of S. Paul to the Collossians
xiij The first pistel of S. Paul to the Tessalonians
xiiij The second pistel of S. Paul to the Tessalonians
xv The first pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
xvj The second pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
xvij The pistel of S. Paul to Titus
xviij The pistel of S. Paul unto Philemon
xix The first pistel of S. Peter
xx The second pistel of S. Peter
xxj The first pistel of S. Ihon
xxij The second pistel of S. Ihon
xxiij The third pistel of S. Ihon
The pistel unto the Ebrues
The pistle of S. Iames
The pistle of Iude
The revelation of Ihon.
The gospell of Saynct Mathew
The first Chapter.
This is the book of the generation of Iesus Christ the son of David,
the son also of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac:
Isaac begat Iacob:
Iacob begat Iudas and his brethren:
Iudas begat Phares: and Zaram of Thamar:
Phares begat Esrom:
Esrom begat Aram:
Aram begat Aminadab:
Aminadab begat Naasson:
Naasson begat Salmon:
Salmon begat Boos of Rahab:
Boos begat Obed of Ruth:
Obed begat Iesse:
Iesse begat David the king:
David the king begat Solomon, of her that was the wife of Ury:
Solomon begat Roboam:
Roboam begat Abia:
Abia begat Asa:
Asa begat Iosaphat:
Iosaphat begat Ioram:
Ioram begat Osias:
Osias begat Ioatham:
Ioatham begat Athas:
Athas begat Ezechias:
Ezechias begat Manasses:
Manasses begat Amon:
Amon begat Iosias:
Iosias begat Iechonias and his brethren about the time of the captivity
of Babylon.
After they were led captive to Babylon, Iechonias begat Salathiel:
Salathiel begat Zorobabel:
Zorobabel begat Abiud:
Abiud begat Eliachim:
Eliachim begat Azor:
Azor begat Sadoc:
Sadoc begat Achin:
Achin begat Eliud:
Eliud begat Eleasar:
Eleasar begat Matthan:
Matthan begat Iacob:
Iacob begat Ioseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born that Iesus
which is called Christ.
All the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations. And
from David unto the captivity of Babylon, are fourteen generations. And
from the captivity of Babylon unto Christ, are also fourteen
generations.
The birth of Christ was on this wise, when his mother Mary was married
unto Ioseph, before they came to dwell together, she was found with
child by the holy ghost. Then her husband Ioseph being a perfect man,
and loth to defame her, was minded to put her away secretly. While he
thus thought, behold, the angel of the lord appeared unto him in sleep
saying: Ioseph the son of David, fear not to take unto thee, Mary thy
wife. For that which is conceived in her, is of the holy ghost. She
shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Iesus. For he
shall save his people from their sins.
All this was done to fulfil that which was spoken of the lord, by the
prophet saying: Behold a maid shall be with child, and shall bring
forth a son, and they shalt call his name Emanuel, which is as much to
say, by interpretation, as God with us.
Ioseph as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the lord
bade him, and took his wife unto him, and knew her not, till she had
brought forth her first son, and called his name Iesus.
The Second Chapter.
When Iesus was born in Bethlehem a town of Iury, in the time of king
Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Ierusalem saying:
Where is he that is born king of the jewes? We have seen his star in
the east, and are come to worship him.
Herod the king, after he had heard this, was troubled, and all
Ierusalem with him, and he sent for all the chief priests and scribes
of the people, and demanded of them where Christ should be born. They
said unto him: in Bethlehem a town of Iury. For thus it is written by
the prophet: And thou Bethlehem in the land of Iury, shalt not be the
least as pertaining to the princes of Iuda. For out of thee shall come
a captain, which shall govern my people Israhel.
Then Herod privily called the wise men, and diligently enquired of
them, the time of the star that appeared. And sent them to Bethlehem
saying: when ye be come thither search diligently for the child. And
when ye have found him bring me word, that I may come and worship him
also. When they had heard the king, they departed, and lo the star
which they saw in the east went before them, until it came and stood
over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were
marvellously glad. And entered into the house, and found the child with
Mary his mother, and kneeled down and worshipped him, and opened their
treasures, and offered unto him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And after they were warned in their sleep, that they should not go
again to Herod, they returned into their own country another way.
After that they were departed, lo the angel of the lord appeared to
Ioseph in his sleep saying: arise and take the child and his mother,
and fly into Egypt, and abide there till I bring thee word. For Herod
will seek the child to destroy him. Then he arose, and took the child
and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt, and was there unto
the death of Herod, to fulfil that which was spoken of the lord, by the
prophet, which saith: out of Egypt have I called my son.
Then Herod perceiving that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding
wroth, and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem,
and in all the coasts thereof, as many as were two year old and under,
according to the time which he had diligently searched out of the wise
men.
Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken by the prophet Ieremy,
saying: On the hills was a voice heard, mourning, weeping, and great
lamentation. Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be
comforted, because they were not.
When Herod was dead, lo an angel of the lord appeared unto Ioseph in
Egypt saying: arise and take the child and his mother, and go into the
land of Israhel. For they are dead, which sought the child's death.
Then he arose up, and took the child and his mother, and came into the
land of Israhel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Iury, in
the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither.
Notwithstanding after he was warned in his sleep, he turned aside into
the parts of Galilee, and went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, to
fulfil, that which was spoken by the prophets: He shall be called of
Nazareth.
The third Chapter.
In those days Ihon the Baptizer, came and preached in the wilderness of
Iury saying: repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is he of
whom it is spoken by the prophet Isay, which saith: The voice of a
crier in wilderness, prepare the lorde's way, and make his paths
straight.
This Ihon had his garment of camel's hair, and a girdle of a skin about
his loins. His meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him
Ierusalem, and all Ieury, and all the region round about Iordan, and
were baptised of him in Iordan, knowledging their sins.
When he saw many of the pharisees and of the Saduces come to his
baptism, he said unto them: O generation of vipers, who hath taught you
to flee from the vengeance to come? bring forth therefore the fruits
belonging to repentance. And see that ye once think not to say in
yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you, that God
is able of these stones, to raise up children unto Abraham. Even now is
the axe put unto the root of the trees: so that every tree which
bringeth not forth, good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the
fire.
I baptise you in water, in token of repentance, but he that cometh
after me, is mightier than I: whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He
shall baptise you with the holy ghost, and with fire, which hath also
his fan in his hand, and will purge his flour, and gather the wheat
into his garner, and will burn the chaff with everlasting fire.
Then came Iesus from Galilee into Iordan to Ihon, for to be baptised of
him. But Ihon forbade him saying: I ought to be baptised of thee: and
comest thou too me? Iesus answered and said to him, let it be so now.
For thus it becometh us, to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered
him. And Iesus as soon as he was baptised, came straight out of the
water: And lo heaven was open unto him: and he saw the spirit of God
descend like a dove, and light upon him. And lo there came a voice from
heaven saying: this is that my dear son, in whom is my delight.
The fourth Chapter.
Then was Iesus led away of the spirit in to a desert, to be tempted of
the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, at the
last he was an hungered. Then came until him the tempter, and said: if
thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. He
answered and said: it is written, man shall not live only by bread, But
by every word that proceedeth out of the mought of God.
Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a
pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him: if thou be the son of God,
cast thyself down. For it is written, he shall give his angels charge
over thee, and with their hands they shall stey thee up, that thou
dash not thy foot against a stone. Iesus said to him, it is written
also: thou shalt not tempt thy lord God.
The devil took him up again and led him into an exceeding high
mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the beauty
of them, and said unto him: all these will I give thee, if thou wilt
fall down and worship me. Then said Iesus unto him, avoid Satan. For it
is written, thou shalt worship thy lord God, and him only, shalt thou
serve.
Then the devil left him, and lo the angels came and ministered unto
him.
When Iesus had heard that Ihon was taken, he departed into Galilee, and
left Nazareth, and went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is a city upon
the sea, in the coasts of Zabulon and Nephthalim, to fulfil that which
was spoken by Isay the prophet, saying: Behold the land of Zabulon and
Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond Iordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
the people which sat in darkness, saw great light. And to them which
sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprong.
From that time Iesus began to preach, and to say: Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
As Iesus walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren: Simon which
was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea
(for they were fishers) and he said unto them, follow me, and I will
make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and
followed him.
And he went forth from thence, and saw other two brethren, Iames the
son of Zebedee, and Ihon his brother in the ship, with Zebedee their
father, mending their nets, and called them. And they without tarrying
left the ship and their father and followed him.
And Iesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and
preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of
sickness, and all manner diseases among the people. And his fame spread
abroad throughout all Syria. And they brought unto him all sick people,
that were taken with divers diseases and gripings, and them that were
possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had
the palsy. And he healed them. And there followed him a great number of
people, from Galilee, and from the ten cities, and from Ierusalem, and
from Iury, and from the regions that lie beyond Iordan.
The fifth Chapter.
When he saw the people he went up into a mountain, and when he was set,
his disciples came to him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them
saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are
they which hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be
filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed
are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the
maintainers of peace: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which suffer persecution for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil
sayings against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be glad, for great is
your reward in heaven. For so persecuted they the prophets which were
before your days.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but and if the salt be once unsavory,
what can be salted there with? It is thence forth good for nothing, but
to be cast out at the doors, and that men tread it under feet. Ye are
the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, cannot be hid,
neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick, and it lighteth all them which are in the house. See that
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your father which is in heaven.
Ye shall not think, that I am come to disannul the law, other the
prophets: no I am not come to disannul them, but to fulfil them. For
truly I say unto you, till heaven and earth perish, one iott, or one
tytle of the law shall not scape, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever breaketh one of these least commandments, and teacheth men
so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But
whosoever shall observe and teach them, that person shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say unto you except your righteousness exceed the righteousness
of the scribes and pharisees, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of
heaven.
Ye have heard how it was said unto them of the old time: Thou shalt not
kill. Whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of judgement. But I say
unto you, whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of
judgement. Whosoever shall say unto his brother raca, shall be in
danger of a council. But whosoever say unto his brother thou fool,
shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore when thou offerest thy gift
at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath anything
against thee: leave there thine offering before the altar, and go thy
way first and reconcile thyself to thy brother, and then come and offer
thy gift.
Agree with thine adversary at once, whiles thou art in the way with
him, lest thine adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge
deliver thee to the minister, and then thou be cast into prison. I say
unto thee verily: thou shalt not come out thence till thou have paid
the utmost farthing.
Ye have heard how it was said to them of old time, thou shalt not
commit advoutry. But I say unto you, that whosoever eyeth a wife,
lusting after her, hath committed advoutry with her already in his
heart.
Wherefore if thy right eye offend thee, pluck him out, and cast him
from thee. Better it is for thee that one of thy members perish than
that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Also if thy right hand
offend thee, cut him off and cast him from thee. Better it is that one
of thy members perish, than that all thy body should, be cast into
hell.
It is said, whosoever put away his wife, let him give her a testimonial
of her divorcement. But I say unto you: whosoever put away his wife,
(except it be for fornication) causeth her to break matrimony. And
whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, breaketh wedlock.
Again ye have heard, how it was said to them of old time, thou shalt
not forswear thyself, but shalt perform thine oath to God. But I say
unto you swear not at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's seat: nor
yet by the earth, for it is his footstool: Neither by Ierusalem, for it
is the city of that great king: neither shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make one white hair, or black: But your
communication shall be, yea, yea: nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than
that, cometh of evil.
Ye have heard how it is said, an eye for an eye: a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, that ye withstand not wrong: But if a man give thee a
blow on thy right cheek, turn to him the other. And if any man will sue
thee at the law, and take thy coat from thee, let him have thy cloak
also. And whosoever will compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Give to him that asketh: and from him that would borrow turn not away.
Ye have heard how it is said: thou shalt love thine neighbor, and hate
thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies. Bless them that
curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them which do you
wrong, and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your heavenly
father: for he maketh his sun to arise, on the evil, and on the good,
and sendeth his rain on the just and unjust. For if ye shall love them,
which love you: what reward shall ye have? Do not the publicans even
so? And if ye be friendly to your brethren only: what singular thing do
ye? Do not the publicans likewise? Ye shall therefore be perfect, even
as your heavenly father is perfect.
The sixth Chapter.
Take heed to your alms. That ye give it not in the sight of men, to the
intent that ye would be seen of them. Or else ye get no reward of your
father in heaven. Whensoever therefore thou givest thine alms, thou
shalt not make a trumpet to be blown before thee, as the hypocrites do
in the synagogues, and in the streets, for to be praised of men. Verily
I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest thine alms,
let not thy left hand know, what thy right hand doth, that thine alms
may be secret, and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee
openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are. For
they love to stand and pray in the synagogues, and in the corners of
the streets, because they would be seen of men. Verily I say unto you,
they have their reward. But when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber,
and shut thy door to thee, and pray to thy father which is in secret:
and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, babble not much, as the gentiles do: for they think
that they shall be heard, for their much babbling's sake. Be ye not
like them therefore. For your father knoweth whereof ye have need,
before ye ask of him. After this manner therefore pray ye.
O our father, which art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Let thy kingdom
come. Thy will be fulfilled, as well in earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, even as we
forgive them which trespass us. Lead us not in to temptation: but
deliver us from evil, [For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the
glory for ever.] Amen. For and if ye shall forgive other men their
trespasses, your father in heaven shall also forgive you. But and ye
will not forgive men their trespasses, no more shall, your father
forgive your trespasses.
Moreover when ye fast, be not sad as the hypocrites are. For they
disfigure their faces, that it might appear unto men that they fast.
Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou when thou
fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that it appear not unto
men how that thou fastest: but unto thy father which is in secret: and
thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Gather not treasure together on earth, where rust and moths corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal. But gather ye treasures
together in heaven, where neither rust, nor yet moths corrupt: and
where thieves neither break up, nor yet steal. For wheresoever your
treasure is, there are your hearts also.
The light of the body is thine eye. Wherefore if thine eye be single,
all thy body is full of light. But and if thine eye be wicked, then is
all thy body full of darkness. Wherefore if the light that is in thee,
be darkness: how great is that darkness?
No man can serve two masters. For either he shall hate the one, and
love the other: or else he shall lean to the one, and despise that
other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, be not
careful for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor
yet for your body, what raiment ye shall wear. Is not the life more
worth then meat? and the body more of value then raiment? Behold the
fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither reap, nor yet carry into
the barns, and yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not better
than they?
Which of you (though he took thought therefore) could put one cubit
unto his stature? And why care ye then for raiment? Behold the lilies
of the field, how they grow. They labor not, neither spin. And yet for
all that I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty, was not
arrayed like unto one of these. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass,
which is today in the field, and tomorrow shall be cast into the
furnace: shall he not much more do the same unto you, o ye of little
faith?
Therefore take no thought saying: what shall we eat, or what shall we
drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? (After all these things seek
the gentiles) For your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of all
these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and the
righteousness thereof, and all these things shall be ministered unto
you. Care not therefore for the day folowing. For the day folowing
shall care for itself. Each days trouble is sufficient for the sameself
day.
The .vij. Chapter.
Judge not lest ye be judged. For as ye judge, so shall ye be judged.
And with what measure ye mete, with the same shall it be measured to
you again. Why seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye, and perceivest
not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or why sayest thou to thy
brother: suffer me to pluck out a mote out of thine eye, and behold a
beam is in thine own eye. Hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of
thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pluck out the mote
out of thy brother's eye.
Give not that which is holy to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before
swine, lest they tread them under their feet, and the other turn again
and all to rent you.
Ask and it shall be given you: Seek and ye shall find, knock and it
shall be opened unto you. For whosoever asketh receiveth, and he that
seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Is there
any man among you which would proffer his son a stone if he asked him
bread? Or if he asked fish, would he proffer him a serpent? If ye then
which are evil, can give to your children good gifts: how much more
shall your father, which is in heaven, give good things, to them that
ask of him?
Therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do ye
to them. This is the law and the prophets.
Enter in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way
that leadeth to destruction: and many there be, which go in thereat.
For strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life:
and few there be, that find it.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you, in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns? Or figs of briars? Even so every good
tree, bringeth forth good fruit. But a corrupt tree, bringeth forth
evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruite: nor yet a bad
tree can bring forth good fruit. Every tree, that bringeth not forth
good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by
their fruits ye shall know them. Not all they that say unto me, master,
master, shall enter in to the kingdom of heaven: But he that fulfilleth
my father's will which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day,
master, master, have we not in thy name prophesied? and in thy name
have we not cast out devils? and in thy name have we not done many
miracles. And then will I knowledge unto them, that I never knew them.
Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.
Whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and doeth the same, I will liken
him unto a wise man, which built his house on a rock: and abundance of
rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon
that same house, and it was not overthrown because it was grounded on
the rock. And whosoever heareth of me these sayings, and doth not the
same, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon
the sand, and abundance of rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it was overthrown, and great
was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, that when Iesus had ended these sayings, the
people were astonied at his doctrine. For he taught them as one having
power, and not as the scribes.
The .viij. Chapter.
When Iesus was come down from the mountain, much people followed him.
And lo, there came a leper, and worshipped him saying: master, if thou
wilt, thou canst make me clean. He put forth his hand and touched him
saying: I will, be clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And
Iesus said unto him. See thou tell no man, but go and shew thyself to
the priest and offer the gift, that Moses commanded to be offered in
witness to them.
When Iesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a certain
Centurion, beseching him, and saying: master, my servant lieth sick at
home of the palsy, and is grievously pained. And Iesus said unto him: I
will come and cure him. The Centurion answered and said: Sir, I am not
worthy that thou shouldest come under the roof of my house, but speak
the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I also myself am a
man under power, and have soldiers under me, and I say to one, go, and
he goeth: and to another, come, and he cometh: and to my servant, do
this, and he doeth it. When Iesus heard these sayings: he marvelled,
and said to them that followed him: Verily I say unto you, I have not
found so great faith: no, not in Israell. I say therefore unto you,
that many shall come from the east and west, and shall rest with
Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, in the kingdom of heaven: and the children
of the kingdom shall be cast out into the utmost darkness, there shall
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Iesus said unto the Centurion,
go thy way, and as thou believed so be it unto thee. And his servant
was healed that same hour.
And Iesus went to Peter's house, and saw his wife's mother lying sick
of a fever, and he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she
arose, and ministered unto them.
When the even was come they brought unto him many that were possessed
with devils, and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all
that were sick, to fulfil that which was spoken by Esay the prophet
saying: he took on him our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
When Iesus saw much people about him, he commanded to go over the
water. And there came a scribe and said unto him: master, I will follow
thee whithersoever thou goest. And Iesus said unto him: the foxes have
holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of the man hath
not whereon to lay his head: Another that was one of his Disciples said
unto him: master suffer me first, to go and bury my father. But Iesus
said unto him: follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.
And he entered into a ship, and his Disciples followed him. And lo
there arose a great storm in the sea, insomuch, that the ship was hid
with waves, and he was asleep. And his Disciples came unto him, and
awoke him, saying: master, save us, we perish. And he said unto them:
why are ye fearful, o ye endowed with little faith? Then he arose, and
rebuked the winds and the sea, and there followed a great calm. And men
marvelled and said: what man is this, that both winds and sea obey him?
And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the
Gergesites, there met him two possessed of devils, which came out of
the graves, and were out of measure fierce, so that no man might go by
that way. And lo they cried out saying: O Iesu the son of God, what
have we to do with thee? art thou come hither to torment us before the
time be come? There was a good way off from them a great herd of swine
feeding. Then the devils besought him saying: if thou cast us out,
suffer us to go our way into the herd of swine. And he said unto them:
go your ways. Then went they out, and departed into the herd of swine.
And lo, all the herd of swine was carried with violence headlong into
the sea, and perished in the water. Then the herdsmen, fled and went
their ways into the city, and told everything, and what had fortuned
unto them that were possessed of the devils. And lo, all the city came
out, and met Iesus. And when they saw him they besought him, to depart
out of their coasts.
The .ix. Chapter.
And he entered into a ship: and passed over and came into his own city.
And lo, they brought unto him a man sick of the palsy, lying in his
bed. And when Iesus saw their faith, he said to the sick of the palsy:
son be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee. And lo certain of the
scribes said in themselves, he blasphemeth. And when Iesus saw their
thoughts, he said: wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Whether is
easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say: arise and walk?
That ye may know, that the son of man hath power to forgive sins in
earth, then said he unto the sick of the palsy: arise, take up thy bed,
and go home to thine house. And he arose and departed to his house. The
people that saw it, marvelled and glorified God, which had given such
power to men.
And as Iesus passed forth from thence he saw a man sit at the receit of
custom named Matthew, and said to him: follow me. And he arose and
followed him. And it came to pass, that Iesus sat at meat in his house.
And lo, many publicans and sinners, came and sat down also with Iesus,
and his disciples. When the pharisees had perceived that, they said
unto his disciples: why eateth your master with publicans and sinners?
When Iesus heard that, he said unto them: The whole need not the
physician, but they that are sick. Go and learn, what that meaneth: I
have pleasure in mercy, and not in offering. For I am not come to call
the righteous, but the sinners to repentance.
Then came the disciples of Ihon to him, saying: why do we and the
pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Iesus said unto
them: can the wedding children mourn as long as the bridegroom is with
them? The time will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them,
and then shall they fast. No man pieceth an old garment with a piece of
new cloth. For then taketh he away the piece again from the garment,
and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine, into old
vessels: for then the vessels break, and the wine runneth out, and the
vessels perish. But they pour new wine into new vessels, and so are
both saved together.
While he thus spake unto them, lo, there came a certain ruler, and
worshipped him saying: my daughter is dead already, but come, and lay
thy hand on her, and she shall live. And Iesus arose and followed him,
with his disciples. And behold, a woman which was diseased with an
issue of blood xij. years, came behind him and touched the hem of his
vesture. For she said in herself: If I may touch but even his vesture
only I shall be safe. Iesus turned him about, and beheld her, saying:
daughter be of good comfort, thy faith hath made thee safe. And she was
made whole even that same hour.
And when Iesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and
the people wondering, he said unto them: Get you hence, for the maid is
not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. As soon as the
people were put forth adoors, he went in and took her by the hand, and
the maid arose. And this was noised throughout all that land.
And as Iesus departed thence, two blind men followed him crying, and
saying: O thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come
into the house, the blind came to him. And Iesus said unto them believe
ye that I am able to do this? they said unto him yea master. Then
touched he their eyes saying: according to your faith, be it unto you.
And their eyes were opened. And he charged them, saying: see that no
man know of it. But they as soon as they were departed, spread abroad
his name through out all the land.
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed of a
devil. And as soon as the devil was cast out, the dumb spake. And the
people marvelled, saying: it never so appeared in Israhel. But the
pharisees said: he casteth out devils, by the power of the chief devil.
And Iesus went about all cities and towns, teaching in their
synagogues, and preaching the gospell of the kingdom. And healing all
manner sickness and disease among the people. But when he saw the
people, he had pity on them, because they were pined away, and
scattered abroad even as sheep, having no shepherd. Then said he to his
disciples: the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Wherefore
pray the harvest lord, to send forth laborers into his harvest.
The .x. Chapter.
And he called his xij. disciples unto him, and gave them power against
unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of
sicknesses, and all manner of diseases.
The names of the xij. apostles are these. The first Simon which is
called Peter: and Andrew his brother. Iames the son of Zebedee, and
Ihon his brother. Philip and Bartholomew. Thomas and Matthew the
publican. Iames the son of Alphe and Lebbeus, otherwise called
Thaddeus. Simon of Chane, and Iudas Iscariot, which also betrayed him.
These xij. sent Iesus, and commanded them saying: Go not into the ways
that lead to the gentiles, and in to the cities of the samaritans enter
ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israhel. Go and
preach saying: how the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick,
cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out the devils. Freely ye have
received, freely give again. Possess not gold, nor silver, neither
brass in your girdles, nor yet scrip towards your journey. Neither two
coats, neither shoes, nor yet a rod: for the workman is worthy to have
his meat. Into whatsoever city, or town ye shall come, enquire who is
worthy in it, and there abide till ye go thence.
And when ye come into an house greet the same. And if the house be
worthy, your peace shall come upon the same. But if it be not worthy,
your peace shall return to you again. And whosoever shall not receive
you, nor will hear your preaching, when ye depart out of that house, or
that city, shake off the dust of your feet. Truly I say unto you, it
shall be easier for the land of Sodom, and Gomorra, in the day of
judgement, than for that city.
Lo I send you forth, as sheep among wolves. Be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they shall deliver
you up to the councils, and shall scourge you in their synagogues. And
ye shall be brought to the head rulers and kings for my sake, in
witness to them and to the gentiles.
But when they put you up take no thought, how, or what ye shall speak,
for it shall be given you even in that same hour, what ye shall say.
For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your father which
speaketh in you. The brother shall betray the brother to death, and the
father the son. And the children shall arise against their fathers, and
mothers, and shall put them to death, and ye shall be hated of all men,
for my name. But whosoever shall continue unto the end, shall be saved.
When they persecute you in one city, fly into another. I tell you for a
truth, ye shall not finish all the cities of Israhel, till the son of
man be come. The disciple is not above his master: Nor yet the servant
above his lord. It is enough for the disciple to be as his master is,
and that the servant be as his lord is. If they have called the lord of
the house beelzebub: how much more shall they call them of his
household so? Fear them not therefore.
There is nothing so close, that shall not be opened, and nothing so
hid, that shall not be known.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light. And what ye hear
in the ear that preach ye on the house tops.
And fear ye not them which kill the body, and be not able to kill the
soul. But rather fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body
in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And none of them
doth light on the ground, without your father. And now are all the
hairs of your heads numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more
value, than many sparrows.
Whosoever therefore knowledgeth me before men, him will I knowledge
before my father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before
men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven.
Think not, that I am come to send peace into the earth. I came not to
send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against
his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in
law against her mother in law: And a man's foes shall be, they of his
own household.
He that loveth his father, or mother more than me, is not worthy of me.
And he that loveth his son, or daughter more than me, is not meet for
me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not meet for
me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his
life for my sake, shall find it.
He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me,
receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of
a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward. And he that receiveth a
righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward
of a righteous man. And whosoever shall give unto one of these little
ones to, drink a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple: I
tell you of a truth, he shall not lose his reward.
The .xj. Chapter.
And it came to pass when Iesus had ended his precepts unto his
disciples, he departed thence, to preach and teach in their cities.
When Ihon being in prison heard the works of christ, he sent two of his
disciples and said unto him. Art thou he that shall come: or shall we
look for another. Iesus answered and said unto them. Go and shew Ihon
what ye have heard and seen. The blind see, the halt go, the lepers are
cleansed: The deaf hear, the dead are raised up again, and the gospel
is preached to the poor. And happy is he that is not hurt by me.
Even as they departed, Iesus began to speak unto the people of Ihon.
What went ye for to see in the wilderness? went ye out to see a reed
wavering with the wind? other what went ye out for to see? went ye to
see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing
are in kings' houses. But what went ye out for to see? went ye out to
see, a prophet? Yea I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this
is he of whom it is written. Behold, I send my messenger before thy
face which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Verify I say unto you, among the children of women arose there not a
greater than Ihon baptist. Notwithstanding he that is less in the
kingdom of heaven, is greater than he. From the time of Ihon baptist
hitherto, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and they that make
violence pulleth it to them. For all the prophets, and the law
prophesied unto the time of Ihon. Also if ye will receive it, this is
Helyas, which should come. He that hath ears to hear whithall, let him
hear.
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? it is like unto children,
which sit in the market, and call unto their fellows, and say: we have
piped unto you, and ye have not danced, we have mourned unto you, and
ye have not sorrowed. For Ihon came, neither eating nor drinking, and
they say, he hath the devil. The son of man came eating and drinking,
and they say, behold a glutton, and drinker of wine, and a friend unto
publicans, and sinners. And wisdom is justified of her children.
Then began he to upbraid the cities, in which most of his miracles were
done, because they did not repent. Woe be to thee Chorasin. Woe be to
thee Bethsaida, for if the miracles which were shewed in you, had been
done in Tyre and in Sidon: they had repented long agone in sackcloth
and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it shall be easier for Tyre and
Sidon, at the day of judgement, than for you. And thou Capernaum, which
art lift up unto heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. For if the
miracles which have been done in thee, had been shewed in Sodom, they
had remained to this day. Nevertheless I say unto you, it shall be
easier for Sodom in the day of judgement, than for thee. Then Iesus
answered and said. I praise thee o father lord of heaven and earth,
because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
opened them unto babes, even so father, for so it pleased thee. All
things are given unto me of my father. And no man knoweth the son, but
thy father neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to
whom the son will open him.
Come unto me all ye that labor, and are laden, and I will ease you.
Take my yoke on you, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find ease unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and
my burden is light.
The .xij. Chapter.
In that time went Iesus on the sabbath day thorow the corn, and his
disciples were anhungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to
eat. When the pharisees had seen that, they said unto him: Behold thy
disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. He
said unto them: Have ye not read what David did, when he was
anhungered, and they also which were with him? How he entered into the
house of God, and ate the hallowed loaves, which were not lawful for
him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the
priests. Or have ye not read in the law, how that the priests in the
temple break the sabbath day, and yet are blameless? But I say unto
you, that here is one greater than the temple. Wherefore if ye had
wist, what this saying meaneth: I require mercy, and not sacrifice, ye
would never have condemned innocents. For the son of man is lord even
of the Sabbath day.
And he departed thence, and went into their synagogue, and behold,
there was a man, which had his hand dried up. And they asked him
saying: is it lawful to heal upon the sabbath day? because they might
accuse him. And he said unto them: which is he among you, if he had a
sheep fallen into a pit on the sabbath day, that would not take him and
lift him out? And how much is a man better then a sheep? Wherefore it
is lawful to do a good deed on the sabbath day. Then said he to the
man: stretch forth thy hand, and he stretched forth, and it was again
made even as whole as the other.
Then the pharisees went forth, and took council against him, how they
might destroy him. When Iesus knew that, he departed thence, and much
people followed him, and he healed them all. and charged them, that
they should not make him known, to fulfil that which was spoken by Esay
the prophet, which sayeth: Behold my son, whom I have chosen, my
darling, in whom my soul hath had delight. I will put my spirit on him,
and he shall shew judgement to the gentiles. He shall not strive, he
shall not cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets, a
bruised reed, shall he not break, and flax that beginneth to burn he
shall not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory, and in his
name shall the gentiles trust.
Then was brought to him, one possessed with a devil which was both
blind and dumb, and he healed him, insomuch that he which was blind and
dumb, both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said: Is
not this the son of David? When the pharisees heard that, they said: he
driveth the devils no other wise out, but by the help of belzebub the
chief of the devils.
But Iesus knew their thoughts, and said to them. Every kingdom divided
with in itself shall be desolate. Neither shall any city or household
divided against itself, continue. So if satan cast out satan, then is
he divided against him self. How shall then his kingdom endure? Also if
I by the help of belzebub cast out devils: by whose help do your
children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges: But if I
cast out the devils by the spirit of God: then is the kingdom of God
come on you?
Either how can a man enter into a mighty man's house, and violently
take away his goods, except he first bind the strong man, and then
spoil his house? He that is not with me, is against me: And he that
gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men, but the
blasphemy against the holy ghost, shall not be forgiven unto men. And
whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven
him: but whosoever speaketh against the holy ghost, it shall not be
forgiven him: no, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good also, or else make the
tree evil, and his fruit evil also. For the tree is known by his fruit.
O generation of vipers, how can ye say well, when ye yourselves are
evil? For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man
out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things. And
an evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I
say unto you, that of every idle word, that men shall have spoken, they
shall give accounts at the day of judgement. For by thy words thou
shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Then answered certain of the scribes and of the pharisees saying:
Master, we would fain see a sign of thee. He answered them saying: the
evil and advoutrous generation seeketh a sign, but there shall no sign
be given to them, but the sign of the prophet Ionas. For as Ionas was
iij days, and iij nights, in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man
be iij days and iij nights in the heart of the earth. The men of
Nineveh shall rise at the day of judgement, with this nation, and
condemn them: for they repented at the preaching of Ionas. And behold a
greater than Ionas is here. The queen of the south shall rise at the
day of judgement with this generation, and shall condemn them: for she
came from the utmost parts of the world, to hear the wisdom of Solomon.
And behold here is a greater than Solomon.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh throughout dry
places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he sayeth: I will return
again into my house, from whence I came out. And when he is come, he
findeth the house empty and swept, and garnished. Then he goeth his
way, and taketh vij. spirits worse than him self, and so enter they in
and dwell there. And the end of that man is worse than the beginning.
Even so shall it be to this froward nation.
While he yet talked to the people: behold, his mother and his brethren
stood without the doors, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto
him: behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to
speak with thee.
He answered and said to him that told him: Who is my mother? or who are
my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand over his disciples, and
said: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever fulfilleth my
father's will which is in heaven, he is my brother, my sister, and my
mother.
The .xiij. Chapter.
The same day went Iesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side, and
much people resorted unto him, so greatly that he went, and sat in a
ship, and all the people stood on the shore. And he spake many things
to them in similitudes, saying: Behold, the sower went forth to sow,
and as he sowed, some fell by the ways side, and the fowls came, and
devoured it up. Some fell upon stony ground where it had not much
earth, and anon it sprong up, because it had no depth of earth: and
when the sun was up, it caught heat, and for lack of rooting withered
away. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns arose, and choked it. Part
fell in good ground, and brought forth good fruit: some an hundred
fold, some fifty {or sixty} fold, some thirty fold. Whosoever hath ears
to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples came, and said to him: Why speakest thou to them in
parables? He answered and said unto them: It is given unto you to know
the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For
whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and he shall have abundance. But
whosoever hath not: from him shall be taken away even that same that he
hath. Therefore speak I to them in similitudes: for though they see,
they see not: and hearing they hear not: nether understand. And in them
is fulfilled the prophecy of Esay, which prophecy saith: with your ears
ye shall hear, and shall not understand, and with your eyes ye shall
see, and shall not perceive. For this people's heart is waxed gross:
And their ears were dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed,
lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
should understand with their hearts, and should turn, that I might heal
them.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Verily I say unto you, that many prophets and perfect men have desired
to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear
those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore
the similitude of the sower. When a man heareth the word of the
kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the evil man, and
catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. And this is he which
was sown by the way side. But he that was sown in the stony ground is
he, which heareth the word of God, and anon with joy receiveth it, yet
hath no roots in himself, and therefore dureth but a season: for as
soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and
by he falleth. He that was sown among thorns, is he, that heareth the
word of God, but the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of
riches choke the word, and so is he made unfruitful. He which is sown
in the good ground, is he, that heareth the word and understandeth it,
which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some
fifty {or sixty} fold, and some thirty fold.
Another similitude put he forth, unto them saying: The kingdom of
heaven is like unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while
men slept, there came his foe, and sowed tares among the wheat, and
went his way. When the blade was sprung up, and had brought forth
fruit, then appeared the tares also. The servants came to the
householder, and said unto him: Sir sowest not thou good seed in thy
close, from whence then hath it tares? He said to them, the envious man
hath done this. Then the servants said unto him: wilt thou then that we
go and gather it? and he said, nay, lest while ye go about to weed out
the tares, ye pluck up also with them the wheat by the roots: let both
grow together till harvest come, and in time of harvest, I will say yea
unto my reapers, gather ye first the tares, and bind them in sheaves to
be brent: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Another parable he put forth unto them saying. The kingdom of heaven is
like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man taketh and soweth in his
field, which is the least of all seeds. But when it is grown, it is the
greatest among herbs, and is a tree: so that the birds of the air come,
and build in the branches of it.
Another similitude said he to them. The kingdom of heaven is like unto
leaven which a woman took and hideth in iij pecks of meal, till all was
leavened.
All these things spake Iesus unto the people by similitudes, and
without similitudes spake he nothing to them, to fulfil that which was
spoken by the prophet saying: I will open my mouth in similitudes, and
will speak forth things which have been kept secret from the beginning
of the world.
Then sent Iesus the people away, and came to house, and his disciples
came unto him, saying: declare unto us the similitude of the tares of
the field: Then answered he and said to them. He that soweth the good
seed, is the son of man, the field is the world. The children of the
kingdom are the good seed. The evil man's children are the tares. But
the enemy which soweth it, is the devil. The harvest is the end of the
world, and the reapers be the angels. For even as the tares are
gathered, and brent in the fire: so shall it be in the end of this
world. The son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall
gather out of his kingdom all things that do hurt, and all them which
do iniquity, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be
wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the just men shine as bright
as the son in the kingdom of their father. whosoever hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in the field, the
which a man found and hid it: and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all
that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant, seeking good
pearls, which when he had found one precious pearl, went and sold all
that he had, and bought it.
Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net cast into the sea, that
gathereth of all kinds of fishes: the which when it is full, men draw
to land, and sit and gather the good into their vessels and cast the
bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come
and sever the bad from the good, and shall cast them into a furnace of
fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Iesus said unto them: have ye understood all these things: they said,
yea sir. Then said he unto them: Therefore every scribe which is
conning unto the kingdom of heaven, is like an householder, which
bringeth forth, out of his treasure, things both new and old.
And it came to pass when Iesus had finished these similitudes that he
departed thence, and came in to his own country, and taught them in
their synagogues, in so much that they were astonied, and said: whence
came all this wisdom and power unto him? is not this the carpenter's
son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren be called, Iames
and Ioses and Simon and Iudas? and are not his sisters all here with
us? Whence hath he all these things. And they were hurt by him. Then
Iesus said unto them: there is no prophet without honour, save in his
own country, and among his own kin. And he did not many miracles there,
for their unbelief's sake.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the tetrarcha heard of the fame of Iesu, and said
unto his servants: This is Ihon baptist, he is risen again from death,
and therefore his power is so great. For Herod took Ihon and bound him,
and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife:
for Ihon said unto him: it is not lawful for thee to have her. And when
he would have put him to death, he feared the people, because they
counted him as a prophet.
When Herode's birthday was come, the daughter of Herodias danced before
them, and pleased Herod. Wherefore he promised with an oath, that he
would give her whatsoever she would ask. And she being informed of her
mother before, said give me here Ihon baptist's head in a platter. And
the King sorrowed: nevertheless for his oath's sake, and for their
sakes which sat also at the table, he commanded it to be given her. And
sent and beheaded Ihon in the prison: and his head was brought in a
platter, and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And
his disciples came, and took up his body, and buried it: And went and
told Iesus.
When Iesus heard that, he departed thence by ship into a desert place
out of the way. And when the people had heard thereof, they followed
him afoot out of their cities. And Iesus went forth and saw much
people: and his heart did melt upon them, and he healed of them those
that were sick. When even was come, his disciples came to him saying.
This is a desert place, and the day is spent, let the people depart
that they may go into the towns, and buy them vitailles. But Iesus said
unto them: They have no need to go away: Give ye them to eat. Then said
they unto him: we have here but v. loaves, and two fishes. He said:
bring them hither to me. And he commanded, the people to sit down on
the grass, and took the v. loaves, and the ij. fishes, and looked up to
heaven, and blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to his disciples,
and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate, and were
sufficed. And they gathered up of the gobbets that remained xij baskets
full. They that ate were in number about v. M. men, besides women and
children.
And straightway Iesus made his disciples enter into a ship, and to go
over before him, while he sent the people away. And as soon as he had
sent the people away, he went up into a mountain alone to pray. And
when night was come he was there himself alone. and the ship was in the
middes of the sea, and was tossed with waves, for it was a contrary
wind. In the fourth watch of the night Iesus came unto them walking on
the sea: and when his disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were
amazed, saying: it is some spirit, and cried out for fear. And
straightway Iesus spake unto them saying: be of good cheer, it is I, be
not afraid.
Peter answered, and said: master, and thou be he, bid me come unto thee
on the water. and he said come. And when Peter was come down out of the
ship, he walked on the water, to go to Iesus. But when he saw a mighty
wind, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried saying: master
save me. And immediately Iesus stretched forth his hand, and caught
him, and said to him: O thou of little faith: wherefore didst thou
doubt? And as soon as they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying: of a
truth thou art the son of God. And when they were come over, they went
in to the land of Genazareth. And when the men of that place had
knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and
brought unto him all that were sick, and besought him, that they might
touch the border of his vesture only. And as many as touched it, were
made safe.
The .xv. Chapter.
Then came to Iesus: scribes and pharisees from Ierusalem, saying: why
do thy disciples transgress the traditions of the seniors? for they
wash not their hands, when they eat bread. He answered, and said unto
them: why do ye also transgress the commandment of God, thorow your
traditions? for God commanded, saying: honour thy father and mother,
and he that speaketh evil against his father or mother, shall suffer
death. But ye say, every man shall say to his father or mother:
whatsoever thing I offer, that same doth profit thee, and so shall he
not honour his father and mother. And thus have ye made, that the
commandment of God is with out effect, through your traditions.
Hypocrites, well prophesied of you, Esay saying: This people draweth
nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, yet
their hearts are far from me: but in vain they worship me teaching
doctrine, which is nothing but men's precepts.
And he called the people unto him, and said to them: hear and
understand. That which goeth into the mouth, defileth not the man: but
that which cometh out of the mouth, defileth the man.
Then came his disciples, and said unto him: perceivest thou, how that
the pharisees are offended hearing this saying? He answered, and said:
all plants which my heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked
up by the roots. Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the
blind. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Then answered Peter and said to him: declare unto us this parable. Then
said Iesus: are ye yet withouten understanding: perceive ye not, that
whatsoever goeth in at the mouth, descendeth down into the belly, and
is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the
mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart
come evil thoughts, murder, breaking of wedlock, whoredom, theft, false
witness bearing, blasphemy. These are the things which defile a man.
But to eat with unwashen hands, defileth not a man.
And Iesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold a woman which was a Canaanite came out of the same coasts,
and cried unto him, saying: have mercy on me lord the son of David, my
daughter is piteously vexed with a devil. And he gave her never a word
to answer. Then came to him his disciples, and besought him saying:
send her away, for she followeth us crying. He answered, and said: I am
not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israhel. Then she
came and worshipped him, saying: master succor me. He answered and
said: it is not good, to take the children's bread, and to cast it to
whelps. She answered and said: it is truth, nevertheless the whelps eat
of the crumbs, which fall from their masters' table. Then Iesus
answered and said unto her. O woman great is thy faith, be it to thee,
even as thou desirest. And her daughter was made whole even at that
same time.
Then Iesus went away from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of
Galilee, and went up in to a mountain, and sat down there. And much
people came unto him, having with them, halt, blind, dumb, maimed, and
other many: and cast them down at Iesus' feet. And he healed them, in
so much that the people wondered, to see the dumb speak, the maimed
whole, and the halt to go, the blind to see, and glorified the God of
Israhel.
Iesus called his disciples to him and said: I have compassion on the
people because they have continued with me now iij days, and have
nothing to eat: and I will not let them depart fasting lest they perish
in the way. And his disciples said unto him: whence should we get so
much bread in the wilderness as should suffice so great a multitude?
And Iesus said unto them: how many loaves have ye? and they said: seven
and a few fishes. And he commanded the people to sit down on the
ground. And took the seven loaves, and the fishes, and gave thanks, and
brake them, and gave to his disciples, and his disciples gave them to
the people. And they all ate and were sufficed. And they took up of the
broken meat that was left vij baskets full. They that ate were iiij M
men, beside women and children. And he sent away the people, and took
ship and came into the parts of Magdala.
The .xvj. Chapter.
Then came to him the pharisees with the sadducees also, and did tempt
him, desiring that he would shew them some sign from heaven. He
answered and said unto them: At even ye say, we shall have fair
weather, and that because the sky is red: in the morning: ye say, today
shall be foul weather, and that because the sky is tremulous and red. O
ye hypocrites, ye can discern the fashion of the sky: and can ye not
discern the signs of the times? The froward nation, and advoutrous,
seeketh a sign: there shall none other sign be given unto them, but the
sign of the prophet Ionas. So left he them and departed.
And when his disciples were come to the other side of the water, they
had forgotten to take bread with them. Then Iesus said unto them: Take
heed and beware of the leaven of the pharisees and of the sadducees.
They thought among themselves saying: we have brought no bread with us.
When Iesus understood that, he said unto them. O ye of little faith,
why are your minds cumbered because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not
yet perceive, neither remember those v loaves when there were v M men,
and how many baskets took ye up? Neither the vij loaves, when there
were iiij M: and how many baskets took ye up? Why perceive ye not then,
that I spake not unto you of bread, when I said, beware of the leaven
of the pharisees and of the sadducees? Then understood they, how that
he bade not them beware of the leaven of bread: but of the doctrine of
the pharisees, and of the sadducees.
When Iesus came into the coasts of the city which is called Cesarea
Philippi, he asked his disciples saying: whom do men say that I the son
of man am? They said, some say that thou art Ihon baptist, some Helyas,
some Ieremias, or one of the prophets. He said unto them, but whom say
ye that I am? Simon Peter answered, and said: Thou art Christ the son
of the living God. And Iesus answered and said to him: happy art thou
Simon the son of Ionas, for flesh and blood have not opened unto thee
that, but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that
thou art Peter. And upon this rock I will build my congregation: and
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto
thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou bindest
upon earth, it shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou lowsest on
earth, it shall be lowsed in heaven.
Then he charged his disciples, that they should tell no man, that he
was Iesus Christ. From that time forth, Iesus began to shew unto his
disciples, how that he must go unto Ierusalem, and suffer many things
of the seniors, and of the high priests, and of the scribes, and must
be killed, and rise again the third day. Peter took him aside, and
began to rebuke him saying: master favor thy self, this shall not come
unto thee. Then turned he about, and said unto Peter: go after me
Satan, thou offendest me, because thou perceivest not godly things: but
worldly things.
Iesus then said to his disciples. If any man will follow me, let him
forsake himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever
will save his life, shall loose it. And whosoever shall loose his life
for my sake, shall find it. What shall it profit a man, if he should
win all the whole world: so he loose his own soul? Or else what shall a
man give to redeem his soul again withall? For the son of man shall
come in the glory of his father, with his angels, and then shall he
reward every man according to his deeds. Verily I say unto you, some
there be among them that here stand, which shall not taste of death,
till they shall have seen the son of man come in his kingdom.
The .xvij. Chapter.
And after vj days Iesus took Peter and Iames and Ihon his brother, and
brought them up into an high mountain out of the way, and was
transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his
clothes were as white as the light. And behold there appeared unto them
Moses and Helyas talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said to
Iesus: master here is good being for us. If thou wilt, let us make here
iij tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helyas.
While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud shadowed them. And lo a voice
out of the cloud said: This is my dear son, in whom I delight, hear
him. And when the disciples heard that, they fell on their faces, and
were sore afraid. And Iesus came and touched them, and said: arise and
be not afraid. Then lift they up their eyes, and saw no man, but Iesus
only.
And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them saying, see
that ye shew this vision to no man, til the son of man be risen again
from death. And his disciples asked of him, saying: Why then say the
scribes, that Helias must first come? Iesus answered, and said unto
them: Helias shall first come, and restore all things. And I say unto
you, that Helias is come already: And they knew him not, but have done
unto him whatsoever they lusted. In likewise shall also the son of man
suffer of them. Then his disciples perceived that he spake unto them of
Ihon baptist.
And when they were come to the people, there came to him a certain man,
and kneeled down to him saying: Master have mercy on my son, for he is
frantic, and is sore vexed. And ofttimes falleth into the fire, and oft
into the water, and I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not
heal him. Iesus answered and said: O generation faithless and crooked:
how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him
hither to me. And Iesus rebuked the devil, and he came out. And the
child was healed even that same hour.
Then came his disciples secretly and said: Why could not we cast him
out? Iesus said unto them, because of your unbelief. For I say verily
unto you, if ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye should say
unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and he should remove:
Neither should any thing be unpossible for you to do. But this kind,
goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
While they passed the time in Galilee, Iesus said unto them: the son of
man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill him,
and the third day he shall rise again. And they sorrowed greatly.
When they were come to Capernaum: They that were wont to gather poll
money, came to Peter and said: Doth your master pay tribute? He said:
yea. And when he was come into the house, Iesus spake first to him,
saying: What thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth
take tribute, or poll money? of their children, or of strangers? Peter
said unto him, of strangers. Then said Iesus unto him again. Then are
the children free. Nevertheless, lest we should offend them, go to the
sea and cast in thine angle, and take the fish that first cometh up:
and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of twelve
{or twenty} pence, that take and pay for me and thee.
The .xviij. Chapter.
The same time the disciples came to Iesus saying: who is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven? Iesus called a child unto him, and set him in
the midst of them, and said: Verily I say unto you, except ye turn, and
become as children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven:
whosoever therefore: shall submit himself: as this child, he is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever receiveth such a child
in my name, receiveth me. But whosoever offend one of these little
ones, which believe in me: it were better for him, that a millstone
were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of
the sea. Woe be unto the world because of evil occasions. It is
necessary that evil occasions be given, nevertheless woe be to that
man, by whom evil occasion cometh. Wherefore if thy hand, or thy foot,
give thee an occasion of evil: cut him off, and cast him from thee. It
is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than thou
shouldest having two hands, or two feet, be cast into everlasting fire.
And if also thine eye offend thee, pluck him out and cast him from
thee. It is better for thee, to enter into life with one eye, than
having two eyes to be cast into hellfire.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones. For I say unto you,
that in heaven their angels behold the face of my father, which is in
heaven. Yea and the son of man is come to save that which is lost. How
think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them should go
astray, will he not leave ninety and nine in the mountains, and go and
seek that one which is gone astray? If it happen that he find him,
verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, then of the
ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of
your father in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee. Go and tell him his
fault between him and thee alone. If he hear thee, thou hast won thy
brother: but if he hear thee not, then take yet with thee one or two,
that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, all things may stand. If
he hear not them, tell it unto the congregation: if he hear not the
congregation, take him as an heathen man, and as a publican. Verily I
say unto you whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. And
whatsoever ye lowse on earth, shall be lowsed in heaven.
Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree in earth in any
manner thing whatsoever they shall desire: it shall be given them of my
father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Then came Peter to him, and said: master, how oft shall my brother
trespass against me, and I shall forgive him? shall I forgive him seven
times? Iesus said unto him: I say not unto thee seven times: but
seventy times seven times. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened
unto a certain king, which would take accounts of his servants, and
when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him
ten thousand talents: but when he had nought to pay, the lord commanded
him to be sold, and his wife, and his children: and all that he had,
and payment to be made. The servant fell down and besought him saying:
Sir, give me respite, and I will pay it every whit. Then had the lord
pity on that servant, and lowsed him, and forgave him the debt.
The same servant went out and found one of his fellows, which ought him
an hundred pence. And laid hands on him, and took him by the throat,
saying: pay that thou owest. And his fellow fell down, and besought
him, saying: have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he
would not, but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the
debt. When his other fellows saw what was done, they were very sorry,
and came and told unto their lord all that had happened. Then the lord
called him, and said unto him. O evil servant, I forgave thee all that
debt, because thou praydest me: was it not mete also, that thou
shouldest have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on
thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the jailers, till he
should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall your heavenly
father do unto you, if ye will not forgive with your hearts, each one
to his brother their trespasses.
The .xix. Chapter.
And it followed when Iesus had finished those sayings, he gat him from
Galilee, and came into the coasts off Iewry beyond Iordan, and much
people followed him, and he healed them there. Then came unto him the
pharisees to tempt him, and said to him: Is it lawful for a man to put
away his wife for all manner of causes? He answered, and said unto
them: Have ye not read, how that he which made man at the beginning,
made them man and woman? and said: for this thing, shall a man leave
father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be
one flesh. Wherefore now are they not twain, but one flesh. Let not man
therefore put asunder, that which God hath coupled together. Then said
they to him: why did Moses command to give unto her a testimonial of
divorcement, and to put her away? He said unto them: Moses because of
the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: But
from the beginning it was not so. I say therefore unto you, whosoever
putteth away his wife (except it be for fornication) and marrieth
another, breaketh wedlock. And whosoever marrieth her which is
divorced, doth commit advoutry.
Then spake his disciples to him: if the matter be so between man and
wife, then is it not good to marry. He said unto them: all men cannot
away with that saying: but they to whom it is given. There are chaste,
which were so born out of their mother's belly. And there are chaste,
which be made chaste of men. And there be chaste, which have made
themselves chaste for the kingdom of heavens' sake. He that can take it
let him take it.
Then were brought to him young children, that he should put his hands
on them and pray. And his disciples rebuked them. Iesus said unto them:
suffer the children, and forbid them not to come to me, for unto such
belongeth the kingdom of heaven. And when he had put his hands on them,
he departed thence. And behold one came, and said unto him: good
master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? He
said unto him: why callest thou me good? there is none good but one,
and that is God. But and thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments. He said: Which? And Iesus said: thou shalt not kill: thou
shalt not break wedlock. Thou shall not steal: thou shalt not bear
false witness. Honour father and mother: and thou shalt love thine
neighbor as thyself. The young man said unto him: I have observed all
these things from my youth, what have I more to do? Iesus said unto
him: if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give it
to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and
follow me. When the young man heard that saying, he went away mourning.
For he had great possessions.
Iesus said then unto his disciples: Verily I say unto you, a rich man
shall with difficulty enter into the kingdom of heaven. And moreover I
say unto you: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. When
his disciples heard that, they were exceedingly amazed, saying: who
then can be saved? Iesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men this
is unpossible, but with God all things are possible.
Then answered Peter, and said to him: Behold, we have forsaken all and
have followed thee: what shall we have therefore? Iesus said unto them:
verily I say unto you: that ye which have followed me in the second
generation (when the son of man shall sit in the seat of his majesty)
shall sit also upon xij seats, and judge the xij tribes of Israhel. And
whosoever forsaketh house, or brethren, or sisters, other father, or
mother, or wife, or children, or livelihood, {or lands,} for my name's
sake, the same shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit
everlasting life. Many that are first, shall be last, and the last,
shall be first.
The .xx. Chapter.
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto an householder which went out
early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And he agreed
with the laborers for a penny a day and sent them into his vineyard.
And he went out about the third hour, and saw other standing idle in
the market place, and said unto them: go ye also into my vineyard, and
whatsoever is right, I will give you: and they went their way. Again he
went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And he went
out about the eleventh hour and found other standing idle, and said
unto them: Why stand ye here all the day idle? They said unto him:
because no man hath hired us. He said to them: go ye also into my
vineyard, and whatsoever shall be right, that shall ye receive.
When even was come, the lord of the vineyard, said unto his steward:
call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning at the last,
till thou come to the first. And they which were hired about the
eleventh hour, came and received every man a penny. Then came the
first, supposing that they should receive more, and they likewise
received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they grudged
against the good man of the house saying: These last have wrought but
one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us which have borne the
burden and heat of the day.
He answered to one of them, saying: friend I do thee no wrong: didst
thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that which is thy duty, and go
thy way. I will give unto this last, as much as to thee. Is it not
lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own? Is thine eye evil
because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first shall be
last. For many are called, and few be chosen.
And Iesus ascended to Ierusalem, and took the xij disciples apart in
the way, and said to them: Lo we go up to Ierusalem, and the son of man
shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and
they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles,
to be mocked, to be scourged, and to be crucified: and the third day he
shall rise again.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons
worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. He said unto her:
What wilt thou have? She said unto him: Grant that these my two sons
may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand in thy
kingdom.
Iesus answered, and said: Ye wot not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink
of the cup that I shall drink of? And to be baptised with the baptism,
that I shall be baptised with? They answered to him: That we are. He
said unto them: Ye shall drink of my cup, and shall be baptised with
the baptism that I shall be baptised with all. But to sit on my right
hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give you: but to them for
whom it is prepared of my father.
And when the ten heard this, they disdained at the two brethren. But
Iesus called them unto him, and said: Ye know, that the lords of the
gentiles have domination over them. And they that are great, exercise
power over them. It shall not be so among you: But whosoever will be
great among you, let him be your minister, and whosoever will be chief,
let him be your servant. Even as the son of man came, not to be
ministered unto, but to minister: and to give his life for the
redemption of many.
And as they departed from Hiericho, much people followed him. And
behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard, that
Iesus passed by, cried saying: Master the son of David have mercy on
us. And the people rebuffed them, because they should hold their peace:
But they cried the more, saying: have mercy on us master which art the
son of David. Then Iesus stood still, and called them, and said: what
will ye that I should do to you? They said unto him: Master, that our
eyes may be opened. Iesus pitied them, and touched their eyes. And
immediately their eyes received sight: And they followed him.
The .xxj. Chapter.
When they drew nigh unto Ierusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto
mount Olivet, then sent Iesus two of his disciples, saying to them: Go
into the town that lieth over against you, and anon ye shall find an
ass bound, and her colt with her, loose them and bring them unto me.
And if any man say ought unto you, say ye that your master hath need of
them, and straight way he will let them go. All this was done, to
fulfil that which was spoken by the prophet, saying: Tell ye the
daughter of Sion: behold thy king cometh unto thee meek, sitting upon
an ass and a colt, the foal of an ass used to the yoke. The disciples
went, and did as Iesus commanded them, and brought the ass and the
colt, and put on them their clothes, and set him thereon. Many of the
people spread their garments in the way. Other cut down branches from
the trees, and strawed them in the way. Moreover the people that went
before, and they also that came after, cried saying: Hosianna to the
son of David. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the lord,
Hosianna in the highest.
And when he was come into Ierusalem, all the city was moved, saying:
who is this? And the people said: this is Iesus the prophet of Nazareth
a city of Galilee. And Iesus went into the temple of God, and cast out
all them that bought and sold in the temple, and overthrew the tables
of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves. And said
to them: it is written, mine house shall be called the house of prayer,
but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the halt came
to him in the temple, and he healed them.
When the chief priests and scribes saw, the marvels that he did, and
the children crying in the temple and saying, Hosianna to the son of
David, they disdained, and said unto him: hearest thou what these say?
Iesus said unto them: have ye never read, of the mouth of babes and
sucklings thou hast ordained praise? And he left them, and went out of
the city unto Bethany, and passed the time there.
In the morning as he returned into the city again, he hungered, and
spied a fig tree in the way, and came to it, and found nothing thereon,
but leaves only, and said to it, never fruit grow on thee hence
forwards. And anon the fig tree withered away. And when his disciples
saw that, they marvelled saying: How soon is the fig tree withered
away? Iesus answered, and said unto them: Verily I say unto you, if ye
shall have faith, and shall not doubt, ye shall not only do that which
I have done to the fig tree: but also if ye shall say unto this
mountain, take thyself away, and cast thyself into the sea, it shall be
done. And whatsoever thing ye shall ask in your prayers if ye believe,
ye shall receive it.
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the seniors
of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said: by what
authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this power? Iesus
answered, and said unto them: I also will ask of you a certain
question, which if ye assoil me, I in like wise will tell you by what
authority I do these things. Whence was the baptism of Ihon? from
heaven, or of men? And they thought in themselves, saying: if we shall
say, from heaven, he will say unto us: why did ye not then believe him?
But and if we shall say of men, then fear we the people. For all men
held Ihon as a prophet. And they answered Iesus, and said: we cannot
tell. He likewise said unto them: neither tell I you by what authority
I do these things. What say ye to this? A certain man had ij sons, and
came to the elder saying: go and work today in my vineyard. He answered
and said, I will not: but afterward repented and went. Then came he to
the second, and said likewise, and he answered and said: I will sir:
yet went he not. Whether of these ij fulfilled their father's will? And
they said unto him: the first. Iesus said unto them: verily I say unto
you, that the publicans and the harlots shall come into the kingdom of
God before you. For Ihon came unto you, in the way of righteousness,
and ye believed him not. But the publicans and the whores believed him.
But ye (though ye saw it) yet were not moved with repentance, that ye
might afterward have believed him.
Hearken another similitude. There was a certain householder, which set
a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, and
built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a strange
country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants
to the husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it, and the husbandmen
caught his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they served them
likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying: they
will fear my son. When the husbandmen saw his son, they said among
themselves: This is the heir, come on let us kill him, and let us take
his inheritance to ourselves. And they caught him and thrust him out of
the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord of the vineyard cometh: what
will he do with those husbandmen? They said unto him: he will evil
destroy those evil persons, and will let out his vineyard unto other
husbandmen, which shall deliver him his fruit at times convenient.
Iesus said unto them: did ye never read in the scriptures? The same
stone which the builders refused, is set in the principal part of the
corner: this was the lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you,
and shall be given to the Gentiles which shall bring forth the fruits
of it. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be alto broken.
And whosoever this stone shall fall upon, he shall grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and pharisees heard these similitudes they
perceived that he spake of them. And they went about to lay hands on
him, but they feared the people, because they counted him as a prophet.
The .xxij. Chapter.
And Iesus answered and spake unto them again, in similitudes, saying:
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain King, which married his
son, and sent forth his servants, to call them that were bid to the
wedding, and they would not come. Again he sent forth other servants,
saying: tell them which are bidden: Lo I have prepared my dinner, mine
oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready, come unto
the marriage. They made light of it, and went their ways: one to his
firm place, another about his merchandise, the remnant took his
servants and intreated them ungoodly, and slew them. When the king
heard that, he was wroth, and sent forth his warriors and destroyed
those murderers, and burnt up their city.
Then said he to his servants: The wedding was prepared: but they which
were bidden thereto, were not worthy. Go ye therefore out into the
highways, and as many as ye find, bid them to the marriage. The
servants went out into the ways, and gathered together as many as they
could find, both good and bad, and the wedding was furnished with
guests. The king came in, to visit the guests, and spied there a man
which had not on a wedding garment, and said unto him: friend, how
camest thou in hither, and * hast not on a wedding garment? and he was
even speechless. Then said the king to his ministers: take and bind him
hand and foot, and cast him into utter darkness, there shall be weeping
and gnashing of teeth. For many are called and few be chosen.
Then went the pharisees and took counsel, how they might tangle him in
his words. And sent unto him their disciples with Herod's servants,
saying: Master, we know that thou art true, and that thou teachest the
way of God truly, neither carest for any man, for thou considerest not
men's estate. Tell us therefore: how thinkest thou? is it lawful to
give tribute unto Cesar, or not? Iesus perceived their wickedness, and
said: Why tempt ye me ye hypocrites? let me see the tribute money. And
they took him a penny. And he said unto them: whose is this image and
superscription? They said unto him: Cesar's. Then said he unto them:
Give therefore to Cesar, that which is Cesar's: and give unto God, that
which is God's. When they heard that they marvelled, and left him and
went their way.
The same day the sadducees came to him (which say that there is no
resurrection) and they asked him saying: Master, Moses bade, if a man
die having no children, that the brother marry his wife, and raise up
seed unto his brother. There were with us seven brethren, the first
married and died without issue, and left his wife unto his brother.
Likewise the second and the third, unto the seventh: Last of all the
woman died also. Now in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the
vij? for all had her. Iesus answered and said unto them: ye are
deceived, and know not what the scripture meaneth, nor yet the virtue
of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are married: but
are as the angels of God in heaven.
As touching the resurrection of the dead: have ye not read what is said
unto you of God, which sayeth: I am Abraham's God, and Isaac's God, and
the God of Iacob? God is not the God of the dead: but of the living.
And when the people heard that, they were astonied at his doctrine.
When the pharisees had heard, how that he had put the Sadducees to
silence, they drew to gether, and one of them which was a doctor of law
asked him a question tempting him and saying: Master which is the great
commandment in the law? Iesus said unto him: thou shalt love thy lord
God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and that great commandment. And there is another like
unto this. Thou shalt love thine neighbor as thyself. In these two
commandments, hang all the law and the prophets.
While the pharisees were gathered together Iesus asked them saying:
what think ye of Christ? whose son is he? they said unto him: the son
of David. He said unto them: how then doth David in spirit call him
lord, saying? The lord said to my lord, sit on my right hand: till I
make thine enemies thy footstool. If David call him lord: how is he
then his son? And none of them could answer him again one word. Neither
durst any from that day forth, ask him any more questions.
The .xxiij. Chapter.
Then spake Iesus to the people, and to his disciples, saying: The
scribes and the pharisees sit in Moses' seat, whatsoever they bid you
observe, that observe and do: but after their works do not: for they
say, and do not. Yea and they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be
borne, and lay them on men's shoulders: but they themselves will not
heave them with one finger. All their works they do, for to be seen of
men. They set abroad their phylacteries, and make large borders on
their garments, and love to sit uppermost at feasts, and to have the
chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets and to be
called of men Rabbi.
But ye shall not suffer yourselves to be called Rabbi, for one is your
master, that is to wit Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call ye no
man your father upon the earth, for one is your father, and he is in
heaven. Be not called masters, for one is your master, and he is
Christ. He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant. But
whosoever exalteth himself, shall be brought low. And he that submiteth
himself, shall be exalted.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees dissemblers, for ye shut up the
kingdom of heaven before men: ye yourselves go not in, neither suffer
ye them that come to enter in.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees, for ye devour widows' houses,
and that under a colour of praying long prayers, wherefore ye shall
receive greater damnation.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees hypocrites, for ye compass sea
and land, to bring one into your belief: and when ye have brought him
ye make him two fold more the child of hell, than ye yourselves are.
Woe be unto you blind guides, for ye say: whosoever swear by the
temple, it is nothing: but whosoever swear by the gold of the temple,
he is debtor. Ye fools and blind? whether is greater, the gold, or the
temple that sanctifieth the gold. And whosoever sweareth by the altar
it is nothing: but whosoever sweareth by the offering that lieth on the
altar is debtor. Ye fools and blind: whether is greater the offering,
or the altar which sanctifieth the offering? whosoever therefore
sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all that thereon is. And
whosoever sweareth by the temple sweareth by it, and by him that
dwelleth therein. And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the seat
of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees dissemblers, for ye tithe mint,
annise, and cummin, and leave the weightier matters of the law undone:
judgement, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to
have left the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain out a gnat,
and swallow a camel.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees hypocrites, for ye make clean the
outer side of the cup, and of the platter: but within they are full of
bribery and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first, that which is
within the cup and the platter, that the outside may also be clean.
Woe be to you scribes, and pharisees hypocrites, for ye are like unto
painted tombs which appear beautiful outwards: but are within full of
dead men's bones and of all filthiness. So are ye, for outward ye
appear righteous unto men, when within ye are full of dissimulation and
iniquity.
Woe be unto you scribes and pharisees hypocrites, for ye build the
tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of just men, and say:
If we had been in our fathers' time, we would not have been partners
with them in the blood of the prophets. So are ye be witnesses unto
yourselves, that ye are the children of them, which killed the
prophets. Fulfil ye likewise the measure of your fathers: ye {yee}
serpents and generation of vipers, how shall ye scape the damnation of
hell?
Wherefore behold I send unto you, prophets wise men and scribes, and of
them some shall ye kill and crucify, and some shall ye scourge in your
synagogues, and persecute from city to city, that all righteous blood
may fall upon you, which was shed upon the earth, from the blood of
righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom
ye slew between the temple and the altar: Verily I say unto you, all
these things shall light upon this generation. Hierusalem Hierusalem
which killest prophets, and stonest them which are sent to thee: how
often would I have gathered thy children together, as the hen gathereth
her chickens under her wings? but ye would not? behold your habitation
shall be left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, ye shall not see
me henceforth, till that ye say: blessed is he that cometh in the name
of the lord.
The .xxiiij. Chapter.
And Iesus went out and departed from the temple: and his disciples came
to him, for to shew him the building of the temple. Iesus said unto
them: see ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you: There shall
not be here left one stone upon another, that shall not be destroyed.
And as he sat upon the mount Olivet, his disciples came unto him
secretly saying: Tell us, when this shall be? and what sign shall be of
thy coming, and of the end of the world? and Iesus answered, and said
unto them: take heed that no man deceive you, for many shall come in my
name saying: I am Christ: and shall deceive many.
Ye shall hear of wars, and of the noise of wars, but see that ye be not
troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not
yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and realm against realm: and
there shall be pestilence, and hunger, and earthquakes in all quarters.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they put you to trouble, and shall kill you, and ye shall be
hated of all nations for my name's sake: and then shall many fall, and
shall betray one another, and shall hate one the other, and many false
prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many: and because iniquity
shall have the upper hand, the love of many shall abate. But he that
endureth to the end shall be safe. And this Gospel of the kingdom shall
be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then
shall the end come.
When ye then shall see the abomination and desolation (spoken of by
Daniel the prophet) stand in the holy place: whosoever readeth it, let
him understand it. Then let them which be in Iury fly into the
mountains. And let him which is on the housetop, not come down to take
anything out of his house. Neither let him which is in the field,
return back to fetch his clothes. Woe be in those days to them that are
with child, and to them that give suck. But pray that your flight be
not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day. For then shall be great
tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world to this
time, nor shall be. Yea and except those days should be shortened,
should no flesh be saved: But for the chosens' sake those days shall be
shortened.
Then if any man shall say unto you: lo, here is Christ, or there is
Christ: believe it not: for there shall arise false christs, and false
prophets and shall give great signs and wonders. So greatly that if it
were possible, even the chosen should be brought into error. Take heed
I have told you before. If they shall say unto you: lo, he is in the
desert, go not forth: lo, he is in the secret places, believe not. For
as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west: so
shall the coming of the son of man be. For wheresoever a dead body is,
even thither will the eagles resort.
Immediately after the tribulations of those days, shall the sun be
darkeneth: and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall
fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall move. And then shall
appear the sign of the son of man in heaven. And then shall all the
kindreds of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man come in
the clouds of heaven with power and great majesty: And he shall send
his angels with the great voice of a trumpet, and they shall gather
together his chosen from the four winds, and from the one end of the
world to the other.
Learn a similitude of the fig tree: when his branches are yet tender,
and his leaves sprung, ye know that summer is nigh. So likewise when ye
see all these things, be ye sure that it is near even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all be
fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall perish: but my words shall abide. But
of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but
my father only.
As the time of Noe was, so likewise shall the coming of the son of man
be. For as in the days before the flood: they did eat and drink, marry,
and were married, even unto the day that Noe entered in to the ship,
and knew of nothing till the flood came and took them all away. So
shall also the coming of the son of man be. Then two shall be in the
fields, the one shall be received, and the other shall be refused, two
shall be grinding at the mill: the one shall be received, and the other
shall be refused.
Wake therefore, because ye know not what hour your master will come. Of
this be sure, that if the good man of the house knew what hour the
thief would come: he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be
broken up. Therefore be ye also ready, for what hour ye think least on,
in the same shall the son of man come. Who is a faithful servant and
wise, whom his master hath made ruler over his household, for to give
them meat in season convenient? happy is that servant whom his master
(when he cometh) shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, he shall
make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall
say in his heart, my master will defer his coming, and begin to smite
his fellows: yea and to eat and to drink with the drunken: that
servants master will come in a day when he looketh not for him: and in
an hour that he is not ware of, and will divide him, and give him his
reward with hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The .xxv. Chapter.
Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto x virgins, which took
their lamps, and went to meet the bridegroom: five of them were
foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took their lamps, but took
none oil with them. But the wise took oil with them in their vessels
with their lamps also. While the bridegroom tarried, all slumbered and
slept. And even at midnight, there was a cry made: behold, the
bridegroom cometh, go and meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and
prepared their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: give us of your
oil, for our lamps go out? But the wise answered, saying: not so, lest
there be not enough for us and you, but go rather to them that sell,
and buy for yourselves. In conclusion while they went to buy, the
bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the
wedding, and the gate was shut up. Afterwards came also the other
virgins, saying: master master, open to us. But he answered, and said:
verily I say unto you: I know you not: look that ye watch therefore,
for ye know neither the day nor yet the hour, when the son of man shall
come.
Likewise as a certain man ready to take his journey to a strange
country, called his servants to him, and delivered to them his goods.
And unto one he gave v. talents, to another ij. and to another one: to
every man after his ability, and straight way departed. Then he that
had received the five talents, went and bestowed them, and won other
five. Likewise he that received ij gained other ij. But he that
received one, went and digged a pit in the earth and hid his master's
money. After a long season the lord of those servants came, and
reckoned with them. Then came he that had received five talents, and
brought other five saying: master, thou deliveredst unto me five
talents, lo I have gained with them five more. His master said unto
him: well good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little,
I will make thee ruler over much: enter in into thy master's joy. Also
he that received ij talents came, and said: master, thou deliveredest
unto me ij talents: lo I have won ij other talents with them. His
master said unto him, well good servant and faithful thou hast been
faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much, go in into thy
master's joy.
He which had received the one talent came also, and said: master, I
considered that thou wast an hard man, which reapest where thou sowedst
not, and gatherest where thou strawedst not, and was afraid, and went
and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. His master
answered, and said unto him: evil servant and slothful, thou knewest
that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I strawed not: thou
oughtest therefore to have had my money to the changers, and then at my
coming should I have received my money with vantage. Take therefore the
talent from him, and give it unto him which hath x. talents. For unto
every man that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. And
from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that he hath. And
cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness, there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth.
When the son of man shall come in his majesty, and all his holy angels
with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty, and before
him shall be gathered all nations. And he shall sever them one from
another, as a shepherd putteth asunder the sheep from the goats. And he
shall set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on the left hand.
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand: Come ye blessed
children of my father, inherit ye the kingdom prepared for you from the
beginning of the world. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat. I
thirsted, and ye gave me drink. I was harborless, and ye lodged me. I
was naked and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me. I was in
prison and ye came unto me.
Then shall the just answer him saying: master, when, saw we thee an
hungered, and fed thee? or a thirst, and gave thee drink? when saw we
thee harborless, and lodged thee? or naked and clothed thee? or when
saw we thee sick, or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall
answer and say unto them: verily I say unto you: in as much as ye have
done it unto one of the least of these my brethren: ye have done it to
me.
Then shall the king say unto them that shall be on the left hand:
depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which is prepared for
the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no
meat. I thirsted, and ye gave me no drink. I was harborless, and ye
lodged me not. I was naked, and ye clothed me not. I was sick and in
prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him saying: master, when saw we thee an
hungered, or a thirst, or harborless, or naked, or sick, or in prison,
and have not ministered unto thee? then shall he answer them, and say:
Verily I say unto you, in as much as ye did it not to one of the least
of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go into everlasting
pain: And the righteous into life eternal.
The .xxvj. Chapter.
And it followed: when Iesus had finished all these sayings, he said
unto his disciples: ye know that after ij. days shall be ester, and the
son of man shall be delivered to be crucified.
Then assembled together the chief priests and scribes and seniors of
the people into the palace of the high priest, called Caiphas: and held
a counsel, how they might take Iesus by subtlety, and kill him. but
they said, not on the holy day, lest any trouble arise among the
people.
When Iesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came
unto him a woman, which had an alabaster box of precious ointment, and
poured it on his head, as he sat at the board. When his disciples saw
that, they had indignation saying: what needed this waste? This
ointment might have been well sold, and given to the poor. When Iesus
understood that, he said unto them: why trouble ye the woman? she hath
wrought a good work upon me. For ye shall have poor folk always with
you: but me shall ye not have always. And in that she casted this
ointment on my body, she did it to bury me with all. Verily I say unto
you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout all the
world, there shall also this that she hath done, be told for a memorial
of her.
Then one of the twelve called Iudas Iscariot went unto the chief
priests, and said: what will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto
you? And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that
time he sought opportunity to betray him.
The first day of unleavened bread the disciples came to Iesus saying
unto him: where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the ester
lamb? And he said: Go into the city, unto such a man, and say to him:
the master saith, my time is almost come, I will keep mine ester at thy
house with my disciples. And the disciples did as Iesus had appointed
them, and made ready the ester lamb.
When the even was come, he sat down with the xij. And as they did eat,
he said: Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And
they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto
him: is it I master? He answered and said: he that dippeth his hand
with me in the dish, shall betray me. The son of man goeth as it is
written of him: but woe be to that man, by whom the son of man shall be
betrayed. It had been good for that man, if he had never been born.
Then Iudas which betrayed him, answered and said: is it I master? He
said unto him: thou hast said. As they did ate, Iesus took bread and
gave thanks, brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: Take,
eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it
them, saying: drink of it every one. This is my blood of the new
testament, which shall be shed for many, for the forgiveness of sins. I
say unto you: I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine
tree, until that day, when I shall drink it new with you in my father's
kingdom.
And when they had said grace, they went out into mount olivet. Then
said Iesus unto them: all ye shall fall this night because of me. For
it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock
shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before
you into Galile. Peter answered, and said unto him: though all men
should be hurt by thee, yet would I not be hurt. Iesus said unto him:
verily I say unto thee, that this same night before the cock crow, thou
shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him: If I should die with thee,
yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
Then went Iesus with them into a place, which is called Gethsemane, and
said unto his disciples: sit ye here while I go and pray yonder. And he
took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebede, and began to wax
sorrowful and to be in agony. Then said Iesus unto them: my soul is
heavy even unto the death. Tarry ye here: and watch with me. And he
went away a little apart, and fell flat on his face, and prayed saying:
O my father, if it possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless,
not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he came unto the disciples, and
found them asleep, and said to Peter: what, could ye not watch with me
one hour? watch and pray, that ye fall not into temptation. The spirit
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
He went away once more, and prayed, saying: O my father, if this cup
cannot pass away from me, but that I drink of it, thy will be
fulfilled. And he came, and found them asleep again. For their eyes
were heavy. And he left and went again, and prayed the third time
saying the same words. Then came he to his disciples and said unto
them: Sleep henceforth, and take your rest. Take heed the hour is at
hand, and the son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Rise, let us be going, he is at hand that shall betray me.
While he yet spake, lo, Iudas one of the twelve came, and with him a
great multitude with swords and staves, which were sent from the chief
priests and seniors of the people. He that betrayed him, gave them a
token, saying: whosoever I kiss, that same is he, lay hands on him. And
forth with all he came to Iesus, and said: hail master. And kissed him.
And Iesus said unto him: friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came
they and laid hands on Iesus and took him.
And behold, one of them which were with Iesus, stretched out his hand
and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote
off his ear. Then said Iesus unto him: put up thy sword into his
sheath. For all they that lay hands on the sword, shall perish with the
sword. Either thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my father, and he
shall give me more than xij. legions of angels? how then should the
scriptures be fulfilled, for so must it be.
The same time said Iesus to the multitude: ye be come out as it were
unto a thief, with swords and staves for to take me: daily I sat among
you teaching in the temple, and ye took me not. All this was done that
the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the
disciples forsook him and fled. And they took Iesus and led him to
Caiphas the high priest, where the scribes and the seniors were
assembled. Peter followed him afar off, unto the high priest's place:
and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end.
The chief priests, and the seniors, and all the council, sought false
witness against Iesus, for to put him to death, and they found none: in
so much that when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At
the last came two false witnesses, and said: This fellow said: I can
destroy the temple of God, and build the same in iij days.
And the chief priest arose, and said to him: answerest thou nothing?
How is it that these bear witness against thee? but Iesus held his
peace. And the chief priest answered, and said to him: I charge thee in
the name of the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be Christ
the son of God. Iesus said to him: thou hast said. Nevertheless I say
unto you, hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right
hand of power, and come in the clouds of the sky.
Then the high priest rent his clothes saying? He hath blasphemed: what
need we of any more witnesses? Lo, now have ye heard his blasphemy:
what think ye? They answered and said: he is worthy to die. Then spat
they in his face, and beat him with their fists. And other smote him
with the palm of their hands on the face, saying: areed to us Christ,
who is he that smote thee?
Peter sat without in the palace, and a damsel came to him, saying: Thou
also wast with Iesus of Galilee: he denied before them all saying: I
wot not what thou sayest. When he was gone out into the porch, another
wench saw him, and said unto them that were there: This fellow was also
with Iesus of Nazareth: And again he denied with an oath, and said: I
know not the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by,
and said unto Peter: surely thou art even one of them, for thy speech
betrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, that he knew not
the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the words
of Iesu, which he said unto him: before the cock crow, thou shalt deny
me thrice: and went out at the doors and wept bitterly.
The .xxvij. Chapter.
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and seniors of the
people held a counsel against Iesu, to put him to death, and brought
him bound and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the deputy.
Then when Iudas which betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, he
repented himself, and brought again the xxx. plates of silver to the
chief priests and seniors saying: I have sinned betraying the innocent
blood. And they said: what is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast
down the silver plates in the temple, and departed, and went and hung
himself.
The chief priests took the silver plates and said: it is not lawful for
to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And
they took counsel, and bought with them a potter's field to bury
strangers in. Wherefore that field is called, the field of blood, until
this day. Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken by Ieremy the
prophet, saying: and they took xxx. silver plates, the value of him
that was priced, whom they bought of the children of Israhel, and they
gave them for the potter's field, as the lord appointed me.
Iesus stood before the deputy: and the deputy asked him, saying: Art
thou the king of the jewes? Iesus said unto him: Thou sayest. When he
was accused of the chief priests and seniors, he answered nothing. Then
said Pilate unto him: hearest thou not how many things they lay against
thee? and he answered him to never a word: in so much that the deputy
marvelled very sore.
At that feast, the deputy was wont to deliver unto the people a
prisoner whom they would choose. He had then a notable prisoner called
Barabbas. And when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them:
whether will ye that I give loose unto you, Barabbas, or Iesus which is
called Christ? For he knew well, that for envy they had delivered him.
When he was set down to give judgement, his wife sent to him, saying:
have thou nothing to do with that just man, I have suffered many things
this day in my sleep about him.
The chief priests and the seniors had persuaded the people, that they
should ask Barabbas, and should destroy Iesus. The deputy answered and
said unto them: whether of the twain will ye that I let loose unto you?
And they said, Barabbas. Pilate said unto them: what shall I do then
with Iesus, which is called Christ? They all said to him: let him be
crucified. Then said the deputy: what evil hath he done? And they cried
the more saying: let him be crucified.
When Pilate saw that he prevailed nothing, but that more business was
made, he took water and washed his hands before the people saying: I am
innocent of the blood of this just person, and that ye shall see. Then
answered all the people, and said: his blood fall on us, and on our
children. Then let he Barabbas loose unto them, and scourged Iesus, and
delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the deputy took
Iesus unto the common hall, and gathered unto him all the company. And
they stripped him, and put on him a purple robe, and plaited a crown of
thorns and put upon his head, and a reed in his right hand. And bowed
their knees before him, saying: hail king of the jewes, and spitted
upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head.
And when they had mocked him, they took the robe off him again, and put
his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they
came out, they found a man of Cyren, named Simon: him they compelled to
bear his cross. And came unto the place, which is called Golgotha (that
is to say a place of dead men's skulls) they gave him vinegar to drink
mixt with gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
When they had crucified him, they parted his garments, and did cast
lots. To fulfil that was spoken by the prophet: They divided my
garments among them: and upon my vesture have cast lots. And they sat
and watched him there. And they set up over his head the cause of his
death written: This is Iesus the king of the jewes. And there were two
thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the
left hand.
They that passed by, reviled him wagging their heads and saying: Thou
that destroyest the temple of God, and buildest it in three days save
thyself. If thou be the son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise
also the prelates mocking him with the scribes and seniors said: He
saved other, himself he cannot save. If he be the king of Israhell: let
him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted
in God, let God deliver him now if he will have him, for he said, I am
the son of God. That same also the thieves, which were crucified with
him cast in his teeth.
From the sixth hour was there darkness over all the land unto the ninth
hour. And about the ninth hour Iesus cried with a loud voice, saying:
Eli Eli lama sabathani. That is to say, my God, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that said:
This man calleth for Helias. And straightway one of them ran and took a
sponge and filled it full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave
him to drink. Other said let be, let us see whether Helias will come
and deliver him. Iesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up the
ghost.
And behold the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones did rent, and graves
did open, and the bodies of many saints which slept, arose: and came
out of the graves after his resurrection, and came into the holy city,
and appeared unto many.
When the petty captain, and they that were with him watching Iesus, saw
the earthquake and those things which happened, they feared greatly
saying, Of a surety this was the son of God.
And many women were there, beholding him afar off, which followed Iesus
from Galile, ministering unto him: among the which was Mary Magdalen,
and Mary the mother of Iames and the mother of Ioses, and the mother of
Zebedee's children.
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathia named
Ioseph, which same also was Iesus' disciple. He went to Pilate and
begged the body of Iesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be
delivered. And Ioseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen
cloth, and put it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out even in the
rock, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and
departed. And there was Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sitting over
against the sepulchre.
The next day that followeth good friday, the high priests and pharisees
got themselves to Pilate, and said: Sir, we remember, that this
deceiver said while he was yet alive. After three days I will arise
again, command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the
third day, lest peradventure his disciples come, and steal him away,
and say unto the people, he is risen from death: And then the last
error shall be worse than the first was. Pilate said unto them: Take
watchmen: Go and make it as sure as ye can. They went and made the
sepulchre sure with watchmen, and sealed the stone.
The .xxviij. Chapter.
The saboth day at even which dawneth the morrow after the saboth, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre.
And behold there was a great earthquake. For the angel of the lord
descended from heaven: and came and rolled back the stone from the
door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his
raiment white as snow. For fear of him the keepers were astunned, and
became as dead men.
The angel answered, and said to the women, Fear ye not. I know well ye
seek Iesus which was crucified: he is not here: he is risen as he said.
Come, and see the place where the lord was put. And go quickly and tell
his disciples that he is risen from death. And behold, he will go
before you into Galile, there ye shall see him. Lo I have told you.
And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great Ioy.
And did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his
disciples: behold, Iesus met them saying: God speed you. They came and
held him by the feet and worshipped him. Then said Iesus unto them: be
not afraid. Go and tell my brethren, that they go into Galile, and
there shall they see me. When they were gone: behold, some of the
keepers came in to the city, and shewed unto the prelates, all the
things which had happened. And they gathered them together with the
seniors, and took counsel, and gave large money unto the soldiers,
saying: Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while
ye slept. And if this come to the ruler's ears, we will pease him, and
make you safe. And they took the money and did as they were taught. And
this saying is noised among the jews unto this day.
Then the xj. disciples went away into Galile, into a mountain where
Iesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him.
But some of them doubted. Iesus came and spake unto them, saying: All
power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. Go therefore and teach
all nations, baptising them in the name of the father, and the son, and
the holy ghost: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I
commanded you. And lo, I am with you alway even until the end of the
world.
Here endeth the Gospell of S. Mathew.
The gospell of S. Marke
The first Chapter.
The beginning of the Gospell of Iesu Christ the son of God, as it is
written in the prophets, behold I send my messenger before thy face
which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one that crieth
in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the lord, make his paths
straight.
Ihon did baptise in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of
repentance, for the remission of sins. And all the land of Iewry, and
they of Ierusalem went out unto him, and were all baptised of him in
the river Iordan, knowledging, their sins.
Ihon was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a beasts skin
about his loins. And he ate locusts and wild honey, and preached
saying: a stronger than I cometh after me, whose shoe latchet I am not
worthy to stoop down and unloose. I have baptised you with water: but
he shall baptise you with the holy ghost.
And it came to pass in those days, that Iesus came from Nazareth, a
city of Galile: and was baptised of Ihon in Iordan.
And immediately he came out of the water, and saw the heavens open, and
the holy ghost descending upon him like a dove. And there came a voice
from heaven: Thou art my dear son, in whom I delight. And immediately
the spirit drove him into a wilderness: and he was there in the
wilderness xl. days, and was tempted of Satan, and was with wild
beasts. And the angels ministered unto him.
After that Ihon was taken, Iesus came into Galile, preaching the gospel
of the kingdom of God, and saying: the time is ful come, and the
kingdom of God is even at hand, repent and believe the gospel.
As he walked by the sea of Galile, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother
casting nets into the sea, for they were fishers. And Iesus said unto
them: follow me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they
straightway forsook their nets, and followed him.
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw Iames the son of
Zebede, and Ihon his brother, even as they were in the ship dressing
their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their father Zebede
in the ship with his hired servants, and went their way after him.
And they entered into Capernaum, and straight way on the Sabbath days
he entered into the synagogue and taught. And they marvelled at his
learning. For he taught them as one which had power with him, and not
as the scribes did.
And there was in the Synagogue, a man vexed with an unclean spirit, and
he cried saying: let me alone: what have we to do with thee Iesus of
Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know what thou art, thou art
that holy man promised of God. And Iesus rebuked him, saying: hold thy
peace and come out of the man. And the unclean spirit tare him, cried
out with a loud voice, and came out of him. And they were all amazed,
insomuch that they demanded one of another among themselves, saying:
what thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for he commandeth the
foul spirits with power, and they obey him. Anon his name spread abroad
throughout all the region bordering on Galile.
And immediately as soon as they were come out of the Synagogue, they
entered into the house of Simon and Andrew with Iames and Ihon. Simon's
motherinlaw lay sick of a fever, and anon they told him of her. And he
came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever forsook
her by and by: And she ministered unto them.
And at even when the sun was down, they brought unto him all that were
diseased, and them that were possessed with devils, and all the city
gathered together at the door, and he healed many that were sick of
divers diseases. And he cast out many: devils and suffered not the
devils to speak, because they knew him.
And in the morning very early, Iesus arose and went out into a solitary
place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed
after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him: all men
seek for thee. And he said unto them: let us go in to the next towns,
that I may preach there also: for truly I came out for that purpose.
And he preached in their synagogues, throughout all Galile, and cast
devils out.
And there came a leper to him beseeching him, and kneeled down unto
him, and said unto him: if thou wilt, thou arte able to make me clean.
Iesus had compassion on him, and put forth his hand, touched him, and
said unto him: I will, be clean. And as soon as he had spoken,
immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. and he
charged him and sent him away forthwith and said unto him: See that
thou tell no man, but get thee hence and shew thyself to the priest,
and offer for thy cleansing, those things which Moses commanded, for a
testimonial unto them. But he (as soon as he was departed) began to
tell many things and to publish the deed, insomuch that Iesus could no
more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places, and
they came to him from every quarter.
The .ij. Chapter.
After a few days he entered into Capernaum again, and it was noised
that he was in a house: And anon many gathered together, insomuch that
now there was no room to receive them: no, not in places about the
door. And he preached unto them. And there came unto him that brought
one sick of the palsy, borne of four men: and because they could not
come nigh unto him for press: They opened the roof of the house where
he was. And when they had broken it open, they let down the bed wherein
the sick of the palsy lay. When Iesus saw their faith, he said to the
sick of the palsy, son thy sins are forgiven thee.
There were certain of the scribes sitting, and reasoning in their
hearts: how doth this fellow so blaspheme? Who can forgiven sins, but
God only? And immediately when Iesus perceived in his spirit, that they
so reasoned in themselves, he said unto them: why think ye such things
in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy,
thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, arise, take up thy bed and walk?
That ye may know that the son of man hath power in earth to forgive
sins, he spake unto the sick of the palsy: I say unto thee, arise and
take up thy bed, and get thee hence into thine own house. And by and by
he arose, took up his bed, and went forth before them all: in so much
that they were all amazed, and glorified God saying: we never saw it on
this fashion.
And he went out again unto the sea, and all the people resorted unto
him, and he taught them. And as Iesus passed by, he saw Levi the son of
Alphey, sit at the receipt of custom and said unto him: follow me. And
he arose and followed him. And it came to pass, as Iesus sat at meat in
his house, many publicans and sinners sat at meat also with Iesus and
his disciples. For there were many that followed him. And when the
scribes and pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said
unto his disciples: how is it, that he eateth and drinketh with
publicans and sinners? When Iesus heard that, he said unto them. The
whole have no need of the Physician: but the sick. I came to call the
sinners to repentance, and not the just.
And the disciples of Ihon and of the pharisees did fast, and they came
and said unto him: Why do the disciples of Ihon and of the pharisees
fast, and thy disciples fast not. And Iesus said unto them: can the
children of a wedding fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long
as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days
will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them and then shall
they fast in those days.
Also no man soweth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for then
taketh he away the new piece from the old, and so is the rent worse.
In like wise, no man poureth new wine into old vessels, for if he do
the new wine breaketh the vessels, and the wine runneth out, and the
vessels are marred. But new wine must be poured into new vessels.
And it chanced that he went thorow the corn fields on the sabboth day,
and his disciples as they went on their way, began to pluck the ears of
corn. And the pharisees said unto him: Take heed why do they on the
sabboth day that which is unlawful? And he said to them: have ye never
read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered both he and
they that were with him? How they went into the house of God in the
days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the hallowed loaves, which is
not lawful but for the priests only to eat: and gave also to them which
were with him? And he said to them: the saboth day was made for man,
and not man for the saboth day. Wherefore is the son of man lord even
of the saboth day.
The .iij. Chapter.
And he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man which had
a withered hand: and they watched him to see, if he would heal him on
the saboth day, that they might accuse him. And he said unto the man
which had the withered hand: arise and stand in the midst. And he said
to them: whether is it lawful to do a good deed on the sabboth day, or
an evil? to save a man's life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
And he looked round about on them angerly mourning on the blindness of
their hearts. And said to the man: stretch forth thine hand. And he
stretched it forth: And the hand was restored, even as whole as the
other.
The pharisees departed, and straightway gathered a counsel with them
that belonged to Herode against him, that they might destroy him. And
Iesus avoided with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude
followed him from Galilee and from Iewry, and from Hierusalem, and from
Idumea, and from beyond Iordan: and they that dwelled about Tyre and
Sidon, a great multitude: which when they had heard what things he did,
came unto him.
And he commanded his disciples, that a ship should wait on him, because
of the people, lest they should throng him. For he had healed many, in
so much that they pressed upon him, for to touch him, as many as had
plagues. And when the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before
him, and cried saying: thou art the son of God: And he straightly
charged them that they should not utter him.
And he went up into a mountain, and called unto him whom he would, and
they came unto him. And he ordained the twelve that they should be with
him, and that he might send them to preach. And that they might have
power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils. And he gave Simon, to
name, Peter. And he called Iames the son of Zebedee, and Ihon Iames
brother, and gave them Bonargs to name, which is to say the sons of
thunder. And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartelemew, and Matthew, and
Thomas, and Iames the son of Alphey, and Taddeus, and Simon of Cane,
and Iudas Iscarioth, which same also betrayed him.
And they came unto house, and the people assembled together again, so
greatly that they had not leisure so much as to eat bread. And when
they that longed unto him heard of it, they went out to hold him. For
they said, he is too fervent. And the scribes which came from
Ierusalem, said: he hath Beelzebub, and by the power of the chief
devil, casteth out devils. And he called them unto him, and in
similitudes said unto them.
How can Satan drive out Satan? For if a realm be divided against
itself, that realm cannot endure. And if a house be divided against
itself, that house cannot continue: So if Satan make insurrection
against himself, and be divided, he cannot continue, but hath an end.
No man can enter into a strong man's house, and take away his goods,
except he first bind that strong man and then spoil his house.
Verily I say unto you all sins shall be forgiven unto men's children:
and blasphemy, wherewith they blaspheme: but he that blasphemeth the
holy ghost, shall never have forgiveness: but is in danger of eternal
damnation. For they said, he had an unclean spirit.
And there came his mother and his brethren, and stood without, and sent
unto him and called him: And the people sat about him, and said unto
him: behold thy mother and thy brethren seek for thee without. And he
answered them, saying: who is my mother, and my brethren? And he looked
round about on his disciples, which sat in compass about him, and said:
behold my mother, and my brethren:
For whosoever doeth the will of God, he is my brother, my sister and
mother.
The .iiij. Chapter.
And he began again to teach by the seaside. And there gathered together
unto him much people, so greatly that he entered in to a ship, and sat
in the sea, and all the people was by the seaside on the shore: And he
taught them many things in similitudes, and said unto them in his
doctrine. Hearken to. Behold, The sower went out to sow, and it
fortuned as he sowed, that some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of
the air came and devoured it up. Some fell on a stony ground: where it
had not much earth: and by and by sprang up, because it had not depth
of earth: and as soon as the sun was up it caught heat: and because it
had not rooting it withered away. And some fell among the thorns, and
the thorns grew up and choked it, so that it gave no fruit. And some
fell upon good ground: and did yield fruit that sprang and grew: and
brought forth some thirty fold, some forty {or sixty} fold, and some an
hundred fold. And he said unto them: He that hath ears to hear, let him
hear.
When he was alone, they that were, about him with the twelve asked him
of the similitude. And he said unto them: To you it is given to know
the mystery of the kingdom of God: But unto them that are without,
shall all things be done in similitudes: that when they see, they shall
see, and not discern: and when they hear they shall hear, and not
understand: lest at any time they should turn, and their sins should be
forgiven them. And he said unto them: Perceive ye not this similitude.
And how ye shall know all similitudes?
The sower soweth the word. These be they which are by the ways side,
where the word is sown, to whom as soon as they have heard it, cometh
the devil and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And
these also are they that are sown on the stony ground: which when they
have heard the word, at once they receive it with joy, yet have no root
in themselves, and so endure but for a season: afterward as soon as any
trouble or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, anon they fall. And
these are they that are sown among the thorns, which hear the word of
God, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, and
the lusts of other things enter in, and choke the word, and it is made
unfruitful. And these that were sown in good ground, are they that hear
the word and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirty fold some
sixty fold, some an hundred fold.
And he said unto them: is the candle lighted, to be put under a bushel,
or under the bord: is it not therefore lighted that it should be put on
a candlestick? For there is nothing so privy, that shall not be opened:
neither so secret, but that it shall come abroad. If any man have ears
to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them: take heed what ye hear.
With what measure ye mete, with the same shall it be measured unto you
again. And unto you that have shall more be given. For unto him that
hath, shall it be given: And unto him that hath not, shall be taken
away, even that he hath.
And he said: so is the kingdom of God, even as if a man should sow seed
in the ground, and should sleep and rise up night and day: and the seed
should spring, and grow up while he is not ware. For the earth bringeth
forth fruit of herself, first the blade, then the ears, after that full
corn in the ears. And as soon as the fruit is brought forth, anon he
thrusteth in the sickle because that harvest is come.
And he said: whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what
comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed,
which when it is sown in the earth, is the least of all seeds that be
in the earth: And after that it is sown it groweth up, and is greatest
of all herbs: and beareth great branches so that the fowls of the air
may dwell under the shadow of it.
And with many such similitudes he preached the word unto them, after as
they might hear it. And without similitude spake he nothing unto them.
But when they were apart, he expounded all things to his disciples. And
the same day when even was come he said unto them: let us pass over
into the other side. And they late the people depart and took him even
as he was in the ship. There were also with him other ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and dashed the waves into the
ship, so that it was full. And he was in the stern asleep on a pillow.
And they awoke him, and said to him: Master, carest thou not that we
perish? And he rose up and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea:
peace and be still. And the wind allayed, and there followed a great
calm: and he said unto them: why are ye fearful? How is it that ye have
no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another: what
fellow is this? for both wind and sea obey him.
The .v. Chapter.
And they came over to the other side of the sea into the country of the
Gaderens. And when he was come out of the ship, anon met him out of the
graves a man possessed of an unclean spirit, which had his abiding
among the graves. And no man could bind him with chains, because that
when he was often bound with fetters and chains, he plucked the chains
asunder, and brake the fetters in pieces: Neither could any man tame
him. And always both night and day he cried in the mountains and in the
graves and beat himself with stones. When he had spied Iesus afar off,
he ran, and worshipped him, and cried with a loud voice and said: what
have I to do, with thee Iesus the son of the most highest God? I
require thee in the name of God, that thou torment me not. For he had
said unto him: Come forth of the man thou foul spirit. And he asked
him: what is thy name? and he answered him, my name is legion, for we
are many. And he prayed him instantly, that he would not send them away
out of that region.
There was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding,
and all the devils besought him saying: send us into the herd of swine,
that we may enter into them. And anon Iesus gave them leave, And the
unclean spirits went out and entered into the swine. And the herd
startled, and ran headlong into the sea. They were about ijM. swine,
and they were drowned in the sea. And the swine herders fled, and told
it in the city, and in the country. And they came out for to see, what
had happened, And they came out to Iesus, and they saw him that was
vexed with the fiend and had the Legion sit, both clothed and in his
right mind, and were afraid. And they that saw it told them, how it had
happened unto him that was possessed with the devil: and also of the
swine. And they began to pray him, that he would depart from their
coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had the devil
prayed him that he might be with him. Iesus would not suffer him but
said unto him: go home into thine own house and to thy friends, and
shew them what things the lord hath done unto thee, and how he had
compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in the ten
cities, what things Iesus had done unto him, and all men did marvel.
And when Iesus was come over again in the ship unto the other side,
much people gathered unto him, and he was nigh unto the sea. And
behold, there came unto him one of the rulers of the Synagogue, whose
name was Iairus: and when he saw him, he fell down at his feet, and
besought him greatly saying: my daughter lieth at point of death, I
would thou wouldst come and lay thy hand on her, that she might be safe
and live. And he went with him, and much people followed him, and
thronged him.
And there was a woman, which was diseased of an issue of blood twelve
year, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent
all that she had, and felt none amendment at all: But waxed worse and
worse. When she had heard of Iesus: she came into the press behind him,
and touched his garment. For she said: If I may but touch his clothing,
I shall be whole. And straight way her fountain of blood was dried up,
and she felt in her body, that she was healed of the plague.
And Iesus immediately felt in himself, the vertue that went out of him,
and turned him round about in the press, and said: Who touched my
clothes? And his disciples said unto him: thou seest the people
thrusting thee on every side, and yet sayest: who did touch me? And he
looked round about, for to see her that had done that thing. The woman
feared and trembled, for she knew what was done within her. And she
came and fell down before him and told him the truth of everything. And
he said unto her: Daughter, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace, and
be whole of thy plague.
While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogi's house,
certain which said: thy daughter is dead: why diseasest thou the Master
any further? As soon as Iesus heard that word spoken, he said unto the
ruler of the Synagogue: Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no
man to follow him more than Peter, and Iames and Ihon Iames brother.
And he came unto the house of the ruler of the Synagogue, and saw the
wondering and them that wept and wailed greatly,
And he went in and said unto them: Why make ye this ado and weep? The
maiden is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. Then
he put them all out, and took the father and the mother of the maiden,
and them that were with him, and entered in where the maiden lay, And
took the maiden by the hand, and said unto her: Tabitha, cumi: which is
by interpretation: maiden I say unto thee, arise. And straight the
maiden arose, and went on her feet. For she was of the age of twelve
year. And they were astonied at it out of measure. And he charged them
straitly that no man should know of it. And commanded to give her meat.
The .vj. Chapter.
And he departed thence, and came into his own country, and his
disciples followed him. And when the saboth day was come, he began to
teach in the synagogue. And many that heard him were astonied, and
said: From whence hath he these things? and what wisdom is this that is
given unto him? and such virtues that are wrought by his hands? Is not
this that carpenter Marys son, the brother of Iames, and Ioses and Iuda
and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were hurt by
the reason of him. And Iesus said unto them: a prophet is not despised
but in his own country, and among his own kin, and among them that are
of the same household. And he could there shew no miracles but laid his
hands upon a few sick folk and healed them. And he marvelled at their
unbelief.
And he went about by the towns that lie in circuit, teaching. And he
called the twelve, and began to send them, two and two, and gave them
power over unclean spirits. And commanded them, that they should take
nothing unto their Iourney, save a rod only: Neither scrip, neither
bread, neither money in their purses: but should be shod with sandals.
And that they should not put on two coats. And said unto them:
wheresoever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart thence.
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart
thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet, for a remembrance
unto them. I say verily unto you, it shallbe easier for Sodom and
Gomor, at the day of judgement, than for that city.
And they went out and preached, that they should repent: and they cast
out many devils. And they anointed, many that were sick with oil and
healed them.
And king Herode heard of him, for his name was spread abroad, And he
said: Ihon Baptist is risen again from death, and therefore miracles
are wrought in him. Other said, it is Helias: and some said: it is a
prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herode heard of him, he
said: it is Ihon whom I beheaded, he is risen from death again.
For Herode himself, had sent forth, and had taken Ihon, and bound him
and cast him into prison for Herodias' sake which was his brother
Philip's wife. For he had married her. Ihon said unto Herode: It is not
lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Herodias laid wait for him,
and would have killed him, but she could not. For Herode feared Ihon,
knowing that he was just and holy, and gave him reverence, And when he
heard him he did many things, and heard him gladly.
And when a convenient day was come: Herode on his birthday made a
supper to the lords, captains, and chief estates of Galile. And the
daughter of the same Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herode
and them that sat at board also. Then the king said unto the maiden:
ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto
her, whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, even unto
the one half of my kingdom. And she went forth and said to her mother:
what shall I ask? And she said: Ihon baptist's head. And she came in
straightway with haste unto the king, and asked saying: I will, that
thou give me by and by in a charger the head of Ihon baptist. And the
king was sorry yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat
at supper also, he would not put her beside her purpose. And
immediately the king sent the hangman and commanded his head to be
brought in. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his
head in a charger and gave it to the maiden, and the maiden gave it to
her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his
body, and put it in a tomb.
And the apostles gathered themselves together to Iesus, and told him
all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he
said unto them: come ye apart into the wilderness, and rest awhile. For
there were many comers and goers. And they had no leisure wos for to
eat. And he went by ship aside out of the way into a desert place. And
the people spied them when they departed: and many knew him, and they
hasted afoot thither out of every city, and came thither before them,
And came together unto him. And Iesus went out and saw much people, and
had compassion on them, because they were like sheep which had no
shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him saying:
this is a desert place, and now the day is far passed, let them depart,
that they may go into the country round about, and into the towns, and
buy them bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto
them: give ye them to eat. And they said unto him: shall we go and buy
ij.C. pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He said unto them: how
many loaves have ye? Go and look. And when they had searched, they
said: v. and ij. fishes. And he commanded them to make them all sit
down, by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down here a row
and there a row, by hundreds and by fifties. And he took the v. loaves
and the ij. fishes And looked up to heaven and blest, and brake the
loaves, and gave them to his disciples to put before them, and the ij.
fishes he divided among them all. And they all ate, and were satisfied.
And they took up twelve baskets full of the gobbets and of the fishes.
And they that ate were about five thousand men.
And straightway he caused his disciples to go into the ship, and to go
over the water before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
And as soon as he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to
pray. And when even was come the ship was in the midst of the sea, and
he alone on the land, and he saw them troubled in rowing, for the wind
was contrary unto them. And about the fourth quarter of the night, he
came unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
When they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a
spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were afraid. And anon
he talked with them, and said unto them: be of good cheer, it is I, be
not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind
ceased, and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and
marvelled. For they remembered not of the loaves, because their hearts
were blinded.
And they came over, and went into the land of Genazareth, and drew up
into the haven. And as soon as they were come out of the ship, straight
they knew him, and ran forth throughout all the region round a about,
and began to carry about in beds all that were sick, when they heard
tell that he was there. And whithersoever he entered into the towns, or
cities, or villages, they laid their sick in the streets, and prayed
him, that they might touch and it were but the edge of his vesture. And
as many as touched him were safe.
The .vij. Chapter.
And the pharisees came together unto him, and divers of the scribes
which came from Ierusalem. And when they saw certain of his disciples
eat bread with common hands (that is to say, with unwashen hands) they
complained. For the pharisees, and all the jews, except they wash their
hands often, eat not, observing the traditions of the seniors. And when
they come from the market, except they wash themselves they eat not.
And many other things there be, which they have taken upon them to
observe, as the washing of cups and cruses, and of brazen vessels, and
of tables.
Then asked him the pharisees and scribes: why walk not thy disciples
according to the traditions of the seniors, but eat bread with unwashen
hands? He answered and said unto them: well prophesied hath Esaias of
you hypocrites as it is written: This people honoureth me with their
lips, but their heart is far from me: In vain they worship me, teaching
doctrines which are nothing but the commandments of men, for ye lay the
commandment of God apart, and ye observe the traditions of men as the
washing of cruses and of cups, and many other such like things ye do.
And he said unto them: well, ye put away the commandment of God, to
maintain your own traditions. For Moses said: Honour thy father and thy
mother: and whosoever saith evil of his father or mother, let him die
for it. But ye say: a man shall say to his father or mother Corban,
that is, whatsoever thing I offer, that same doeth profit thee. And ye
suffer no more that a man do anything for his father or mother, and
thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect through your
own traditions which ye have ordained. And many such things ye do.
And he called all the people unto him, and said unto them: Hearken unto
me every one of you and understand: There is nothing with out a man
that can defile him when it entereth into him, but those things which
proceed out of him are those which defile a man. If any man have ears
to hear, let him hear. And when he came into a house away from the
people, his disciples asked him of the similitude, and he said unto
them: Do ye than lack understanding: Do ye not yet perceive, that
whatsoever thing from without entereth into a man, it cannot defile
him, because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly: and
goeth out into the draught that purgeth out all meats.
And he said that defileth a man which cometh out of a man. For from
within even out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts: advoutry,
fornication, murder, theft, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
uncleanness, and a wicked eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these
evil things, come from within, and defile a man.
And from thence he rose and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon,
and entered into an house, and would that no man should have known of
him: But he could not be hid. For a certain woman whose daughter had a
foul spirit when she heard of him, came and fell down at his feet. The
woman was a greek out of Syrophenicia, and she besought him that he
would cast out the devil out of her daughter. Iesus said unto her: let
the children first be fed. It is not meet, to take the children's
bread, and to cast it unto whelps. She answered and said unto him: even
so Master, nevertheless, the whelps also eat under the table of the
children's crumbs. And he said unto her: for this saying go thy way,
the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come home to
her house she found the devil departed, and her daughter lying on the
bed.
And he departed again from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, and came unto
the sea of Galile thorow the midst of the coasts of the x. cities. And
they brought unto him one that was deaf, and stammered in his speech,
and prayed him to lay his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the
people, and put his fingers in his ears, and did spit, and touched his
tongue, and looked up to heaven and sighted, and said unto him: ephatha
that is to say, be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and
the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he
commanded them that they should tell no man. But the more he forbade
them, so much the more a great deal they published it. And were beyond
measure astonied, saying: He hath done all things well, and hath made
both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.
The .viij. Chapter.
In those days when there was a very great company, and had nothing to
eat, Iesus called his disciples to him and said unto them: My heart
melteth on this people, because they have now been with me iij. days,
and have nothing to eat: And if I should send them away fasting to
their own houses, they should faint by the way. For divers of them came
from far. And his disciples answered him: from whence might a man
suffice them with bread here in the wilderness? And he asked them: how
many loaves have ye? They said: seven. And he commanded the people to
sit down on the ground. And he took the vij. loaves, gave thanks,
brake, and gave to his disciples, to set before them. And they set them
before the people. And they had a few small fishes. And he blessed them
and commanded them also to be set before them. They ate and were
sufficed, and they took up of the broken meat that was left, vij.
baskets full. They that ate were in number about four thousand. And he
sent them away.
And anon he took ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of
Dalmanutha. And the pharisees came forth, and began to dispute with
him, and sought of him a sign from heaven tempting him, and he sighed
in his spirit and said: why doth this generation seek a sign? Verily I
say unto you, there shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he
left them and went into the ship again, and departed over the water.
And they had forgotten to take bread with them, neither had they in the
ship with them more than one loaf. And he charged them saying: take
heed, beware of the leaven of the pharisees, and of the leaven of
Herode. And they reasoned among themselves saying: we have no bread.
And when Iesus knew that he said unto them: why take ye thought because
ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? Have ye your
hearts yet blinded? Have ye eyes and see not? and have ye ears and hear
not? Do ye not remember? When I v. five loaves among v.M. men: How many
baskets full of broken meat took ye up? They said unto him, xij. When I
brake vij among iiij M how many baskets of the leavings of broken meat
took ye up? They said, vij. And he said unto them: how is it that ye
understand not?
And he came to Bethsaida, and they brought a blind man unto him and
desired him, to touch him. And he caught the blind by the hand, and led
him out of the town, and spat in his eyes and put his hands upon him,
and asked him if he saw anything, and he looked up and said: I see men,
For I see them walk as they were trees. After that he put his hands
again upon his eyes, and made him see. And he was restored to his
sight, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him home to his own house
saying: neither go into the town, nor tell it any in the town.
And Iesus went out and his disciples into the towns that long to the
city called Cesarea Philippi, and by the way he asked his disciples
saying: whom do men say that I am? They answered: some say that thou
art Ihon Baptist: some say Helias, and some one of the prophets. And he
said unto them: But whom say ye that I am? Peter answered and said unto
him: Thou art very Christ. And he charged them, that they should tell
no man of it. And he began to declare unto them, how that the son of
man must suffer many things, and should be reproved of the seniors and
of the high priests and scribes, and should be killed, and after three
days arise again. And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him
aside, and began to chide him. He turned about, and looked on his
disciples, and rebuked Peter saying: Go after me Satan. For thou
savourest not the things of God but the things of men.
And he called the people unto him, with his disciples also, and said
unto them. Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take
up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall
lose it. But whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the
Gospel's, the same shall save it. What shall it profit a man, if he
should win all the world and lose his own soul? or else what shall a
man give, to redeem his soul again? Whosoever therefore shall be
ashamed of me and of my words, among this advoutrous and sinful
generation: of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in
the glory of his father with the holy angels.
The .ix. Chapter.
And he said unto them: Verily I say unto you: There be some of them
that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen
the kingdom of God come with power.
And after vj. days Iesus took Peter, Iames, and Ihon and led them up
into an high mountain out of the way alone, and he was transfigured
before them. And his raiment did shine, and was made very white, even
as snow: so white as no fuller can make upon the earth. And there
appeared unto them Helias with Moses: and they talked with Iesu. And
Peter answered and said to Iesu: Master, here is good being for us, let
us make iij. tabernacles, one for thee, one for Moses, and one for
Helias. And wist not what he said. For they were afraid. And there was
a cloud that shadowed them. And a voice came out of the cloud saying:
This is my dear son, hear him. And suddenly, they looked round about
them, and saw no man more, but Iesus only.
As they came down from the hill, he charged them, that they should tell
no man what they had seen, till the son of man were risen from death
again. And they kept that saying within them, and demanded one of
another, what that rising from death again should mean? And they asked
him saying: why then Say the scribes, that Helias must first come? He
answered and said unto them: Helias at his first coming, shall bring
all things again into good order: And even so is it written of the son
of man, that he shall suffer many things, and shall be set at nought.
And I say unto you, that Helias is come, and they have done unto him
whatsoever pleased them, as it is written of him.
And he came to his disciples, and saw much people about them, and the
scribes disputing with them. And straightway all the people beheld him
and were amazed, and ran to him, and saluted him. And he said unto the
scribes: What dispute ye with them? And one of the company answered and
said: Master I have brought my son unto thee, which hath a dumb spirit.
And whensoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth, and
gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away. And I spake to thy disciples
that they should cast him out, and they could not.
He answered him and said: O generation without faith, how long shall I
be with you. How long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they
brought him unto him. And as soon as the spirit saw him, he tare him.
And he fell down on the ground wallowing: And foaming. And he asked his
father: how long is it ago, since this hath happened him? And he said,
of a child. And often times casteth him into the fire, and also into
the water, to destroy him. But if thou canst do anything, have mercy on
us, and help us. Iesus said unto him: ye if thou couldest believe, all
things are possible to him that believeth. And straight way the father
of the child cried with tears saying: lord I believe, succor mine
unbelief.
When Iesus saw that the people came running together unto him, he
rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him: Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I
charge thee come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit
cried, and rent him sore and came out: And he was as one that had been
dead, insomuch that many said, he is dead. But Iesus caught his hand,
and lift him up, and he rose. And when he was come into the house, his
disciples asked him secretly: why could not we cast him out? And he
said unto them: this kind can by no other means come forth, but by
prayer and fasting.
And they departed thence, and took their journey thorow Galile, and
would not, that any man should have known it. For he taught his
disciples, and said unto them: The son of man shall be delivered into
the hands of men, and they shall kill him, and after that he is killed
he shall arise again the third day. But they wist not what that saying
meant, and were afraid to ask him.
And he came to Capernaum, and when he was come to house, he said to
them: what was it that ye disputed between you by the way? And they
held their peace (for by the way they reasoned among themselves, who
should be the chiefest) And he sat down, and called the twelve unto
him, and said to them: if any man desire to be first, the same shallbe
last of all, and servant unto all. And he took a child, and set him in
the midst of them, and took him in his arms and said unto them:
Whosoever receive any such a child in my name, receiveth me: And
whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Ihon answered him, saying: Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy
name, which followeth not us and we forbade him, because he followeth
us not. But Iesus said: forbid him not. For there is no man that shall
do a miracle in my name, and can speak lightly evil of me. Whosoever is
not against you, is on your part. And whosoever shall give you a cup of
water to drink for my name's sake because ye are belonging to Christe,
verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
And whosoever shall hurt one of these little ones, that believe in me,
it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck,
and that he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut
him off. It is better for thee, to enter into life maimed, than to go,
with two hands into hell, into fire that never shall be quenched, where
their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out. And if thy foot
offend thee, cut him off. It is better for thee to go halt into life,
than with ij. feet to be cast into hell, into fire that never shall be
quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth out? And
if thine eye offend thee pluck him out. It is better for thee to go
into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast
into hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire never goeth
out.
Every man therefore shall be salted with fire: And every sacrifice
shall be seasoned with salt. Salt is good. But if the salt be
unsavoury: what shall ye salt therewith? See that ye have salt in
yourselves. And have peace among yourselves, one with another.
The .x. Chapter.
And he rose from thence, and went into the coasts of Iewry through the
region that is beyond Iordan. And the people resorted unto him afresh:
And as he was wont he taught them again. And the Pharises came and
asked him a question: whether it were lawful for a man to put away his
wife: To prove him. He answered and said unto them: what did Moses bid
you do? And they said: Moses suffered to write a testimonial of her
divorcement, and to put her away. And Iesus answered, and said unto
them: For because of your hard hearts he wrote this precept unto you.
But at the first creation, God made them man and woman, saying: For
this thing's sake shall man leave father and mother, and bide by his
wife, and, ij. shall be made one flesh. So then are they now not twain,
but one flesh, therefore that which God hath coupled, let not man
separate.
And in the house his disciples asked him again of that matter. And he
said unto them: Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another,
breaketh wedlock to herward. And if a woman forsake her husband, and be
married to another, she committeth advoutry.
And they brought children to him that he should touch them. And his
disciples chid those that brought them. When Iesus saw that, he was
displeased, and said to them: Suffer the children to come unto me and
forbid them not. For unto such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I
say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child,
he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, and put
his hands upon them, and blessed them.
And when he was come out into the way, there came one running and
kneeled to him, and asked him: Good Master, what shall I do, that I may
inherit eternal life? Iesus said to him: why callest thou me good?
there is no man good but one, which is God. Thou knowest the
commandments: break not matrimony, kill not, steal not, bear no false
witness, defraud no man, honour thy father and thy mother. He answered
and said to him: master, all these I have observed from my youth. Iesus
beheld him, and had a favour to him, and said unto him: One thing is
lacking unto thee Go, and sell all that thou hast, and give it to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me,
and take thy cross on thee. But he was discomforted with that saying,
and went away mourning, for he had great possessions.
And Iesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples: with what
difficulty shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.
His disciples were astonied at his words. Iesus answered again, and
said unto them: children, how hard is it for them, that trust in their
riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to
go thorow the eye of an needle, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. And they were astonied out of measure, saying between
themselves: who then can be saved? Iesus looked upon them, and said:
with men it is unpossible, but not with God: for with God all things
are possible.
And Peter began to say unto him: Lo, we have forsaken all, and have
followed thee. Iesus answered and said: Verily I say unto you, there is
no man that hath forsaketh house, or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, other children, or lands, for my sake and the
Gospel's, which shall not receive an hundred fold now in this life,
houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers and children, and lands
with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life. Many that are
first, shall be last. And the last first. They were in the way going up
to Ierusalem. And Iesus went before them, and they were amazed, and as
they followed, were afraid.
And Iesus took the xij. again, and began to tell them what things
should happen unto him. Behold we go up to Ierusalem, and the son of
man shall be delivered unto the high priests and unto the scribes: and
they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles,
and they shall mock him, and scourge him and spit upon him, and kill
him, and the third day he shall rise again.
And Iames and Ihon the sons of Zebedee, came unto him, saying: Master,
we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we desire. He said
unto them: what would ye I should do unto you? They said to him: grant
unto us that we may sit one on thy right hand, and the other on thy
left hand, in thy glory. But Iesus said unto them: Ye wot not what ye
ask. Can ye drink of the cup, that I shall drink of? And be baptised in
the baptism that I shall be baptised in? And they said unto him: that
we can. Iesus said unto them: ye shall drink of the cup that I shall
drink of, and be baptised with the baptism that I shall be baptised in:
But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand, is not mine to give,
but to them for whom it is prepared.
And when the x. heard that, they began to disdain at Iames and Ihon.
But Iesus called them unto him, and said to them: Ye know well that
they which seem to bear rule among the gentiles, reign as lords over
them. And they that be great among them exercise authority over them.
So shall it not be among you but whosoever of you will be great among
you shall be your minister. And whosoever will be chief, shall be
servant unto all. For even the son of man came, not that other should
minister unto him: but to minister, and to give his life for the
redemption of many.
And they came to Hiericho, and as he went out of Hiericho, with his
disciples and a great number of people: Barthimeus the son of Thimeus
which was blind, sat by the highways side begging. And when he heard
that it was Iesus of Nazareth, he began to cry and to say: Iesus the
son of David, have mercy on me. And many rebuked him, because he should
hold his peace. But he cried the more a great deal, thou son of David
have mercy on me. And Iesus stood still, and commanded him to be
called, and they called the blind, saying unto him: Be of good comfort,
rise, he called thee. He threw away his cloak, and rose and came to
Iesus: And Iesus answered, and said unto him: what wilt thou that I do
unto thee? The blind said unto him: Master, that I might see. Iesus
said unto him: go thy way, thy faith hath saved thee: And by and by he
received his sight, and followed Iesus in the way.
The .xj. Chapter.
And when they came nigh to Hierusalem, unto Bethphage, and Bethani,
besides mount Olivete, he sent forth ij. of his disciples, and said
unto them: Go your ways into the town that is over against you. And as
soon as ye be entered into it ye shall find a colt bound, whereon never
man sat: loose him and bring him hither. And if any man say unto you:
why do ye so? say that the lord hath need of him: and straightway he
will send him hither. And they went their way, and found a colt tied by
the door without in a place where two ways met, and they loosed him.
And divers of them that stood there, said unto them: what do ye loosing
the colt? And they said unto them even as Iesus had commanded them. And
they let them go. And they brought the colt to Iesus, and cast their
garments on him, and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in
the way. Other cut down branches of the trees, and strawed them in the
way. And they that went before and they that followed, cried, saying:
Hosianna: blessed be he that cometh in the name of the lord. Blessed be
the kingdom that cometh in the name of him that is lord of our father
David. Hosianna in the highest.
And the lord entered into Hierusalem, and into the temple. And when he
had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come
he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. And on the morrow when they
were come out from Bethany, he hungered, and he spied a fig tree afar
off, having leaves, and went to see whether he might find anything
thereon: but when he came thereto, he found nothing but leaves. For the
time of figs was not yet. And Iesus answered and said to it: never man
eat fruit of thee hereafter while the world standeth. And his disciples
heard it.
And they came to Hierusalem, and Iesus went into the temple, and began
to cast out them which sold and bought in the temple. And overthrew the
tables of the money changers, and the stools of them that sold doves:
and would not suffer that any man carried a vessel thorow the temple.
And he taught saying unto them, is it not written, how that mine house
shall be called the house of prayer unto all nations? But ye have made
it a den of thieves.
And the scribes and high priests heard it and sought how to destroy
him. For they feared him because all the people marvelled at his
doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. And in the
morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up by the roots.
And Peter remembered, and said unto him: master, behold, the fig tree
which thou cursedst, is withered away. And Iesus answered, and said
unto them: Have confidence in God. Verily I say unto you, that
whosoever shall say unto this mountain: take away thyself, and cast
thyself into the sea, and shall not waver in his heart, but shall
believe that those things which he sayeth shall come to pass,
whatsoever he sayeth shall be done to him. Therefore I say unto you,
whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall have it and it
shall be done unto you. And when ye stand and pray, forgive if ye have
anything against any man: that your father also which is in heaven, may
forgive you your trespasses. And they came again to Hierusalem, and as
he walked in the temple, there came to him the high priests, and the
scribes, and the seniors, and said unto him: by what authority doest
thou these things? and who gave thee this authority, to do these
things? Iesus answered, and said unto them: I will also ask of you a
certain thing, and answer ye me, and I will tell you by what authority
I do these things. Whether was the baptism of Ihon from heaven, or of
men? Answer me. And they thought in themselves, saying: if we shall
say, from heaven, he will say: why then did ye not believe him? but if
we shall say, of men, then fear we the people. For all men counted
Ihon, that he was a very prophet. And they answered, and said unto
Iesu: we cannot tell. And Iesus answered, and said unto them: neither
will I tell you, by what authority I do these things.
The .xij. Chapter.
And he began to speak unto them in similitudes. A certain man planted a
vineyard, and compassed it with an hedge, and ordained a winepress, and
built a tower in it, and let it out to hire unto husbandmen, and went
into a strange country. And when the time was come he sent to the
tenants a servant that he might receive of the tenants of the fruit of
the vineyard. And they caught him and beat him and sent him again
empty. And moreover he sent unto them another servant, and at him they
cast stones and brake his head, and sent him again all too reviled. And
again he sent another, and him they killed: and many other, beating
some, and killing some.
Yet had he one son whom he loved tenderly, him also sent he at the last
unto them, saying: they will fear my son. But the tenants said within
themselves: This is the heir, come let us kill him and the inheritance
shall be ours. And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of
the vineyard. What shall then the lord of the vineyard do? He will come
and destroy the tenants, and let out the vineyard to other. Have ye not
read this scripture? the stone which the builders did refuse, is made
the chief stone in the corner: This was done of the lord, and is
marvellous in our eyes. And they went about to take him, but they
feared the people. For they perceived that he spake that similitude
against them. And they left him and went their way.
And they sent unto him certain of the pharisees with Herode's servants,
to take him in his words. And as soon as they were come, they said unto
him: master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: For
thou considerest not the degree of men, but teachest the way of God
truly: Is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or not? ought we to give,
or ought we not to give? He knew their dissimulation, and said unto
them: Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they
brought him one. And he said unto them: Whose is this image and
superscription? And they said unto him, Cesar's. And Iesus answered,
and said unto them: Then give to Cesar that which belongeth to Cesar:
and give God that which pertaineth to God. And they marvelled at him.
And the Saduces came unto him, which say, there is no resurrection. And
they asked him saying: Master, Moses wrote unto us, if any man's
brother die, and leave his wife, behind him, and leave no children:
that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his
brother. There were seven brethren and the first took a wife, and when
he died left no seed behind him. And the second took her, and died:
neither left he any seed, and the third likewise. And seven had her,
and left no seed behind them. Last of all the wife died also. In the
resurrection then, when they shall rise again: whose wife shall she be
of them? For seven had her to wife. Iesus answered, and said unto them:
Are ye not therefore deceived because ye know not the scriptures?
Neither the power of God? For when they shall rise again from death,
they neither marry, nor are married: but are as the angels which are in
heaven. As touching the dead, that they shall rise again: have ye not
read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him saying: I
am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob? He
is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living, ye are therefore
greatly deceived.
And there came one of the scribes, and when he had heard them disputing
together, and perceived that he had answered them well, he asked him:
Which is the first of all the commandments? Iesus answered him: the
first of all the commandments is. Hear Israhel, our lord God, is one
lord. And thou shalt love thy lord God with all thy heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the
first commandment. And the second is like unto this. Thou shalt love
thy neighbor, as thy self. There is none other commandment greater than
these.
And the scribe said unto him: well master, thou hast said the truth,
that there is one God, and that there is none but he. And to love him
with all the heart, and with all the mind, and with all the soul, and
with all the strength. And to love a man's neighbor as himself, is a
greater thing than all holocausts and sacrifices. And when Iesus saw
that he answered discreetly, he said unto him: Thou art not far from
the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
And Iesus answered, and said teaching in the temple: how say the
scribes, that Christ is the son of David? for David himself inspired
with the holy ghost said: The lord said to my lord, sit on my right
hand till I make thine enemies thy foot stool. Then David himself
calleth him lord, and by what means is he then his son? And much people
heard him gladly.
And he said unto them in his doctrine: beware of the scribes which love
to go in long, clothing: and love salutations in the market places, and
the chief seats in the synagogues, and to sit in the uppermost rooms at
feasts, and devour widows' houses, and under a colour pray long
prayers. These shall have greater damnation.
And Iesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people put
money into the treasury. And many that were rich, cast in much. And
there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make
a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and said unto them:
Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all
they which have cast into the treasury. For they all put in of their
superfluity: But she of her poverty, cast in all that she had, even all
her living.
The .xiij. Chapter.
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him:
Master, see what stones, and what buildings are here. And Iesus
answered, and said unto him: Seest thou these great buildings? There
shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown
down.
And as he sat on mount Olivet over against the temple, Peter and Iames
and Ihon and Andrew asked him secretly, tell us when these things shall
be? And what is the sign, when all these things shall be fulfilled? And
Iesus answered them, and began to say: take heed lest any man deceive
you. For many shall come in my name saying: I am Christ, and shall
deceive many.
When ye shall hear of war, and tidings of war, be ye not troubled. For
such things must needs be. But the end is not yet. For there shall
nation arise against nation, and realm against realm. And there shall
be earthquakes, in all quarters, and famishment, and troubles. These
are the beginning of sorrows.
But take ye heed to yourselves. For they shall bring you up to the
councils and into the synagogues, and ye shall be beaten, and ye shall
be brought before rulers and kings, for my sake, for a testimonial unto
them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
But when they lead you and present you take no thought, aforehand what
ye shall say, neither imagine: but whatsoever is given you at the same
time, that speak. For it shall not be ye that shall speak, but the holy
ghost. Yea and the brother shall deliver the brother to death. And the
father the son, and the children shall rise against their fathers and
mothers, and shall put them to death. And ye shall be hated of all men
for my name's sake. But whosoever shall endure unto the end shall be
safe.
Moreover when ye see the abominable desolation, whereof is spoken by
Daniel the prophet, stand where it ought not, let him that readeth
understand it. Then let them that be in Iewry, flee to the mountains.
And let him that is on the housetop, not descend down into the house,
neither enter therein, to fetch anything out of his house. And let him
that is in the field, not turn back again unto those things which he
left behind him, for to take his clothes with him. But woe is then to
them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. But
pray, that your flight be not in the winter. For there shall be in
those days such tribulation, as was not from the beginning of
creatures, which God created, unto this time, neither shall be. And
except that the lord had shortened those days, no man should be saved.
But for the elects' sake, which he hath chosen, he hath shortened those
days.
And then, if any man say to you: lo, here is Christ, lo, he is there,
believe not. For false christs shall arise, and false prophets, And
shall shew miracles and wonders, to deceive if it were possible, even
the elect. But take ye heed, behold I have shewed you all things
before.
Moreover in those days after that tribulation, the sun shall wax dark,
and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall
fall, And the powers which are in heaven, shall move. And then shall
they see the son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and
glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his
elect from the four winds, and from the one end of the world to the
other.
Learn a similitude of the fig tree. When his branches are yet tender,
and hath brought forth leaves, ye know, that summer is near. So in like
manner when ye see these things come to pass, understand, that it is
nigh even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation
shall not pass till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall
pass, but my words shall not pass. But of the day and the hour, knoweth
no man: no not the Angels which are in heaven: neither the son himself,
save the father only.
Take heed, watch, and pray, for ye know not when the time is. As a man
which is gone into a strange country and hath left his house, and given
authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the
porter to watch. Watch therefore, for ye know not when the master of
the house will come, whether at even, or at midnight, whether at the
cock crowing, or in the dawning: lest if he come suddenly, he should
find you sleeping. And that I say unto you, I say unto all men, watch.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
After two days followed ester, and the days of sweet bread. And the
high priests and the scribes sought means, how they might take him by
craft and put him to death. But they said: not on the feast day, least
any business arise among the people.
When he was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, even as he
sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment,
called nard, that was pure and costly, and she brake the box and poured
it on his head. And there were some that disdained in themselves, and
said: what needed this waste of ointment? For it might have been sold
for more than two hundred pence, and been given unto the poor. And they
grudged against her.
And Iesus said: let her be in rest, why grieve ye her? She hath done a
good work on me. Yea, and ye shall have poor with you all ways: and
whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye shall not have
always. She hath done that she could: she came aforehand to anoint my
body to his buryingward. Verily I say unto you: wheresoever this gospel
shall be preached thorowout the whole world: this also that she hath
done, shall be rehearsed in remembrance of her.
And Iudas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away unto the high priests,
to betray him unto them. When they heard that, they were glad, and
promised that they would give him money. And he sought, how he might
conveniently betray him.
And the first day of sweet bread, when men offer the paschal lamb, his
disciples said unto him: where wilt thou that we go and prepare that
thou mayest eat the ester lamb? And he sent forth two of his disciples,
and said unto them: Go ye into the city, and there shall a man meet you
bearing a pitcher of water, follow him. And whithersoever he goeth in,
say ye to the good man of the house: the master asketh where is the
guest chamber, where I shall eat the ester lamb with my disciples? And
he will shew you a great parlour, paved, and prepared: there make ready
for us. And his disciples went forth, and came in to the city, and
found as he had said unto them, and made ready the ester lamb.
And at even, he came with the twelve. And as they sat at board and ate,
Iesus said: Verily I say unto you: that one of you shall betray me,
which eateth with me. And they began to mourn, and to say to him one by
one: is it I? And another said: Is it I? he answered, and said unto
them: It is one of the xij. and the same dippeth with me in the
platter. The son of man goeth, as it is written of him: but woe be to
that man, by whom the son of man is betrayed. Good were it for him, if
that man had never been born.
And as they ate, Iesus took bread, gave thanks, brake it and gave it to
them and said: Take, eat, This is my body. And he took the cup, gave
thanks, and gave it to them, and they drank all of it. And he said unto
them: This is my blood of the new Testament, which shall be shed for
many. Verily I say unto you: I will drink no more of this fruit of the
vine, until that day, that I shall drink it new in the kingdom of God.
And when they had said grace, they went out into the mount olivet.
And Iesus said unto them: All ye shall hurt thorow me this night. For
it is written: I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be
scattered. But after that I am risen again I will go into Galile before
you. Peter said unto him: And though all men should be hurt, yet would
not I. And Iesus said unto him: Verily I say unto thee this day even in
this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And
he spake bolder: no, if I should die with thee, I will not deny thee.
Likewise also said they all.
And they came into a place named Gethsemani. And he said to his
disciples: Sit ye here while I go apart and pray. And he took with him
Peter, Iames, and Ihon, and he began to wax abashed and to be in an
agony. And said unto them: My soul is very heavy even unto the death,
tarry here and watch. And he went forth a little and fell down on the
ground and prayed: That if it were possible, the hour might pass from
him. And he said: Abba father, all things are possible unto thee, take
away this cup from me. Nevertheless not that I will, but that thou wilt
be done.
And he came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter: Simon sleepest
thou? Couldest not thou watch with me one hour? watch ye, and pray,
least ye enter into temptation, the spirit is ready, but the flesh is
weak. And again he went away and prayed, and spake the same words. And
he returned and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy:
neither could they tell what they might answer to him. And he came the
third time, and said unto them: sleep hence forth and take your ease.
It is enough. The hour is come, Behold the son of man shall be
delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Lo he that
betrayeth me, is come nigh.
And immediately while he yet spake came Iudas, one of the twelve, and
with him a great number of people with swords and staves from the high
priests and scribes and seniors. He that betrayed him, gave them a
general token, saying: whosoever I do kiss, he it is, take him, and
lead him away warily. And as soon as he was come, he went straightway
to him, and said unto him: master, master, and kissed him. And they
laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by
drew out a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off
his ear.
And Iesus answered and said unto them: ye came out as unto a thief with
swords and with staves for to take me, I was daily with you in the
temple teaching, and ye took me not, but that the scriptures should be
fulfilled: And they all forsook him and ran away. And there was a
certain young man that followed him clothed in linen upon the bare, and
the young men caught him, and he left his linen and fled from them
naked.
And they led Iesus away to the highest priest of all, and to him came
all the high priests and the seniors, and the scribes. And Peter
followed him a great way off even into the palace of the high priest,
and he was there and sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the
fire.
And the high priests and all the council sought for witness against
Iesu, to put him to death, And they found none. Yet many bare false
witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there
arose certain and brought false witness against him, saying: We heard
him say: I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three
days I will build another, made without hands. And their witness agreed
not together.
And the highest priest stood up amongst them all, and asked Iesus
saying: answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness
against thee? And he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the
highest priest asked him, and said unto him: Art thou the Christ the
son of the blessed? And Iesus said: I am. And ye shall see the son of
man sit on the right hand of power, and come in the clouds of heaven.
Then the highest priest rent his clothes and said: what need we any
further witness? ye have heard the blasphemy, what think ye? And they
all gave sentence that he was worthy of death. And some began to spit
at him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with their fists, and to
say unto him, aread unto us. And the servants buffeted him on the face.
And Peter was beneath in the palace, and there came one of the wenches
of the highest priest, And when she saw Peter warming himself, she
looked on him, and said: was not thou also with Iesus of Nazareth? And
he denied it saying: I know him not, neither wot I what thou sayest:
And he went out into the porch, and the cock crew. And a damsel saw
him, and again began to say to them that stood by, this is one of them.
And he denied it again. And anon after, again they that stood by, said
to Peter: surely thou art one of them, for thou art of Galile, and thy
speech agreeth thereto. And he began to curse and to swear, saying: I
know not this man of whom ye speak. And again the cock crew. And Peter
remembered the word that Iesus said unto him: before the cock crow
twice, thou shalt deny me thrice, and began to weep.
The .xv. Chapter.
And anon in the dawning held the high priests a council with the
seniors and the scribes, And also the whole congregation, and bound
Iesus and led him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked
him: art thou the king of the jewes? And he answered, and said unto
him: thou sayest it. And the high priests accused him of many things.
Pilate asked him again, saying: Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many
things they lay unto thy charge. Iesus yet answered never a word, so
that Pilate marvelled.
At the feast Pilate was wont to deliver at their pleasure a prisoner:
whomsoever they would desire. And there was one named Barabas, which
lay bound with them, that caused insurrection, and in the insurrection
committed murder. And the people called unto him, and began to desire
of him, according as he had ever done unto them. Pilate answered them,
and said: Will ye that I loose unto you the king of the jewes? For he
knew that the high priests had delivered him of envy. But the high
priests had moved the people that he should rather deliver Barabas unto
them.
Pilate answered again, and said unto them: What will ye then that I do
with him, whom ye call the king of the jewes? And they cried again:
crucify him. Pilate said unto them: What evil hath he done? And they
cried the more fervently: Crucify him. Pilate willing to content the
people, lowsed them Barabas, And delivered Iesus scourged for to be
crucified.
And the soldiers led him away into the common hall, and called together
the whole multitude, and they clothed him with purple, and they plaited
a crown of thorns and crowned him with all, And began to salute him:
Hail king of the jewes. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and
spat upon him, and kneeled down and worshipped him.
And when they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his
own clothes on him, and led him out, to crucify him. And they compelled
one that passed by, called Simon of Cyrene (which came out of the
field, and was father of Alexander and Rufus) to bear his cross. And
they brought him to a place named Golgotha (which is by interpretation,
the place of dead men's skulls) and they gave him to drink wine mingled
with myrrh, but he received it not.
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots
for them, what every man should have. And it was about the third hour,
and they crucified him. And the title of the cause of his death was
written: The king of the jewes. And they crucified with him two
thieves: the one on his right hand, and the other on his left hand. And
the scripture was fulfilled, which sayeth: and he was counted among the
wicked.
And they that went by, railed on him: wagging their heads, and saying:
A wretch, that destroyest the temple and buildest it in three days.
Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also mocked him
the high priests among themselves with the scribes, and said: He saved
other men, himself he cannot save. Let Christ the king of Israel now
descend from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were
crucified with him, checked him also.
And when the sixth hour was come, darkness arose over all the earth,
until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Iesus cried with a loud
voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabaththani, which is if it be
interpreted: my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of
them that stood by when they heard that said: behold he calleth for
Helias. And one ran, and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on
a reed, and gave it him to drink, saying: let him alone, let us see
whether Helias will come and take him down.
But Iesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil
of the temple did rent in two parts, from the top to the bottom. And
when the undercaptain which stood before him saw that he so cried and
gave up the ghost, and he said: truly this man was the son of God.
There were also women a good way off beholding him: among whom was Mary
Magdalen, and Mary the mother of Iames the little and of Ioses, and
Mary Salome: which also when he was in Galile, followed him and
ministered unto him, and many other women which came up with him to
Hierusalem.
And now when night was come (because it was the even that goeth before
the saboth) Ioseph of Arimathia a noble senator (which also looked for
the kingdom of God) came And went in boldly unto Pilate, and begged the
body of Iesu. Pilate marvelled that he was already dead, and called
unto him the under captain, and asked of him, whether he had been any
while dead. And when he knew the truth of the under captain, he gave
the body to Ioseph. And he bought a linen cloth, and took him down and
wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb, that was hewn
out of the rock. And rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcre. And
Mary Magdalene and Mary Iose beheld where he was laid.
The .xvj. Chapter.
And when the saboth day was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary Iacobi, and
Salome, bought ointments, that they might come and anoint him. And
early in the morning the next day after the saboth day, they came unto
the sepulchre, when the sun was risen. And they said one to another:
who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And
when they beheld it, they saw how the stone was rolled away. For it was
a very great one, and they went into the sepulchre, and saw a young
man, sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and
they were abashed.
He said unto them, be not afraid, ye seek Iesus of Nazareth, which was
crucified. He is risen, he is not here. Behold the place, where they
put him. But go your way, and tell his disciples, and namely Peter,
that he is gone before you into Galile, there shall ye see him, as he
said unto you. And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre.
For they trembled and were amazed. Neither said they anything to any
man, for they were afraid.
When Iesus was risen the morrow after the saboth day, he appeared first
to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he cast seven devils. And she went, and
told them that were with him, as they mourned and wept. And when they
heard, that he was alive, and had appeared to her: they believed it
not. After that, he appeared unto two of them in a strange figure, as
he walked, and went into the country. And they went, and told it to the
remnant. And they believed them neither.
After that he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat: and cast in
their teeth their unbelief, and hardness of heart: because they
believed not them which had seen him after his resurrection. And he
said unto them: Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to all
creatures: Whosoever believeth, and is baptised, shall be safe: And
whosoever that believeth not, shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall
cast out devils, and shall speak with new tongues, and shall kill
serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.
They shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then
when the lord had spoken unto them, he was received into heaven, and
sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached
everywhere. And the lord wrought with them, And confirmed their
preaching with miracles that followed.
The end of the gospell off S. Marke.
The gospell of S. Luke
The first Chapter.
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to compile a treatise of those
things, which are surely known among us, even as they declared them
unto us, which from the beginning saw them with their eyes, and were
ministers at the doing: I determined also, as soon as I had searched
out diligently all things from the beggining, that then I would write
unto thee, good Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of
those things, whereof thou art informed.
In the time of Herode king of jewry, there was a certain priest named
Zacharias, of the course of Abie. And his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron: And her name was Elizabeth. Both were perfect before God, and
walked in all the laws and ordinances of the lord that no man could
find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was
barren, And both were well stricken in age.
It came to pass, as he executed the priest's office, before God as his
course came (according to the custom of the priest's office) his lot
was to burn odoures. And went into the temple of the lord, and all the
multitude of people were without in their prayers while the odoures
were a burning. There appeared unto him the lord's angel, standing on
the right side of the altar of odoures. And when Zacharias saw him, he
was abashed, and fear came on him.
The angel said unto him: fear not Zacary, for thy prayer is heard: And
thy wife Helizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name
Ihon: And thou shalt have joy and gladness: And many shall rejoice at
his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of God, and shall neither
drink wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the holy
ghost, even in his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israhel
shall he turn to their lord God. And he shall go before him in the
spirit and power of Helias to turn the hearts of the fathers to their
children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men: to make
the people ready for the lord.
And Zacary said unto the angel: Whereby shall I know this? seeing that
I am old, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answered,
and said unto him: I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of God, and
am sent to speak unto thee: and to shew thee this glad tidings. And
take heed thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak until the time that
these things be performed, because thou believedst not my words, which
shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias and marvelled that he tarried in
the temple. When he came out, he could not speak unto them. And they
perceived, that he had seen some vision in the temple. And he beckoned
unto them, and remained speechless.
And it fortuned, as soon as the time of his office was out, he departed
home into his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth
conceived, and hid herself v. months, saying: This wise hath God dealt
with me in the days when he looked on me, to take from me the rebuke
that I suffered among men.
And in the vj. month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of
Galile, named Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a man, whose name was
Ioseph, of the house of David, and the virgins name was Mary. And the
angel went in unto her, and said: Hail full of grace, the lord is with
thee: blessed art thou among women. When she saw him, she was abashed
at his saying: and cast in her mind what manner of salutation that
should be. And the angel said unto her: fear not Mary, thou hast found
grace with God. Lo: thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a
child, and shalt call his name Iesus. He shall be great, and shall be
called the son of the highest. And the lord God shall give unto him the
seat of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Iacob
for ever, and of his kingdom shall be none end.
Then said Mary unto the angel: How shall this be, seeing I know not a
man? And the angel answered, and said unto her: The holy ghost shall
come upon thee, and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee.
Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the
son of God. And mark, thy cousin Elizabeth, hath also conceived a son
in her old age. And this is the. vj. month to her, which was called
barren, for with God shall nothing be unpossible. Mary said: behold the
handmaiden of the lord, be it unto me even as thou hast said. And the
angel departed from her.
Mary arose in those days, and went into the mountains with haste into a
city of jewry, and entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted
Elizabeth: And it fortuned, as Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe sprang in her belly. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy
ghost, and cried with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among
the women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence happeneth
this to me, that the mother of my lord should come to me? Lo, as soon
as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in
my belly for joy. And blessed art thou that believedst: For those
things shall be performed which were told thee from the lord.
And Mary said: My soul magnifieth the lord. And my spirit rejoiceth in
God my saviour: For he hath looked on the poor degree of his
handmaiden. Behold now from hence forth shall all generations call me
blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and
blessed is his name. And his mercy is always on them that fear him
thorow out all generations. He hath shewed strength with his arm, he
hath scattered them that are proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put Down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted them of
low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: And hath sent
away the rich empty. He hath remembered mercy: and hath holpen his
servant Israhel. Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and to his
seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about a iij. months, And
returned home again.
Elizabeths time was come that she should be delivered, And she brought
forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard tell how, the
lord had magnified his mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her.
And it fortuned the eighth day: they came to circumcise the child: and
called his name Zacari after the name of his father, and his mother
answered, and said: not so, but he shall be called Ihon. And they said
unto her: There is none of thy kin, that is named with this name. And
they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he
asked for writing tables and wrote saying: his name is Ihon. And they
marvelled all. And his mought was opened immediately, and his tongue,
and he spake lauding God. And fear came on all them that dwelt nigh:
And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill
country of jewry: and all they that heard them laid them up in their
hearts, saying: What manner child shall this be? And the hand of God
was with him.
And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied
saying: Blessed be the lord God of Israhel, for he hath visited and
redeemed his people. And hath raised up an horn of salvation unto us,
in the house of his servant David. Even as he promised by the mouth of
his holy prophets which were since the world began. That we should be
saved from our enemies: And from the hands of all that hate us: To shew
mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his holy promise. That is to
say the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.
That we delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him
without fear: all the days of our life, in such holiness and
righteousness that are accept before him. And thou child, shalt be
called the prophet of the highest, for thou shalt go before the face of
the lord, to prepare his ways: And to give knowledge of health unto his
people, for the remission of sins: Through the tender mercy of our
lord, wherewith hath visited us the day spring from on high: To give
light to them that sat in darkness, and in shadow of death, and to
guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child increased and waxed
strong in spirit, and was in wilderness, till the day came, when he
should shew himself unto the Israhelites.
The second Chapter.
It followed in those days: that there went out a commandment from
August the Emperor, that all the world should be valued. This taxing
was first executed when Syrenus was leftenant in Syria. And every man
went into his own shire town, there to be taxed. And Ioseph also
ascended from Galilee, out of a city called Nazareth, into jewry: into
the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the
house and lineage of David to be taxed with Mary his wedded wife, which
was with child.
And it fortuned while they were there, her time was come that she
should be delivered. And she brought forth her first begotten son. And
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no room for them within, in the hostry.
And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and
watching their flock by night. And lo: the angel of the lord stood hard
by them, and the brightness of the lord shone round about them, and
they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: Be not afraid:
Behold I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all the
people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour,
which is Christ the lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the
child swaddled, and laid in a manger. And straight way there was with
the angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, lauding God, and saying:
Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men rejoicing.
And it fortuned, as soon as the angels were gone away into heaven, the
shepherds said one to another: let us go even unto Bethlehem, and see
this thing that is happened, which the lord hath shewed unto us. And
they came with haste, and found Mary and Ioseph, and the babe laid in a
manger. And when they had seen it, they published abroad the saying,
which was told them of that child. And all that heard it wondered, at
those things which were told them of the shepherds. But Mary kept all
those sayings, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds
returned, praising and lauding God for all that they had heard and
seen, even as it was told unto them.
And when the eighth day was come that the child should be circumcised,
his name was called Iesus, which was named of the Angel before he was
conceived in the mother's womb.
And when the time of their purification (after the law of Moses) was
come they brought him to Hierusalem, to present him to the lord (As it
is written in the law of the lord: every man child that first openeth
the matrix, shall be called holy to the lord) and to offer (as it is
said in the law of the lord) a pair of turtle doves, or ij. young
pigeons.
And behold there was a man in Hierusalem, whose name was Simeon. And
the same man was just and feared God, and longed for the consolation of
Israhel, and the holy ghost was in him. And an answer was given him of
the holy ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the
lord's Christ. And he came by inspiration into the temple.
And as the father and mother brought in the child Iesus, to do for him
after the custom of the law: Then took he him up in his arms and said.
Lord Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy
promise. For mine eyes have seen the saviour sent from thee: Which thou
hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the
gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israhel. And his father and
mother marvelled at those things, which were spoken of him: And Simeon
blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: behold, this child shall
be the fall, and resurrection of many in Israhel: And a sign which
shall be spoken against. And moreover the sword shall pierce the very
heart of thee, that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened.
And there was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of tribe of
Aser. And she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband. vij.
years from her virginity. And this widow about iiij. score and iiij.
years of age, which went never out of the temple, but served there with
fasting and prayer night and day. And she came forth that same hour,
and praised God, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in
Hierusalem.
And as soon as they had performed all things according to the law of
the lord, they returned into Galile into their own city Nazareth. And
the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was full of wisdom, and
the favour of God was with him.
And his father and mother went to Hierusalem every year at the feast of
ester. And when he was xij. years old, they went up to Hierusalem after
the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they
returned home, the child Iesus bode still in Hierusalem, unknowing to
his father and mother. For they supposed he had been in the company.
They came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolk and
acquaintance, and found him not They went back again to Hierusalem, and
sought him. And it fortuned after iij. days, they found him in the
temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and
posing them. And all that heard him marvelled at his wit and answers.
And when they saw him, they were astonied. And his mother said unto
him: son why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy father and I have
sorowed and sought thee. And he said unto them: how is it that ye
sought me? wist ye not that I must go about my father's business? And
they understood not the saying that he spake to them. And he went with
them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother kept
all these things in her heart. And Iesus increased in wisdom and age,
and in favour with God and man.
The .iij. Chapter.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius the Emperor, Pontius
Pilate being leftenant of Iewry, and Herod being Tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip Tetrarch in Iturea, and in the region of
Traconitis, and Lysanias the Tetrarch of Abyline: When Anna and Cayphas
were the high priests: The commandment of God was published unto Ihon
the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the coasts
about Iordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of
sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of Esayas the
prophet, which sayeth: The voice of a crier in wilderness, prepare the
way of the lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: And crooked things
shall be made straight: and the rough ways shall be made smooth. And
all flesh shall see the saviour sent of God.
Then said he to the people, that were come to be baptised of him. O
generation of vipers: who hath shewed the craft to fly from wrath to
come? Bring forth due fruits of repentance, And begin not to say in
yourselves, we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you: God is
able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the
axe laid unto the root of the trees. Every tree therefore, which
bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the
fire.
And the people asked him, saying: What shall we do then. He answered
and said unto them: He that hath ij. coats, let him part with him that
hath none: And he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
Then came there publicans to be baptised, and said unto him: Master,
what shall we do? He answered unto them: require no more than that,
which is appointed unto you.
The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying: and what shall we do?
And he said to them: Do violence to no man: neither trouble any man
wrongfully: And be content with your wages.
As the people were in a doubt, and all men disputed in their hearts of
Ihon: Whether he were very Christ, Ihon answered and said to them all:
I baptise you with water, but a stronger then cometh, whose shoe
latchet I am not worthy to unloose: he will baptise you with the holy
ghost, and with fire, which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge
his floor, and will gather his corn into his barn: And the chaff will
he burn with fire that never shall be quenched. And many other things
in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
Then Herod the Tetrach (when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his
brother Philippe's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done)
added this above all, and laid Ihon prison.
And it fortuned as all the people received baptism (And when Iesus was
baptised and did pray) that heaven was opened, and the holy ghost came
down in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, And a voice came from
heaven, saying: Thou art my dear son, In thee do I delight.
And Iesus himself was about thirty year of age when he began, being as
men supposed the son of Ioseph: which Ioseph was the son of Heli: which
was the son of Mathat: which was the son of Levi: which was the son of
Melchi: which was the son of Ianna: which was the son of Ioseph: which
was the son of Matatthias: which was the son of Amos: which was the son
of Nahum: which was the son of Esli: which was the son of Nagge: which
was the son of Maath: which was the son of Matathias: which was the son
of Semei: which was the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Iuda: which
was the son of Iohanna: which was the son of Rhesya: which was the son
of Zorobabel: which was the son of Salathiel: which was the son of
Neri: which was the son of Melchi: which was the son of Addi: which was
the son of Cosam: which was the son of Helmadam: which was the son of
Her: which was the son of Ieso: which was the son of Helieser: which
was the son of Ioram: which was the son of Mattha: which was the son of
Levi: which was the son of Simeon: which was the son of Iuda: which was
the son of Ioseph: which was the son of Ionam: which was the son of
Heliacim: which was the son of Melea: which was the son of Menam: which
was the son of Matathan: which was the son of Nathan: which was the son
of David: which was the son of Iesse: which was the son of Obed: which
was the son of Boos: which was the son of Salmon: which was the son of
Naason: which was the son of Aminadab: which was the son of Aram: which
was the son of Esrom: which was the son of Phares: which was the son of
Iuda: which was the son of Iacob: which was the son of Ysaac: which was
the son of Abraham: which was the son of Tharra: which was the son of
Nachor: which was the son of Saruch: which was the son of Ragau: which
was the son of Phalec: which was the son of Heber: which was the son of
Sala: which was the son of Cainan: which was the son of Arphaxad: which
was the son of Sem: which was the son of Noe: which was the son of
Lameth: which was the son of Mathusala: which was the son of Enoch:
which was the son of Iareth: which was the son of Malalehel: which was
the son of Cainan: which was the son of Enos: which was the son of
Seth: which was the son of Adam: which was the son of God.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Iesus then full of the holy ghost, returned from Iordan, and was
carried of the spirit into a wilderness, and was xl. days tempted of
the devil. And in those days ate he nothing: And when they were ended,
he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him: if thou be the son
of God, command this stone that he be bread. And Iesus answered him,
saying: It is written: man shall not live by bread only, but by every
word of God.
And the devil took him up into an high mountain, and shewed him all the
kingdoms of the earth, even in the twinkling of an eye. And the devil
said unto him: all this power will I give thee every whit, and the
glory of them (for that is delivered to me, and to whosoever I will I
give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, they shall be all thine.
Iesus answered and said unto him: hence from me Satan. For it is
written. Thou shalt honour thy lord God, and him only serve.
And he carried him to Ierusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the
temple, and said unto him: If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down
from hence. For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over
thee, to keep thee, and with their hands they shall stay thee up, that
thou hurt not thy foot against a stone. Iesus answered and said unto
him, it is said, thou shalt not tempt the thy lord God. And as soon as
the devil had ended all his temptations, he departed from him for a
season.
And Iesus returned by the power of the spirit into Galile, and the fame
of him went thorow out all the region round about. And he taught in
their synagogues, and was commended of all men.
And he came to Nazareth where he was nursed, and as his custom was,
went into the synagogue on the saboth days, and stood up for to read.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And
when he had opened the book, he found the place, where it was written:
The spirit of the lord upon me, because he hath anointed me, To preach
the gospell to the poor he hath sent me, And to heal which are troubled
in their hearts: To preach deliverance to the captive, And sight to the
blind, And freely to set at liberty them that are bruised, And to
preach the acceptable year of the lord.
And he closed the book, and gave it again to the minister, and sat
down. And the eyes of all that were in the synagogue, were fastened on
him. And he began to say unto them. This day is this scripture
fulfilled in your ears. And all they bare him witness, and wondered at
the gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth, and said: Is not
this Ioseph's son?
And he said unto them: Ye may very well say unto me this proverb.
Physician, heal thyself. Whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do
the same likewise in thine own country. And he said: Verily I say unto
you: No prophet is accepted in his own country.
But I tell you of a truth, Many widows were in Israhell in the days of
Helyas, when heaven was shut three years and six months, when great
famishment was throughout all the land, And unto none of them was
Helyas sent, save into Sarepta besides Sydon unto a woman that was a
widow. And many lepers were in Israhel in the time of Heliseus the
prophet, and yet none of them was healed, saving Naaman of Siria.
And as many as were in the synagogue when they heard that, were filled
with wrath and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him
even unto the edge of the hill, whereon their city was built, to cast
him down headlong. But he went his way even thorow the midst of them:
and came into Capernaum a city of Galile, and there taught them on the
saboth days. And they were astonied at his doctrine: for his preaching
was with power.
And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a foul spirit within
him, and cried with a loud voice, saying: let me alone, what hast thou
to do with us, thou Iesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I
know thee what thou art, thou art the holy man of God. And Iesus
rebuked him, saying: hold thy peace, and come out of him. And the devil
threw him in the midst of them and came out of him, and hurt him not.
And fear came on them all, And they spake among themselves, saying:
what manner a thing is this? For with authority and power he commandeth
the foul spirits and they come out? And the fame of him spread abroad
thorow out all places of the country round about.
And he rose up and came out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's
house. And Simon's motherinlaw was taken with a great fever, And they
made intercession to him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked
the fever: and it left her. And immediately she rose and ministered
unto them.
When the son was down, all they that had sick, taken with divers
diseases, brought them unto him: and he laid his hands on every one of
them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many of them, crying
and saying: thou art Christ the son of God. And he rebuked them, and
suffered them not to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.
As soon as it was day, he departed and went away into a desert place,
and the people sought him and came to him, and kept him that he should
not depart from them. And he said unto them: I must to other cities
also preach the word of God, for therefore am I sent. And he preached
in the synagogues of Galilee.
The .v. Chapter.
It came to pass as the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of
God, that he stood by the lake of Genazareth: and saw two ships stand
by the lakeside, for the fishermen were gone out of them, and were
washing their nets. Iesus entered into one of the ships, which
pertained to Simon, and prayed him, that he would carry him a little
from the land. And he sat down and taught the people out of the ship.
When he had left speaking, he said unto Simon: Carry us into the deep,
and let slip thy net to make a draught. And Simon answered, and said to
him: Master we have laboured all night, and have taken nothing. Yet now
at thy word I will loose forth the net. And when they had so done, they
inclosed a great multitude of fishes. And the net brake: and they made
signs to their fellows which were in the other ship, that they should
come and help them. And they came, and they filled both the ships, that
they sunk again.
When Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Iesus' knees saying: lord go
from me, for I am a sinful man. For he was utterly astonied, and all
that were with him at the draught of fish which they took: and so was
also Iames and Ihon the sons of Zebedei, which were partakers with
Simon. And Iesus said unto Simon: fear not, from henceforth thou shalt
catch men. And they brought the ships to land, and forsook all, and
followed him.
And it fortuned as he was in a certain city, and behold there was a man
full of leprosy: and when he had spied Iesus, he fell on his face and
besought him saying: lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And
he stretched forth his hand, and touched him saying: I will, be thou
clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he warned
him, that he should tell no man: but that he should go and shew himself
to the priest, and offer for his cleansing according as Moses
commandment was, for a witness unto them.
But his name spread the more abroad, and the people came together to
hear, and to be healed of him, of infirmities. And he kept himself
apart in the wildernesses, and gave himself to prayer.
And it happened on a certain day, that he taught, and there sat the
pharisees, and doctors of law, which were come out of all the towns of
Galile, Iewry, and Ierusalem, and the power of the lord was to heal
them. And behold, men brought a man lying in his bed, which was taken
with a palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him
before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring
him in, because of the press, they went up on the top of the house, and
let him down thorow the tiling, bed and all in the midst before Iesus.
When he saw their faith he said unto him: man thy sins are forgiven
thee. And the scribes, and the pharisees, began to think saying: What
fellow is this: which speaketh blasphemy? Who can forgive sins, but God
only?
When Iesus perceived their thoughts, he answered and said unto them:
What think ye in your hearts? Whether is easier to say, thy sins are
forgiven thee, or to say: Rise and walk? That ye may know that the son
of man hath power to forgive sins on earth, he said unto the sick of
the palsy: I say to thee, arise, take up thy bed and go home to thy
house. And immediately he rose up before them all, and took up his bed
whereon he lay, and departed to his own house praising God. And they
were ail amazed, and they lauded God, and were filled with fear,
saying: We have seen strange things today.
And after that he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting
at the receipt of custom, and said unto him: follow me. And he left
all, rose up, and followed him. And that same Levi made him a great
feast at home in his own house. And there was a great company of
publicans, and of other that sat at meat with him. And the scribes and
pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying: Why eat ye and drink
ye, with publicans and sinners? Iesus answered and said unto them: They
that are whole, need not of the physician: but they that are sick. I
came not to call the righteous to repentance: but the sinners.
They said unto him: Why do the disciples of Ihon fast often and pray:
and the disciples of the pharisees also: and thine eat and drink? To
whom he said: Can ye make the Children of the wedding fast, as long as
the bridegroom is present with them? The days will come, when the
bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then shall they fast in those
days.
He spake unto them in a similitude: No man putteth a piece of a new
garment, into an old vesture: for if he do, then breaketh he the new
and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not with the old.
Also no man poureth new wine into old vessels, if he do, the new wine
breaketh the vessels, and runneth out itself, and the vessels perish:
But new wine must be poured into new vessels, and both are preserved.
Also no man that drinketh old wine, straightway can away with new, for
he sayeth: the old is pleasanter.
The .vj. Chapter.
It happened on an after Sabbath, they went thorow the corn field, and
his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and ate them, and rubbed them
in their hands. Certain of the pharisees said unto them: Why do ye that
which is not lawful to be done on the saboth days? Iesus answered them
and said: Have ye not read what David did, when he himself was an
hungered, and they which were with him: how he went into the house of
God, and took and ate the loaves of hallowed bread, and gave also to
them which were with him: which was not lawful to eat, but for the
priests only. And he said unto them: The son of man is lord even of the
saboth day.
And it fortuned in another saboth also, that he entered into the
synagogue and taught. And there was a man, whose right hand was dried
up. The scribes, and pharisees watched him, to see whether he would
heal on the saboth day or not, that they might find an accusation
against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had
the withered hand: Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. He arose, and
stepped forth. Then said Iesus unto them: I will ask you a question:
Whether is it lawful on the saboth days to do good, or to do evil? to
save life or for to destroy it? And he beheld them all in compass, and
said unto the man: Stretch forth thy hand. He did so, and his hand was
restored, and made as whole as the other. And they were filled full of
madness, and communed one with another, what they might do to Iesu.
It fortuned in those days, he went out into a mountain for to pray, and
continued all night in prayer to God. And as soon as it was day, he
called his disciples, and of them he chose twelve, which also he called
his apostles. Simon, whom also he named Peter: and Andrew his brother,
Iames and Ihon, Philip and Bartlemew, Matthew and Thomas, Iames the son
of Alpheus and Simon called Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son, and Iudas
Iscariot, which same was the traitor.
And he came down with them and stood in the plain field with the
company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all
parts of Iury and Ierusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon,
which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases, and they
also that were vexed with foul spirits, and they were healed. And all
the people pressed to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and
healed them all.
And he lifted up his eyes upon the disciples, and said: Blessed are ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger: for
ye shall be satisfied. Blessed are ye that weep: for ye shall laugh.
Blessed are ye when men hate you, and thrust you out of their company,
and rail on you, and abhor your name, as an evil thing, for the son of
man's sake. Rejoice ye then, and be glad: for behold your reward is
great in heaven. After this manner their fathers entreated the
prophets.
But woe be to you that are rich: for ye have therein your consolation.
Woe be to you that are full: for ye shall hunger. Woe be to you that
now laugh: for ye shall wail, and weep. Woe be to you when all men
praise you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say unto you which hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them which
hate you. Bless them that curse you. And pray for them which wrongfully
trouble you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer
also the other. And him that taketh away thy gown, forbid not to take
thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee. And if any man
that take away thy goods, ask them not again. And as ye would that men
should do to you: so do ye to them likewise.
If ye love them which love you: what thank are ye worthy of? seeing
that the very sinners love their lovers. And if ye do for them which do
for you: what thank are ye worthy of? For the very sinners do even the
same. If ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive: what thank shall
ye have: for the very sinners, lend to sinners, to receive as much
again. Love ye your enemies, do good, and lend, looking for nothing
again: and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of
the highest: for he is kind unto the unkind, and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your father is merciful. Judge not and ye
shall not be judged. Condemn not: and ye shall not be condemned.
Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given unto
you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosoms. For with what measure ye mete, with
the same shall men mete to you again.
And he put forth a similitude unto them: Can the blind lead the blind?
Do they not both then fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above
his master. Every man shall be perfect, even as his master is. Why
seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye, and considerest not the beam
that is in thine own eye? Other how canst thou say to thy brother:
Brother let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye: when thou
perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Hypocrite, cast out
the beam out of thine own eye first, and then shalt thou see perfectly,
to pull out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
It is not a good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit: Neither is that
an evil tree, that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known
by his fruit. Neither of thorns gather men figs, nor of bushes gather
they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth
forth that which is good. And the evil man out of the evil treasure of
his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil. For of the abundance of
the heart, the mought speaketh.
Why call ye me Master, Master: and do not as I bid you? whosoever
cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doth the same, I will shew
you to whom he is like. He is like a man which built an house: which
digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters arose,
the flood beat upon that house, and could not move it. For it was
grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man,
that without foundation built an house upon the earth, against which,
the flood beat: and it fell by and by. And the fall of that house was
great.
The .vij. Chapter.
When he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he
entered into Capernaum. And the servant of a certain Centurion was
sick, and ready to die, whom he made much of. And when he heard of
Iesu, he sent unto him the seniors of the jewes, beseeching him that he
would come and heal his servant. And they came to Iesus and besought
him instantly, saying: He is worthy that thou shouldest do this for
him. For he loveth our nation, and hath built us a synagogue. And Iesus
went with them.
And when he was not far from the house, the Centurion sent to him his
friends, saying unto him: lord trouble not thyself, for I am not worthy
that thou shouldest enter into my house. Wherefore I thought not myself
worthy to come unto thee: but say the word and my servant shall be
whole. For I likewise am a man under power, and have under me soldiers,
and I say unto one, go: and he goeth. And to another, come: and he
cometh. And to my servant, do this: and he doeth it. When Iesus heard
this, he marvelled at him, and turned him about and said to the people
that followed him: I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no
not in Israhel, certainly. And they that were sent, turned back home
again, and found the servant that was sick whole.
And it fortuned after that, he went into a city called Naym, and his
disciples went with him, and a great number of people. When he came
nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out,
which was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and much
people of the city was with her. And the lord saw her, and had
compassion on her, and said unto her: weep not. And went and touched
the coffin, and they that bare him stood still. And he said: Young man,
I say unto thee, arise. And the dead sat up, and began to speak. And he
delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all. And
they glorified God saying: a great prophet is risen among us, and God
hath visited his people. And this rumor of him went forth throughout
all Iewry, and thorowout all the regions which lie round about.
And unto Ihon shewed his disciples of all these things. And Ihon called
unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to Iesus saying: Art thou
he that shall come: or shall we look for another? When the men were
come unto him, they said: Ihon baptist sent us unto thee saying: Art
thou he that shall come: or shall we wait for another? At that same
time, he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, And of evil
spirits, and unto many that were blind, he gave sight. And he answered,
and said unto them: Go your ways and shew Ihon, what things ye have
heard and seen: how that the blind see, the halt go, the lepers are
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead arise: To the poor is the gospell
preached, and happy is he that falleth not, by reason of me.
When the messengers of Ihon were departed, he began to speak unto the
people of Ihon: What went ye out for to see into the desert? went ye to
see a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man
clothed in soft raiment? Behold they which are gorgeously apparelled,
and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye forth to
see? A prophet? Yea I say to you, and more than a prophet. This is he
of whom it is written: Behold I send my messenger before thy face, to
prepare thy way before thee. I say unto you: a greater prophet than
Ihon, among women's children, is there none. Nevertheless one that is
less in the kingdom of God, is greater than he.
And all the people that heard, and the publicans justified God, which
were baptised in the baptism of Ihon. But the Pharises and scribes
despised the counsel of God, against themselves, and were not baptised
of him.
And the lord said: Whereunto shall I liken the men of this generation,
and what thing are they like? They are like unto children sitting in
the market place, and crying one to another, and saying: We have piped
unto you, and ye have not danced: We have mourned to you, and ye have
not wept. For Ihon baptist came unto you neither eating bread, nor
drinking wine, and ye say: he hath the devil. The son of man is come
and eateth and drinketh, and ye say: behold a man which is a glutton,
and a drinker of wine, the friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom
justified of all her children.
And one of the pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he
went into the pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold a
woman in that city, which was a sinner, as soon as she knew that Iesus
sat at meat in the pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster box of
ointment, and she stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to
wash his feet, with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her
head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with ointment.
When the Pharise which bade him to his house, saw that, he spake within
himself: saying: If this man were a prophet, he would surely have known
who and what manner woman this is which toucheth him, for she is a
sinner. And Iesus answered, and said unto him: Simon I have somewhat to
say unto thee. And he said: Master say on. There was a certain lender,
which had two debtors, the one ought five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Which of
them tell me, will love him most? Simon answered, and said: I suppose
that he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him: Thou hast truly
judged.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon: Seest thou this woman?
I entered into thy house, and thou gavest me no water to my feet: but
she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of
her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but she, since the time I came in,
hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not
anoint: but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say
unto thee: many sins are forgiven her, because she loved much. To whom
less is forgiven, the same doeth less love.
And he said unto her thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at
meat with him, began to say within themselves: Who is this which
forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath saved
thee, Go in peace.
The .viij. Chapter.
And it fortuned after that, he himself went throughout cities and
towns, preaching, and shewing the kingdom of God, and the twelve with
him. And also certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and
infirmities: Mary called Magdalen, out of whom went seven devils, and
Ioanna the wife of Chusa, Herod's steward, And Susanna, And many other:
which ministered unto him of their substance.
When much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of
the cities, he spake by a similitude: A sower went out to sow his seed,
and as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was trodden under
feet, and the fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fell on stone,
and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked
moistness. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with
it, and choked it. And some fell on good ground, and sprang up and bare
fruit, an hundred fold. And as he said these things, he cried: He that
hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying: what manner similitude this should
be. And he said: unto you is it given to know the secrets of the
kingdom of God: but to other in similitudes, that when they see, they
should not see, and when they hear they should not understand.
The similitude is this. The seed is the word of God. Those that are
beside the way, are they that hear, and afterward cometh the devil, and
taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and
be saved. They on the stones, are they which when they hear the word
receive it with joy. And these have no roots, which for a while
believe, and in time of temptation go away. That which fell among
thorns, are they which hear, and go forth, and are choked with cares
and riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That in
the good ground, are they which with a good and pure heart, hear the
word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man lighteth a candle, and covereth it under a vessel, neither
putteth it under the table: but setteth it on a candlestick, that they
that enter in, may see light. No thing is in secret, that shall not
come abroad: Neither any thing hid, that shall not be known, and come
to light. Take heed therefore how ye hear. For whosoever hath, to him
shall be given: And whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken, even
that same which he supposeth that he hath.
Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him
for press. And they told him saying: Thy mother and thy brethren, stand
without, and would see thee. He answered, and said unto them: my mother
and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
It chanced on a certain day that he went into a ship, and his disciples
also, and he said unto them: Let us go over unto the other side of the
lake. And they launched forth. And as they sailed, he fell asleep, and
there arose a storm of wind in the lake, and they were filled with
water, and were in jeopardy. And they went to him and awoke him,
saying: Master, Master, we are lost. He arose and rebuked the wind, and
the tempest of water, and they ceased, and it waxed calm. And he said
unto them: where is your faith? They feared and wondered, saying one to
another: what fellow is this? for he commandeth both the winds and
water, and they obey him? And they sailed unto the region of the
Gaderens, which is over against Galile.
As he went out of the ship to land, there met him a certain man out of
the city, which had a devil long time, and ware no clothes, neither
abode in any house: but among graves. When he saw Iesus, he cried, and
fell down before him, and with a loud voice said: What have I to do
with thee Iesus the son of the God most highest? I beseech thee torment
me not. Then he commanded the foul spirit to come out of the man. For
often times he caught him, and he was bound with chains, and kept with
fetters: and he brake the bonds, and was carried of the fiend, into
wilderness.
Iesus asked him saying: what is thy name? And he said: Legion, because
many devils were entered into him. And they besought him, that he would
not command them to go out into the deep. There was there by an herd of
many swine, feeding on an hill, and they prayed him, that he would
suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the
devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: And the herd took
their course, and ran headlong into the lake, and were choked. When the
herdsmen saw what had chanced, they fled, and told it in the city and
in the villages.
And they came out to see what was done. And came to Iesus, and found
the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of
Iesus clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They also
which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the
devil, was healed. And all the whole multitude of the Gaderens,
besought him, that he would depart from them: for they were taken with
great fear. And he gat him into the ship and returned back again. Then
the man out of whom the devils were departed, besought him, that he
might be with him: But Iesus sent him away, saying: Go home again into
thine own house, and shew what things God hath done to thee. And he
went his way, and preached thorowout all the city what things Iesus had
done unto him.
It fortuned that when Iesus was come again, the people received him.
For they all longed for him. And behold there came a man named Iairus
(and he was a ruler of the synagogue) and he fell down at Iesus' feet,
and besought him that he would come into his house, for he had but a
daughter only, of twelve year of age, and she lay a dying. As he went
the people thronged him.
And a woman having an issue of blood twelve year (which had spent all
her substance among Physicians, neither could be helped of any) came
behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, and immediately her
issue of blood staunched. And Iesus said: Who is it that touched me?
when every man denied, Peter and they that were with him, said: Master,
the people thrust thee and vex thee: and thou sayest, who touched me?
And Iesus said: Somebody touched me. For I perceive that virtue is gone
out of me. When the woman saw, that she was not hid from him, she came
trembling, and fell at his feet, and told him before all the people,
for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
And he said unto her: Daughter be of good comfort. Thy faith hath made
the safe, go in peace.
While he yet spake, there came one from the rulers of the synagogue's
house, which said to him: Thy daughter is dead, disease not the master.
When Iesus heard that, He answered to the maidens father saying: Fear
not, believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came to the
house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, Iames and
Ihon, and the father and the mother of the maiden. Every body wept and
sorrowed for her. And he said Weep not: for she is not dead, but
sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. For they knew that she was
dead. And he thrust them all out at the doors, and caught her by the
hand, and cried saying: Maid arise. And her spirit came again, and she
rose straightway. And he commanded to give her meat. And the father and
the mother of her were astonied. But he warned that they should tell no
man, what was done.
The .ix. Chapter.
Then called he the xij. together, and gave them power, and authority,
over all devils. And that they might heal diseases. And he sent them to
preach the kingdom of God, and to cure the sick. And he said to them:
Take no thing to succor you by the way: neither staff, nor scrip,
neither bread neither money, neither have two coats. And whatsoever
house ye enter into there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will
not receive you, when ye depart from that city, shake off the very dust
from your feet, for a testimony against them. They went forth, and went
thorow the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.
Herod the tetrarch heard of all that by him was done, and doubted
because that it was said of some, that Ihon was risen again from death.
And of some that Helias had appeared. And of other that one of the old
prophets was risen again. And Herod said: Ihon have I beheaded: who is
this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
And the Apostles returned, and told him all that they had done. And he
took them and went aside into a solitary place, nigh to a city called
Bethsaida. The people knew of it, and followed him. And he received
them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God. And healed them that
had need to be healed. The day began to wear away. Then came the
twelve, and said unto him: send the people away, that they may go into
the towns, and villages roundabout, and lodge, and get meat, for we are
here in a place of wilderness. Then said he unto them: Give ye them to
eat. And they said: We have no more but five loaves and two fishes,
except we should go and buy meat for all this people. And they were
about a five thousand men. He said unto his disciples: Cause them to
sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so, and made them all
sit down. He took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looked up to
heaven, and blessed them, and brake, and gave to his disciples, to set
before the people. And they all ate, and were satisfied. And there was
taken up of that remained to them, twelve baskets full of broken meat.
It fortuned as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him, and
he asked them saying: Who say the people that I am? They answered and
said: Ihon baptist. Some say Helias. And some say, one of the old
prophets is risen again. He said unto them: Who say ye that I am? Peter
answered and said: thou art the Christ of God. He warned and commanded
them, that they should tell no man that thing, saying: That the son of
man must suffer many things, and be reproved of the seniors, and of the
high priests and scribes, and be slain, and the third day rise again.
And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take his cross on him daily, and follow me. Whosoever will
save his life, shall lose it. And whosoever shall lose his life, for my
sake, the same shall save it. For what shall it advantage a man, to win
the whole world, if he lose himself: or run in damage of himself? For
whosoever is ashamed of me, and of my sayings: of him shall the son of
man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own majesty, and in the majesty
of his father, and of the holy angels. I tell you of a surety: Some
there are of them that here stand, which shall not taste of death till
they see the kingdom of God.
And it followed about an viij. days after those sayings, he took Peter,
Iames, and Ihon, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed,
the fashion of his countenance was changed, and his garment was white
and shone. And behold, two men talked with him, and they were Moses and
Helias, which appeared gloriously, and spake of his departing, which he
should end at Ierusalem. Peter and they that were with him, were heavy
asleep. And when they woke, they saw his majesty, and two men standing
with him.
And it chanced as they departed from him, Peter said unto Iesus:
Master, it is good being here for us. Let us make three tabernacles,
one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Helias. And wist not what
he said. While he thus spake there came a cloud and shadowed them and
they feared when they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice
out of the cloud saying: This is my dear son, hear him. And as soon as
the voice was past, Iesus was found alone. And they kept it close: and
told no man in those days any of those things, which they had seen.
It chanced on the next day as they came down from the hill, much people
came and met him. And behold a man of the company cried out saying:
Master, I beseech thee behold my son, for he is all that I have: and
see, a spirit taketh him, and suddenly he crieth, and he teareth him
that he foameth again, and uneth departeth he from him, when he hath
rent him: And I have besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they
could not. Iesus answered, and said: O generation without faith, and
crooked: how long shall I be with you? And shall suffer you? Bring thy
son hither. As he yet was a coming, the fiend rent him, and tare him.
Iesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered
him to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.
While they wondered every one at all things which he did: He said unto
his disciples: Let these sayings sink down into your ears. The time
will come, when the son of man shall be delivered into the hands of
men. But they wist not what that word meant, and it was hid from them
that they understood it not. And they feared to ask him of that saying.
Then there arose a disputation among them, who should be the greatest.
When Iesus perceived the thoughts of their hearts, he took a child, and
set him hard by him, and said unto them: Whosoever receiveth this child
in my name, receiveth me. And whosoever receiveth me, receiveth him
that sent me. For he that amongst you, is the least, the same shall be
great.
Ihon answered and said: Master we saw one casting out devils in thy
name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Iesus
said unto him: forbid ye him not. For he that is not against you, is
with you. {us}
And it followed when the time was come that he should be received up
and that he determined himself to go to Ierusalem: and sent messengers
before him. And they went, and entered into a city of the Samaritans to
make ready for him. And they would not receive him, because his face
was as though he would go to Ierusalem. When his disciples, Iames, and
Ihon, saw that, they said: lord, wilt thou that we command, that fire
come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Helias did? Iesus
turned about, and rebuked them saying: ye wot not what manner spirit ye
are of. The son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save
them. And they went to another town.
It chanced as he went on their journey, a certain man said unto him: I
will follow thee whithersoever thou go. Iesus said unto him: foxes have
holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the son of man hath not
whereon to lay his head.
And he said unto another: follow me. And the same said: lord suffer me
first to go and bury my father. Iesus said unto him. Let the dead, bury
their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
And another said: I will follow thee lord: But let me first go bid them
farewell, which are at home at my house. Iesus said unto him: No man
that putteth his hand to the plough, and looketh back, is apt to the
kingdom of God.
The .x. Chapter.
After that, the lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them, two
and two, before his face, into every city, and place, whither he
himself would come. And said unto them: the harvest is great: but the
laborers are few. Pray therefore the lord of the harvest, to send forth
laborers into his harvest. Go your ways. Behold, I send you forth as
lambs among wolves. Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and
salute no man by the way. In whatsoever house ye enter in, first say:
Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace
shall rest upon him, if not, it shall return to you again. And in the
same house tarry still eating and drinking, such as they have. For the
laborer is worthy of his reward.
Go not from house to house: and into whatsoever city ye enter, if they
receive you, eat whatsoever is set before you, and heal the sick that
are there, and say unto them: the kingdom of God is come nigh upon you.
But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, if they receive you not, go
your ways out into the streets of the same, and say: even the very
dust, which cleaveth on us of your city, we wipe off against you:
Notwithstanding, mark this, that the kingdom of God was come nigh upon
you. Yea and I say unto you: that it shall be easier in that day, for
Sodom than for that city.
Woe be to thee Chorazin: woe be to thee Bethsaida. For if the miracles
had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had
a great while agone repented, sitting in hair and ashes. Nevertheless
it shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon, at the judgement, than for you.
And thou Capernaum which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to
hell. whosoever heareth you, heareth me: And whosoever despiseth you,
despiseth me. And he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me.
The seventy returned again with joy saying: lord even the very devils
are subdued to us thorow thy name. And he said unto them: I saw sathan,
as it had been lightning, fall down from heaven. Behold I give unto you
power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and upon all manner power of
the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, in this rejoice
not, that the spirits are under your power: But rejoice because your
names are written in heaven.
That same time rejoiced Iesus in the spirit, and said: I praise
{confess} thee father lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid
these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them to the
foolish. Even so father, for so pleased it thee. All things are given
me of my father. And no man knoweth who the son is, but the father:
neither who the father is, save the son, and he to whom the son will
shew him.
And he turned to his disciples, and said secretly: Happy are the eyes,
which see that ye see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings have
desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: And
to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them:
And mark, A Certain Lawyer stood up, and tempted him saying: Master
what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said unto him: What is
written in the law? How readest thou? And he answered and said: Thou
shalt love thy lord God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as
thyself. And he said unto him: Thou hast answered right. This do and
thou shalt live. He willing to justify himself, said unto Iesus: Who is
then my neighbor?
Iesus answered and said: A certain man descended from Ierusalem into
Ierico, And fell into the hands of thieves, which robbed him of his
raiment and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead. And it
chance that there came a certain priest that same way, and saw him, and
passed by. And like wise a levite, when he was come nigh to the place,
went and looked on him, and passed by. Then a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came nigh unto him, and beheld him, and had compassion on
him, and came to hime, and bound up his wounds, and poured in wine, and
oil, and laid him on his beast, and brought him to a common hostry, and
drest him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence,
and gave them to the host and said unto him: Take care of him, and
whatsoever thou spendest above this, when I come again I will
recompense thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbor
unto him that fell into the thieves hands? And he answered: he that
shewed mercy on him. Then said Iesus unto him. Go and do thou likewise.
It fortuned as they went, that he entered into a certain town. And a
certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And this woman
had a sister called Mary, which sat at Iesus' feet, and heard Iesus
preaching: Martha was cumbered about much serving, and stood and said:
Master, dost thou not care, that my sister hath left me to minister
alone? Bid her therefore, that she help me. And Iesus answered, and
said unto her: Martha, Martha, thou art busied, and troublest thyself,
about many things: verily one is needful, Mary hath chosen her a good
part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The .xj. Chapter.
And it fortuned as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased,
one of his disciples said unto him: Master teach us to pray, As Ihon
taught his disciples. And he said unto them: When ye pray, say: Our
father which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Let thy kingdom come.
Thy will, be fulfilled, even in earth as it is in heaven. Our daily
bread give us this day. And forgive us our sins: For even we forgive
every man that trespasseth us, and lead us not into temptation, But
deliver us from evil Amen.
And he said unto them: which of you shall have a friend and shall go to
him at midnight, and say unto him: friend lend me four loaves for a
friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have nothing to set
before him: And he within should answer and say: Trouble me not, now is
the door is shut, and my servants are with me in the chamber, I cannot
rise and give them to thee. I say unto you: though he would not arise
and give him, because he is his friend: Yet because of his importunity
he would rise and give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you: ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and ye shall
find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that
asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that
knocketh shall it be opened. If the son shall ask bread of any of you
which is his father: will he proffer him a stone? Or if he ask fish,
will he give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg: will he proffer him a
scorpion? If ye then which are evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children? How much more shall your father celestial, give a good
spirit to them, that desire it of him.
And he was a casting out a devil, which was dumb. And it followed when
the devil was gone out, the dumb spake, and the people wondered. Some
of them said: he casteth out devils by the power of Belzebub, the chief
of the devils. And other tempted him seeking of him a sign from heaven.
He knew their thoughts, and said unto them: Every kingdom, at debate
within itself shall be desolate: and one house shall fall upon another.
So if Satan be at variance within himself: how shall his kingdom
endure? Be cause ye say that I cast out devils by the power of
Belzebub? If I by the power of Belzebub cast out devils: by whose
power, do your children cast them out? Therefore shall they be your
judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt, the
kingdom of God is come upon you.
When a strong man armed watcheth his house: That he possesseth, is in
peace. But when a stronger than he cometh upon him, and overcometh him:
he taketh from him, his harness, wherein he trusted, and divideth his
goods. He that is not with me is against me. And he that gathereth not
with me scattereth.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through
waterless places seeking rest. And when he findeth none, he sayeth: I
will return again unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh,
he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh seven other
spirits with him worse than himself, and they enter in, and dwell
there. And the end of that man, is worse than the beginning.
It fortuned as he thus spake, a certain woman of the company lifted up
her voice, and said unto him: Happy is the womb that bare thee and the
paps, which gave thee suck. But he said: Happy are they that hear the
word of God, and keep it.
When the people were gathered thick together: He began to say: This is
an evil nation. They seek a sign, and there shall no sign be given
them, but the sign of Ionas the prophet. For as Ionas was a sign to the
Ninivites, so shall the son of man be to this nation. The queen of the
south shall rise at the judgement, with the men of this generation, and
condemn them. For she came from the end of the world, to hear the
wisdom of Salomon: and behold a greater than Salomon is here. The men
of Nineveh shall rise at the judgement, with this generation, and shall
condemn them: for they repented at the preaching of Ionas: And behold,
a greater than Ionas is here.
No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in a privy place, neither
under a bushel: But on a candlestick, that they that come in, may see
the light. The light of thy body is the eye. Therefore, when thine eye
is single: then is all thy body full of light. But if thine eye be
evil: then shall all thy body also be full of darkness. Take heed
therefore that the light which is in thee, be not darkness. For if all
thy body shall be light, having no part dark: then shall all be full of
light, even as when a candle doeth light thee with his brightness.
And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and
Iesus went in, and sat down to meat. When the Pharisee saw that he
marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner. And the lord said
to him: Now do ye, O pharisees, make clean the outside of the cup, and
of the platter: but your inward parts are full of ravening and
wickedness. Ye fools did not he that made that which is without: make
that which is within also? Nevertheless ye give of that ye have, and
behold all is clean to you.
But woe be to you pharisees, for ye tithe the mint, and rue, and all
manner herbs, and pass over judgement, and the love of God. These ought
ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.
Woe be to you pharisees: for ye love the uppermost seats in the
synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
Woe be to you scribes and pharisees hypocrites, for ye are as graves
which appear not, And men that walk over them, are not ware of them.
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him: Master, thus
saying, thou puttest us to rebuke also. Then he said: Woe be to you
also ye lawyers: for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be born, and
ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers.
Woe be to you that build the sepulchers of the prophets: for your
fathers killed them: Truly ye bear witness, that ye allow the deeds of
your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build their sepulchers.
Therefore said the wisdom of God: I will send them prophets and
Apostles, and of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of
all prophets, which was shed from the beginning of the world, may be
required of this generation, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of
Zacary, which perished between the altar and the temple. Verily I say
unto you: it shall be required of this nation.
Woe be to you lawyers: for ye have taken away the key of knowledge, ye
entered not in yourselves, and them that came in ye forbade.
When he thus spake unto them, the lawyers, and the pharisees, began to
wax busy about him and to stop his mought with many questions, Laying
wait for him, and seeking to catch something of his mouth, whereby they
might accuse him.
The .xij. Chapter.
As there gathered to gether an innumerable multitude of people
(insomuch that they trod one another) he began to say unto his
disciples: First of all beware of the leaven of the pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be uncovered:
neither hid, that shall not be known. Wherefore whatsoever ye have
spoken in darkness: that same shall be heard in light. And that which
ye have spoken in the ear, even in secret places, shall be preached
even on the top of the houses.
I say unto you my friends: fear ye not them that kill the body, and
after that have nothing that he can more do. I will shew you, whom ye
shall fear. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast
into hell. Yea I say unto you, him fear. Are not five sparrows bought
for two farthings? and none of them is forgotten of God. Yea the very
hairs of your heads are numbered. Fear not therefore: Ye are more of
value, than many sparrows.
I say unto you: Whosoever confesseth me before men, even him shall the
son of man confess also before the angels of God. And he that denieth
me before men: shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever
speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven him. But
unto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
When they bring you unto their synagogues, and unto their rulers, and
officers, take no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye
shall speak. For the holy ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what
ye ought to say.
One of the company said unto him: Master, bid my brother divide the
inheritance with me. And he said unto him: Man, who made me a judge, or
a divider over you? Wherefore he said unto them: take heed, and beware
of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the
things which he possesseth. And he put forth a similitude unto them
saying: The lands of a certain man brought forth fruits plenteously,
and he thought in himself saying: what shall I do? because I have no
room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will I do. I will
destroy my barns, and build greater, and therein will I gather all my
fruits, and my goods: and I will say to my soul: Soul thou hast much
goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink and
be merry. But God said unto him: Thou fool, this night will they fetch
away thy soul again from thee. Then whose shall those things be which
thou hast provided? So is it with him that gathered riches, and is not
rich in God.
And he spake unto his disciples: Therefore I say unto you: Take no
thought for your life, what ye shall eat: Neither for your body, what
ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than
raiment. Mark well the ravens, for they neither sow, nor reap, which
neither have storehouse nor barn, and yet God feedeth them. How much
are ye better then the fowls.
Which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If
ye then be not able to do that thing which is least: why take ye
thought for the remnant? Consider the lilies how they grow: They labor
not: They spin not: and I say unto you, Salomon in all his royalty was
not clothed like unto one of these.
If God then so clothe the grass which is to day in the fields, and
tomorrow shall be cast into the furnace: how much more will he clothe
you, o ye endued with little faith? And ask not what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink, neither climb ye up on high: for all such things
the heathen people of the world seek for. Your father knoweth that ye
have need of such things. Wherefore seek ye after the kingdom of
heaven, and all these things shall be ministered unto you.
Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasure, to give you a
kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms. And make you bags, which wax
not old, and treasure that faileth not in heaven, where no thief
cometh, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, There will
your hearts be also.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye
yourselves, like unto men, that watch for their master when he will
return from a wedding: that as soon as he cometh and knocketh, they may
open unto him. Happy are those servants, which their lord, when he
cometh, shall find walking, Verily I say unto you, he will gird himself
about, and make them sit down to meat, and walk by them, and minister
unto them. And if he come in the second watch, ye if he come in the
third watch, and shall find them so, happy are those servants.
This shall ye understand, that if the good man of the house, had known
what hour the thief would have come, he would surely have watched: and
not have suffered his house to have been broken up. Be ye prepared
therefore for the son of man will come at an hour when ye think, not.
Then Peter said unto him: Master tellest thou this similitude unto us,
or to all men? And the lord said: who is a faithful steward, and a
discreet, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give
them their duetie of meat, at due season. Happy is that servant, whom
his master when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto
you: that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if the
evil servant shall say in his heart: My master will defer his coming,
and shall begin to smite the servants, and maidens, and to eat and
drink, and to be drunken: the lord of that servant will come in a day,
when he thinketh not, and at an hour when he is not ware, and will
divide him, and will give him his reward, with the unbelievers.
The servant that knew his master's will, and prepared not himself,
neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and hath committed things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whom much is given: of him
shall be much required. And to whom men much commit, the more of him
will they ask.
I am come to send fire on earth: and what is my desire but that it were
al ready kindled? Notwithstanding I must be baptised with a baptism.
And how am I pained till it be ended? Suppose ye that I am come to send
peace on earth? I tell you, nay: but rather debate. For henceforth
there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two
against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son
against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter
against the mother. The motherinlaw against the daughterinlaw, and the
daughter in law against the motherinlaw. Then said he to the people:
when ye see a cloud rise out of the west straightway ye say: we shall
have a shower, and so it is. And when ye se the south wind blow, ye
say: we shall have heat, and it cometh to pass. Hypocrites, ye can
skill of the fashion of the earth, and of the sky: but what is the
cause, that ye cannot skill of this time? Yea and why judge ye not of
yourselves, that which is rightwise?
While thou goest with thine adversary to the ruler: as thou art in the
way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him, least he
bring thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the jailer, and
the jailer cast thee into prison. I tell thee thou departest not
thence, till thou have made good the utmost farthing.
The .xiij. Chapter.
There were present at the same season, that shewed him of the
Galileans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their own sacrifice. And
Iesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose ye that these Galileans,
were greater sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered
such punishment? I tell you nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish. Or think ye that those xviij. upon whom the tower in
Siloe fell and slew them, were sinners above all men that dwell in
Ierusalem? I tell you nay: But except ye repent, ye all shall likewise
perish.
He put forth this similitude, A certain man had a fig tree in his
vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then
said he to the dresser of his vineyard: Behold this three year have I
come and sought fruit in this fig tree, and find none, cut it down: why
cumbereth it the ground? And he answered and said unto him: lord let it
alone this year also, till I dig round about it, and dung it, to see
whether it will bear fruit: if not, then after that, cut it down.
He taught in one of their synagogues on the saboth days. And behold
there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity xviij. years: and was
bowed together, and could not well lift up herself. When Iesus saw her,
he called her to him, and said to her: woman, thou art delivered from
thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made
straight, and glorified God. The ruler of the synagogue answered with
indignation (because that Iesus had healed on the saboth day) And said
unto the people: There are six days in the week, in which men ought to
work, in them come and be healed, and not on the saboth day.
Then answered him the lord and said: Hypocrite, doth not each one of
you on the saboth day, loose his ox, or his ass, from the stall, and
lead him to the water? And ought not this daughter of Abraham, be
loosed from this bond on the saboth day, whom Sathan hath bounde lo,
xviij. years?
And when he thus said, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the
people rejoiced on all the excellent deeds, that were done by him.
Then said he: What is the kingdom of God like? or whereto shall I
compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and
sowed in his garden: and it grew, and waxed a great tree, and the fowls
of the air built in the branches of it.
And again he said: whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of , God? It is
like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three bushels of flour,
till all was thorow leavened. And he went thorow cities and towns
teaching, and took his journey towards Ierusalem.
Then said one unto him: lord, are there few that shall be saved? And he
said unto them: strive with your selves to enter in at the strait gate:
For many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
When the goodman of the house is risen up, and hath shut fast the door,
and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door saying: lord,
lord, open unto us: and he shall answer and say unto you: I know not
whence ye are. Then shall ye begin to say: We have eaten, and drunk in
thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. And he shall say: I
tell you, I know you not whence ye are: depart from me all ye workers
of iniquity. There shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth: when ye
shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Iacob, and all the prophets in the
kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out a doors. And they shall come
from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the
south, and shall rest in the kingdom of God. And behold, there are
last, which shall be first: And there are first which shall be last.
The same day there came certain of the pharisees, and said unto him:
Get thee out of the way, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.
And he said unto them: Go ye and tell that fox, behold I cast out
devils, and heal the people to day and tomorrow, and the third day I
make an end. Nevertheless, I must walk today and tomorrow, and the day
following: For it cannot be, that a prophet perish any other where,
save at Ierusalem. O Ierusalem, Ierusalem, which killest prophets, and
stonest them that are sent to thee: how often would I have gathered thy
children together, as the hen her nest under her wings, but thou
wouldest not. Behold your habitation shall be left unto you desolate.
For I tell you, ye shall not see me until the time come that ye shall
say, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
And it chanced that he went into the house of one of the chief
pharisees to eat bread, on a saboth day: and they watched him. And
behold there was a man before him, which had the dropsy. And Iesus
answered and spake unto the lawyers and pharisees, saying: is it lawful
to heal on the saboth day? And they held their peace. He took the man
and healed him, and let him go: And answered them saying: which of you
shall have an ass, or an ox, fallen into a pit, and will not
straightway pull him out on the saboth day? And they could not answer
him again to that.
He put forth a similitude to the guests, when he marked how they
pressed to the highest rooms, and said unto them: When thou art bidden
to a wedding of any man, sit not down in the highest room, lest a more
honorable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade both him and
thee, come and say to thee: give this man room. And thou then begin
with shame to take the lowest room. But rather when thou art bidden, go
and sit in the lowest room, that when he that bade thee cometh, he may
say unto thee: friend sit up higher. Then shalt thou have praise in the
presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth
himself, shall be brought low. And he that humbleth himself, shall be
exalted.
Then said he also to him that had desired to him to dinner: When thou
makest a dinner, or a supper: call not thy friends, nor thy brethren,
neither thy kinsmen, nor yet rich neighbours: lest they bid thee again,
and make thee recompense. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor,
the maimed, the lame, and the blind, and thou shalt be happy: For they
cannot recompense thee. But thou shalt be recompensed at the
resurrection of the just men.
When one of them that sat at meat also heard that, he said unto him:
happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of God. Then said he to
him: A certain man ordained a great supper, and bade many, and sent his
servant at supper time, to say to them that were bidden, come: for all
things are now ready. And they all at once began to make excuse. The
first said unto him: I have bought a farm, and I must needs go and see
it, I pray thee have me excused. And another said: I have bought five
yoke of oxen, and I must go to prove them, I pray thee have me excused.
The third said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. And
the servant went again, and brought his master word thereof.
Then was the good man of the house displeased, and said to his servant:
Go out quickly into the streets and quarters of the city, and bring in
hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the
servant said: lord it is done as thou commandedst, and yet there is
room. And the lord said to the servant: Go out into the highways and
hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I
say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of
my supper.
There went a great company with him, and he turned and said unto them:
If a man come to me, and hate not his father and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, moreover and his own life, he
cannot be my disciple. And whosoever bear not his cross, and come after
me cannot be my disciple.
Which of you is he that is disposed to build a tower, and sitteth not
down before and counteth the cost: Whether he have sufficient to
perform it? lest after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to
perform it, all that behold it, begin to mock him saying: This man
began to build, and was not able to make an end. What king goeth to
make battle against another king, and sitteth not down first, and
casteth in his mind, whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him
that cometh against him with twenty thousand, or else while the other
is yet a great way off, he will send ambassadors, and desire peace. So
likewise, none of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, can be my
disciple.
Salt is good, but if salt be corrupt, what shall be seasoned therewith?
It is neither good for the land, nor yet for the dunghill, men cast it
out at the doors. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
The .xv. Chapter.
Then resorted unto him all the publicans and sinners, for to hear him.
And the pharisees, and scribes grudged saying: He received to his
company sinners, and eateth with them. Then put he forth this
similitude to them saying: What man of you having an hundred sheep, if
he lose one of them doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness,
and go after him which is lost, until he find him? And when he hath
found him, he putteth him on his shoulders with joy: And as soon as he
cometh home he calleth together his lovers, and neighbours saying unto
them: rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say
unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance. Other what woman having x. grotes, if she lose one, doth
not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently, till she
find it? And when she hath found it she calleth her lovers, and her
neighbours saying: Rejoice with me, for I have found the grote which I
had lost. Likewise I say unto you, joy shall be in the presence of the
angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
And he said: a certain man had two sons, and the younger of them said
to his father: father give me my part of the goods that to me
belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long after,
the younger son gathered all that he had together, and took his journey
into a far country, and there he wasted his goods with riotous living.
And when he had spent all that he had, there rose a great dearth
thorowout all that same land. And he began to lack. And he went, and
clave to a citizen of that same country, which sent him to his field,
to keep his swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the
cods, that the swine ate: and no man gave him.
Then he came to himself and said: how many hired servants at my
father's have bread enough, and I die for hunger. I will arise, and go
to my father, and will say unto him: father, I have sinned against
heaven and before thee, now am I not worthy to be called thy son, make
me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.
When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had
compassion, and ran unto him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And
the son said unto him: father I have sinned against heaven, and in thy
sight, neither am I worthy henceforth to be called thy son. Then said
the father to his servants: bring forth that best garment, and put it
on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring
hither that fatted calf, and kill him, and let us eat and be merry: for
this my son was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is now
found. And they began to make good chear.
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to
the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing, and called one of his
servants, and asked what those things meant. He said unto him: thy
brother is come, and thy father had killed the fatted calf, because he
hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go
in. Then came his father out, and entreated him, he answered and said
to his father: Lo these many years have I done thee service, neither
brake at any time thy commandment, and yet gavest thou me never so much
as a kid to make merry with my lovers: but as soon as this thy son was
come, which hath devoured thy goods with harlots, thou hast for his
pleasure killed the fatted calf. And he said unto him: Son, thou wast
ever with me, and all that I have is thine: it was meet that we should
make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive
again: and was lost, and is found.
The .xvj. Chapter.
He said also unto his disciples. There was a certain rich man, which
had a steward, that was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
And he called him, and said unto him: How is it, that I hear this of
thee? Give accounts of thy stewardship. For thou mayest be no longer my
steward. The steward said within himself: what shall I do? for my
master will take away from me the stewardship. I cannot dig, and to
beg, I am ashamed. I wot what to do, that when I am put out of my
stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
Then called he all his master's debtors, and said unto the first: how
much owest thou unto my master? And he said: an hundred tuns of oil,
and he said to him: take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write
fifty. Then said he to another: what owest thou? And he said: an
hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write
fourscore. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had
done wisely. For the children of this world, are in their kind, wiser
than the children of light. And I say also unto you: make you friends
of the wicked mammon, that when ye shall have need they may receive you
into everlasting habitations.
He that is faithful in that which is least: the same is faithful in
much. [And he that is unfaithful in the least: is unfaithful also in
much.] So then if ye have not been faithful in the wicked mammon? who
will believe you in that which is true? and if ye have not been
faithful in another man's business: who shall give you your own? No
servant can serve two masters, for either he shall hate the one and
love the other, or else he shall lean to the one, and despise the
other. Ye cannot serve God, and mammon.
All these things heard the pharisees also which were covetous. And they
mocked him, and he said unto them: Ye are they, which justify
yourselves before men: but God knoweth your hearts. For that which men
magnify, is abominable in the sight of God.
The law, and the prophets reigned until the time of Ihon: Since that
time, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man striveth to go in.
Sooner shall heaven and earth perish, than one tittle of the law shall
perish. Whosoever forsaketh his wife, and marrieth another, breaketh
matrimony. And every man which marrieth her that is divorced from her
husband committeth advoutry also.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple, and fine
rayons, and fared deliciously every day. And there was a certain
beggar, named Lazarus, which lay at his gate full of sores desiring to
be refreshed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's board.
Nevertheless, the dogs came, and licked his sores. And it fortuned that
the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom:
The rich man also died, and was buried in hell.
When he lift up his eyes, as he was in torments, and he saw Abraham
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom, And cried and said: father Abraham,
have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.
Abraham said unto him: Son remember, that thou in thy lifetime
receivedst thy pleasure, and contrariwise Lazarus pain. Now therefore
is he comforted, and thou art punished. Beyond all this between you and
us there is a great space set, so that they which would go from hence
to you, cannot: neither from thence come hither.
And he said: I pray thee therefore father, send him to my father's
house. For I have five brethren: for to warn them, lest they also come
into this place of torment. Abraham said unto him: they have Moses and
the prophets, let them hear them. And he said: nay father Abraham, but
if one from the dead came unto them they would repent. He said unto
him: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they
believe, though one rose from death again.
The .xvij. Chapter.
Then said he to his disciples, it cannot be avoided, but that occasions
of evil come. Nevertheless woe be to him thorow whom they come. It were
better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he
were cast into the sea, rather than he should offend one of these
little ones. Take heed to your selves, if thy brother trespass against
thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, forgive him. And though he sin
against thee seven times in one day, and seven times in a day turn
again to thee saying: it repenteth me, forgive him.
And the Apostles said unto the lord: increase our faith. The lord said:
if ye had faith like a grain of mustard seed, and should say unto this
sycamine tree, pluck thyself up by the roots, and plant thyself in the
sea: he should obey you.
Which of you having a servant a plowing, or feeding cattle, would say
unto him when he were come from the field: Go quickly and sit down to
meat. And rather sayeth not to him, dress wherewith I may sup, and
appoint thyself and serve me, till I have eaten and drunk: and
afterward, eat thou, and drink thou? Doeth he thank that servant
because he did that which was commanded unto him? I trow not. So
likewise ye, when ye have done all those things which are commanded
unto you: say, we are unprofitable servants. We have done that which
was our duty to do.
And it chanced as he went to Ierusalem, that he passed thorow Samaria
and Galile. And as he entered into a certain town, there met him ten
men, that were lepers, which stood afar off, and put forth their
voices, and said: Iesu master, have mercy on us. When he saw them, he
said unto them: Go and shew yourselves to the priests. And it chanced
as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he
was cleansed, turned back again, and with a loud voice praised God, and
fell down on his face at his feet, and gave him thanks. And the same
was a Samaritan. Iesus answered and said: Are there not ten cleansed?
But where are those nine? There are not found that returned again, to
give God praise, save only this stranger. And he said unto him: Arise,
and go thy way, thy faith hath saved thee.
When he was demanded of the pharisees, when the kingdom of God should
come: he answered them and said: The kingdom of God cometh not with
waiting for. Neither shall men say, Lo here, lo there. For behold, the
kingdom of God is within you.
And he said unto the disciples: The days will come, when ye shall
desire to see one day of the son of man, and ye shall not see it. And
they shall say to you: See here, See there. Go not after them, nor
follow them, for as the lightning that appeareth out of the one part of
the heaven, and shineth unto the other part of heaven. So shall the son
of man be in his days. But first must he suffer many things, and be
reproved of this nation.
As it happened in the time of Noe So shall it be in the time of the son
of man. They ate, they drank, they married wives and were married even
unto the same day that Noe went into the ark, and the flood came, and
destroyed them all. Likewise also, as it chanced in the days of Lot.
They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built.
And even the same day that Lot went out of Zodom, it rained fire and
brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. After these ensamples,
shall the day be, when the son of man shall appear. At that day he that
is on the house top, and his stuff in the house: let him not come down
to take it out. And likewise let not him that is in the fields, turn
back again to that he left behind. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever will
go about to save his life, shall lose it: And whosoever shall lose his
life, shall quicken it.
I tell you: In that night, there shall be two in one bed, the one shall
be received, and the other shall be forsaken. Two shall be also a
grinding together: the one shall be received, and the other forsaken.
And they answered, and said to him: where lord? And he said unto them:
wheresoever The body shall be, thither will the eagles resort.
The .xviij. Chapter.
He put forth a similitude unto them, signifying that men ought always
to pray, and not to be weary, saying: There was a Judge in a certain
city, which feared not God neither regarded man. And there was a
certain widow in the same city, which came unto him saying: Avenge me
of mine adversary. And a great while he would not. Afterward he said
unto himself: Though I fear not God, nor care for man, yet because this
widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest at the last she come, and
rail on me.
And the lord said: hear what the unrighteous judge sayeth. And shall
not God avenge his elect, which cry night and day unto him? Yea though
he defer them: I tell you, he will avenge them, and that quickly.
Nevertheless, when the son of man cometh, suppose ye, that he shall
find faith on earth.
And he put forth this similitude, unto certain which trusted in
themselves, that they were perfect, and despised other. Two men went up
into the temple to pray: the one a pharisee, and the other a publican.
The pharise stood and prayed thus with himself. God I thank thee that I
am not as other are, extortioners, unjust, advoutrers, and even as the
publican is. I fast twice in the week. I give tithe of all that I
possess. And the publican stood afar off, and would not lift up his
eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying: God be mercyfull to me a
sinner. I tell you: this man departed home to his house justified more
than the other. For every man that exalteth himself, shall be brought
low: And he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.
They brought unto him also babes, that he should touch them. When his
disciples saw that, they rebuked them. But Iesus called them unto him,
and said: Suffer children to come unto me, and forbid them not. For
unto such, belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you:
whosoever receiveth not the kingdom of God, as a child: he shall not
enter therein.
And a certain ruler asked him: saying: Good Master: what ought I to do,
to obtain eternal life? Iesus said unto him: Why callest thou me good?
No man is good, save God only. Thou knowest the commandments: Thou
shalt not commit advoutry, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal,
thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father, and thy mother.
And he said: All these have I kept from my youth. When Iesus heard
that, he said unto him: Yet lackest thou one thing. Sell all that thou
hast, and distribute it unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven, and come, and follow me. When he heard that, he was heavy, for
he was rich.
When Iesus saw him mourn, he said: with what difficulty shall they that
have riches, enter into the kingdom of God: Easier it is for a camel to
pass thorow a needles eye, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. Then said they that heard that: And who shall then be
saved? He said: Things which are unpossible with men: are possible with
God.
Then Peter said: Lo we have forsaken all, and have followed thee. He
said unto them: Verily I say unto you, there is no man that forsaketh
house, other father and mother, other brethren, or wife, or children,
for the kingdom of God's sake, which same shall not receive much more
in this world: and in the world to come, life everlasting.
He took unto him twelve, and said unto them: Lo we go up to Ierusalem,
and all shall be fulfilled that are written by the prophets of the son
of man. He shall be delivered unto the gentiles, and shall be mocked,
and shall be despitefully entreated, and shall be spitted on: and when
they have scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day,
shall he arise again. They understood none of these things. And this
saying was hid from them. And they perceived not the things which were
spoken.
It came to pass, as they were come nigh unto Iericho, a certain blind
man sat by the way side begging. And when he heard the people pass by,
he asked what it meant. They said unto him that Iesus of Nazareth, went
by. And he cried, saying: Iesus the son of David, have mercy on me. And
they which went before rebuked him, because he should hold his peace.
And he much the more cried, The son of David, have mercy on me. Iesus
stood still, and commanded him, to be brought unto him. And when he was
come near, he asked him saying: What wilt thou, that I do unto thee?
And he said: lord, that I may receive my sight. Iesus said unto him:
Receive thy sight: Thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he saw,
and followed him, praising God. And all the people, when they saw it,
gave laud to God.
The .xix. Chapter.
And he entered in, and went thorow Iericho. And behold, there was a man
named Zacheus, which was a ruler among the publicans, and rich also.
And he made means to see Iesus, what he should be: and he could not for
the press, because he was of a low stature. And he ran before, and
ascended up, into a sycomore tree, to see him. For he would come that
same way. And when Iesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him,
and said unto him: Zache, come down at once, for today I must abide at
thy house. And hastily he came down, and received him joyfully. And
when they saw that, they all grudged saying: He is gone, into tarry
with a man that is a sinner.
Zache stood forth and said unto the lord: Behold lord, the half of my
goods I give to the poor, and if I have done any man wrong, I will
restore him four fold. Iesus said to him: This day is health come unto
this house, forasmuch as it also is become the child of Abraham. For
the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.
As they heard these things, he added thereto a similitude, because he
was nigh to Ierusalem, And because also, they thought that the kingdom
of God should shortly appear. He said therefore: A certain noble man,
went into a far country, to receive a kingdom, and then to come again.
He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds saying unto
them: Buy and sell till I come: But his citizens hated him, and sent
messengers after him, saying: We will not have this man to reign over
us.
And it came to pass, when he was come again and had received his
kingdom, he commanded his servants, to be called to him (to whom he
gave his money) to wit what every man had done. Then came the first
saying: lord, thy pound hath increased ten pounds. And he said unto
him: Well good servant, because thou wast faithful in a very little
thing, Take thou authority over ten cities. And the other came saying:
lord thy pound, hath increased five pounds. And to the same he said:
And be thou also ruler over five cities. And the third came, and said:
lord, behold here thy pound, which I have kept in a napkin, for I
feared thee, because thou art a strait man: thou takest up that thou
laidst not down, And reapest that thou didst not sow. And he said unto
him: Of thine own mouth judge I thee thou evil servant. Knewest thou
that I am a strait man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping
that I did not sow? Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the
bank? And then at my coming should I have required mine own, with
vantage. And he said to them that stood by: Take from him that pound,
and give it him that hath ten pounds. And they said unto him: lord he
hath ten pounds. I say unto you, that unto all them that have, it shall
be given: and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken
away. Moreover those mine enemies, which would not, that should reign
over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. And when he had thus
spoken, he proceeded forth before them, and went up to Ierusalem.
And it fortuned, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany,
besides mount Olivete, he sent two of his disciples saying: Go ye in to
the town which is over against you. In the which as soon as ye are
come, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon, yet never man sat. Loose him
and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, why that ye loose him:
thus say unto him, The lord hath need of him.
They that were sent went their way, and found, even as he had said unto
them. And as they were a loosing the colt, the owners said unto them:
why loose ye the colt? And they said: for the lord hath need of him.
And they brought him to Iesus. And they cast their raiment on the colt,
and set Iesus thereon. And as he went they spread their clothes in the
way.
When he was come where he should go down from the mount Olivete, the
whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and to laud God with
a loud voice, for all the miracles that they had seen, saying: Blessed
be the king that cometh in the name of the lord: Peace in heaven, and
glory in the highest. And some of the pharisees of the company, said
unto him: Master rebuke thy disciples. He answered, and said unto them:
I tell you, if these hold their peace, the stones will cry.
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept on it saying:
If thou hadst known those things which belong unto thy peace, even at
this day? But now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come
upon thee, And thine enemies shall compass thee about with a bank. And
shall besiege thee round about, and keep thee in on every side, And
make thee even with the ground, with thy children which are in thee.
And they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou
knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold
therein, and them that bought saying unto them, It is written, my house
is the house of prayer: But ye have made it a den of thieves. And he
taught daily in the temple. The high priests and the scribes and the
chief of the people, went about to destroy him: But could not find what
to do. For all the people stuck by him. And gave him audience.
The .xx. Chapter.
And it fortuned in one of those days, As he taught the people in the
temple, And preached the gospel. The high priests and the scribes came
unto him with the seniors, And spake unto him, saying: Tell us by what
authority thou doest these things? Other who is he that gave thee this
authority? He answered and said unto them: I also will ask you a
question, and answer me: was the baptism of Ihon, from heaven, or of
men? They thought within themselves saying: If we shall say from
heaven: he will say: Why then believed ye him not? But and if we shall
say of men, all the people will stone us. For they surely believe that
Ihon was a prophet. And they answered that they could not tell whence
it was. And Iesus said unto them: Neither tell I you by what authority
I do these things.
Then began he to put forth to the people, this similitude: A certain
man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers, and went himself
into a strange country for a great season. And when the time came, he
sent a servant to his tenants that they should give him of the fruits,
of the vineyard. The tenants beat him: and sent him away empty. And he
ceased not thereby but sent yet another servant. And they beat him, and
foul entreated him also, and sent him away empty. Moreover, he sent the
third Also, And him they wounded, and cast him out. Then said the lord
of the vineyard: what shall I do? I will send my dear son, him
peradventure they will reverence, when they see him.
When the farmers saw him, they thought in themselves, saying: this is
the heir, come let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. And
they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now what shall the
lord of the vineyard do unto them? He will come and destroy those
farmers, and will let out his vineyard to other. When they heard that,
they said: God forbid.
He beheld them and said: what meaneth this then that is written: The
stone that the builders refused, is made the head cornerstone?
whosoever stumble at that stone, shall be bruised: but on whosoever it
fall, it will also break him. And the high priests and the scribes, the
same hour went about to lay hands on him, but they feared the people.
For they perceived that he had spoken this similitude against them.
And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign
themselves perfect, to take him in his words, and to deliver him unto
the power, and authority of the president. And they asked him saying:
Master, we know that thou sayest, and teachest right, neither
considerest thou any man's degree, but teachest the way of God truly.
Is it lawful for us to give Cesar tribute, or no? He perceived their
craftiness, and said unto them: Why tempt ye me? Shew me a penny. Whose
image and superscription hath it? They answered and said: Cesar's. And
he said unto them: Give then unto Cesar, that which belongeth unto
Cesar: And to God, that which pertaineth to God. And they could not
reprove his saying before the people. And they marvelled at his answer,
and held their peace.
Then came to him certain of the Sadduces which deny that there is any
resurrection. And they asked him saying: Master Moses wrote unto us, if
any man's brother die having a wife, And the same die without issue:
that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his
brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife, and died
without children. And the second took the wife, and he died childless.
And the third took her, and in like wise the residue of the seven, And
left no children behind them, and died. Last of all the woman died
also. Now at the resurrection whose wife of them shall she be? for vij
had her to wife.
Iesus answered and said unto them: The children of this world marry
wives, and are married, but they which shall be worthy of that world,
and the resurrection from death, neither marry wives, neither are
married, nor yet can die any more. For they are equal unto the angels:
and are the sons of God, inasmuch as they are the children of the
resurrection. And that the dead shall rise again, even Moses signified
besides the bush, when he said: the lord God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Iacob. For he is not the God of the dead, but of
them which live. For all live in him. Certain of the pharisees answered
and said: Master, thou hast well said. And after that durst they not
ask him any question at all.
Then said he unto them: how say they that Christ is David's son? And
David him self saith in the book of the Psalms: The lord said unto my
lord, Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stool.
David then calleth him lord: How is he also his son?
Then in the audience of all the people, he said unto his disciples,
beware of the scribes, which desire to go in long clothing: and love
greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and
chief rooms at feasts, which devour widows' houses, and pray long under
a colour: The same shall receive greater damnation.
The .xxj. Chapter.
As he beheld, he saw the rich men, how they cast in their offerings
into the treasury. He saw also a certain poor widow, which cast in
thither two mites. And he said: of a truth I say unto you, this poor
widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their
superfluity added unto the offering of God: But she, of her penury,
hath cast in all the substance that she had.
As some spake of the temple, how it was garnished with goodly stones,
and jewels, he said. The days will come, when of these things which ye
see, shall not be left stone upon stone that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying: Master when shall these things be. And what
signs will there be, when such things shall come to pass.
And he said: take heed, that ye be not deceived. For many will come in
my name, saying of themselves, I am he. And the time draweth near.
Follow ye not them therefore. But when ye hear of war, and of
dissension: be not afraid, for these things must first come: but the
end followeth not by and by. Then said he unto them: Nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes
shall be in all quarters, and hunger, and pestilence, and fearful
things. And great signs shall there be from heaven.
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute
you, delivering you up, to the synagogues, and into prison, and bring
you before kings, And rulers for my name's sake. And this shall chance
you for a testimonial. Let it stick therefore fast in your hearts, not
once to study before, what ye shall answer for yourselves: For I will
give you a mouth and wisdom, where against, all your adversaries shall
not be able to speak nor resist. Yea and ye shall be betrayed of your
fathers and mothers, and of your brethren, and kinsmen, and lovers. And
some of you shall they put to death. And hated shall ye be of all men
for my name's sake. Yet there shall not one hair of your heads perish.
With your patience, possess your souls.
And when ye see Ierusalem besieged with an host, then understand, that
the desolation of the same is nigh. Then let them which are in jewry
fly to the mountains. And let them which are in the midst of it, depart
out. And let not them that are in other countries, enter there in. For
these be the days of vengeance, to fulfil all that are written. But woe
be to them that be with child, and to them that give suck in those
days, for there shall be great trouble in the land: and wrath over all
this people. And they shall fall on the edge of the sword. And they
shall be led captive into all nations. And Ierusalem shall be trodden
underfoot of the gentiles, until the time of the gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs, in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars: and in the earth the people shall be in such perplexity, that
they shall not tell which way to turn themselves. The sea and the waves
shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking
after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of
heaven shall move. And then shall they see the son of man come in a
cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to come to
pass: then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth
nigh.
And he shewed them a similitude: behold the fig tree, and all other
trees, when they shoot forth their buds, ye see and know of your own
selves that summer is then nigh at hand. So likewise ye (when ye see
these things come to pass) understand, that the kingdom of God is nigh.
Verily I say unto you: this generation shall not pass, till all be
fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass: but my words shall not pass.
Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be overcome, with surfeiting
and drunkenness, and cares of this world: and that, that day come on
you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that sit on the
face of the earth. Watch therefore continually and pray, that ye may
scape all this that shall come. And that ye may stand before the son of
man. In the day time taught he in the temple, and at night, he went
out, and had abiding in the mount olivete. And all the people came in
the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.
The .xxij. Chapter.
The feast of sweet bread drew nigh which is called ester, and the high
priests, and scribes sought how to kill Iesus, but they feared the
people. Then entered Satan into Iudas, whose sur name was Iscariot
(which was of the number of the twelve) and he went his way, and
communed with the high priests and officers, how he would betray him to
them. And they were glad: and promised to give him money. And he
consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the
people were away.
Then came the day of sweet bread, when of necessity the ester lamb must
be offered. And he sent Peter, and Ihon saying: Go and prepare us the
ester lamb, that we may eat. They said to him. Where wilt thou, that we
prepare? And he said unto them. Behold as ye be entered into the city,
there shall a man meet you bearing a pitcher of water, him follow into
the same house that he entereth in, and ye shall say unto the good man
of the house. The master sayeth: Where is the guest chamber, where I
shall eat mine ester lamb with my disciples? And he shall shew you a
great parlour paved. There make ready. They went and found, as he had
said unto them: and made ready the ester lamb.
And when the hour came, he sat down and the twelve Apostles with him.
And he said unto them: I have inwardly desired to eat this ester lamb
with you before that I suffer. For I say unto you: henceforth, I will
not eat of it any more, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said: Receive this, and
divide it among you. For I say unto you: I will not drink of the fruit
of the vine, until the kingdom of God be come.
And he took bread, gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them,
saying: This is my body which is given for you. This do in the
remembrance of me. Likewise also, when they had supped, he took the cup
saying: This is the cup, the new testament, in my blood, which shall
for you be shed.
Yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me, is with me on the table.
And the son of man goeth as it is appointed: But woe be to that man by
whom he is betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves, which
of them it should be, that should do that.
And there was a strife among them, which of them should seem greatest.
And he said unto them: The kings of the gentiles reign over them, And
they that bear rule over them, are called gracious lords. But ye shall
not be so. But he that is greatest among you, shall be as the youngest:
And he that is chief, shall be as the minister. For whether is greater,
he that sitteth at meat: or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at
meat? And I am among you, as he that ministereth. Ye are they which
have bidden with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a
kingdom, as my father hath appointed to me: that ye may eat, and drink
at my table in my kingdom and sit on seats, and judge the twelve tribes
of Israell. And the lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired
you, to sift you, as it were wheat: But I have prayed for thee that thy
faith fail not. And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
And he said unto him. lord, I am ready to go with thee into prison, and
to death. And he said: I tell thee Peter, the cock shall not crow this
day, till thou have thrice denied that thou knewest me.
And he said unto them: when I sent you without wallet, and scrip, and
shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, nothing. And he said to them:
But now he that hath a wallet let him take it, and likewise his scrip.
And he that hath no sword, let him sell his coat and buy one. I say
unto you that yet, that which is written must be performed in me (Even
with the wicked was he numbered) for those things which are written of
me have an end. And they said: lord, behold here are two swords. And he
said unto them: it is enough.
And he came out, and went as he was wont to mount Olivete. And the
disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them:
Pray lest ye fall into temptation.
And he gat himself from them, about a stone's cast, and kneeled down,
and prayed, saying: Father if thou wilt, withdraw this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will, But thine be fulfilled. And there appeared
an angel unto him from heaven, comforting him. And he was in agony, and
prayed somewhat longer. And his sweat was like drops of blood,
trickling down to the ground. And he rose up from prayer, and came to
his disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them:
Why sleep ye? Rise, and pray lest ye fall into temptation.
While he yet spake: behold, there came a company, and he that was
called Iudas, one of the twelve, went before them, and pressed nigh
unto Iesus to kiss him. Iesus said unto him: Iudas betrayest thou the
son of man with a kiss? When they which were about him saw what would
follow, they said unto him. lord, shall we smite with a sword. And one
of them smote a servant of him which was the chief priest of all, and
smote off his right ear. Iesus answered and said: Suffer ye thus far
forth. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Iesus said unto the high priests and rulers of the temple and the
seniors which were come to him. Be ye come out, as unto a thief with
swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye
stretched not forth hands against me. But this is even your very hour,
and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought
him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set
down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches,
as he sat, beheld him by the light and set good eyesight on him, and
said: This same was also with him. Then he denied him saying: Woman I
know him not. And after a little while, another saw him and said: Thou
art also of them. And Peter said: Man I am not. And about the space of
an hour after another affirmed saying: Verily even this fellow was with
him, for he is of Galile, Peter said: Man I wot not what thou sayest.
And immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the lord turned
back and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the lord,
how he said unto him, before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that stood about Iesus, mocked him, and smote him, and
blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him saying: Areed who it
is that smote thee? And many other things despitefully said they
against him.
And as soon as it was day, the seniors of the people, and the high
priests and scribes, came together, and led him into their council
saying: Art thou very Christ? tell us. And he said unto them: if I
shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not
answer me. Neither let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the
right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou then the
son of God? He said: Ye say that I am. Then said they: What need we any
further witness? We ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
The .xxiij. Chapter.
And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And
they began to accuse him saying: We have found his fellow, perverting
the people, and forbidding to pay tribute to Cesar: And sayeth that he
is Christ a king. And Pilate opposed him saying: Art thou the king of
the jewes? He answered him, and said: thou sayest. Then said Pilate to
the high priests, and to the people: I find no fault in this man. And
they were the more fierce, saying: He moveth the people teaching
thoroout jewry, and began at Galile, even to this place.
When Pilate heard mention of Galile, he asked whether the man were of
Galilee. And as soon as he knew that he was of Herode's jurisdiction,
he sent him to Herode, which was at that time in Ierusalem also. When
Herode saw Iesus, he was marvelously glad. For he was desirous to see
him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him, and
trusted to have seen some miracle done by him. Then questioned he with
him of many things: But he answered him not one word. The high priests
and scribes, stood forth and accused him straitly. And Herod, with his
men of war, despised him, and mocked him, And arrayed him in white, and
sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate, and Herod were made
friends together. For before, they were at variance.
Pilate called together the high priests, and rulers, and the people,
and said unto them: Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that
perverted the people. And lo I examined him before you, and have found
no fault in this man, of those things whereof ye accuse him. No nor yet
Herode. For I sent you to him: and lo no thing worthy of death is done
to him. I will therefore chasten him and let him loose. For of
necessity, he must have let one loose unto them at that feast.
And all the people cried at once, saying: away with him, and deliver to
us Barabbas. (which for insurrection made in the city, and murder, was
cast into prison) Pilate spake again to them willing to let Iesus
loose. And they cried, saying: Crucify him, Crucify him. He said unto
them the third time: What harm hath he done? I find no cause of death
in him. I will therefore chasten him, and let him go loose. And they
cried with loud voice, and required that he might be crucified. And the
crying of the high priests prevailed.
And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required, and let
loose unto them, him that for insurrection, and murder was cast into
prison, whom they desired: and delivered Iesus to do with him what they
would. And as they led him away, they caught one Simon of Syrene,
coming out of the field: And on him laid they the cross to bear it
after Iesus.
There followed him a great company of people, and of women, which women
bewailed, and lamented him. Iesus turned back unto them, and said:
Daughters of Ierusalem, weep not for me: but weep for yourselves, and
for your children. For mark, the days will come, when men shall say:
happy are the barren and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which
never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: fall on
us. and to the hills cover us. For if they do this to a green tree:
what shall be done, to the dry?
There were two evil doers led with him to be slain. And when they were
come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him,
and the evil doers, one on right hand, and the other on the left hand.
Then said Iesus: Father forgive them, for they wot not what they do.
And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood and
beheld.
And the rulers mocked him with them saying: He help other men, let him
help himself if he be Christ the chosen of God. The soldiers also
mocked him, and came and gave him vinegar and said: if thou be that
king of the jewes, save thyself. His superscription was written over
him, in greek, latin, and hebreu letters: This is the king of the
jewes.
The one of the malefactors which hanged, railed on him, saying: If thou
be Christ save thyself and us. The other answered and rebuked him
saying: Neither fearest thou God because thou art in the same
damnation? We are righteously punished, for we receive according to our
deeds: But this man hath done no thing amiss. And he said unto Iesus:
lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Iesus said unto
him: Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And it was about the sixth hour. And there came a darkness over all the
land, until the ninth hour, and the sun was darkened. And the veil of
the temple rent even thorow the midst. And Iesus cried with a great
voice and said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And when he
thus had said, he gave up the ghost. When the Centurion saw, what had
happened, he glorified God saying: Of a surety this man was perfect.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the
things which were done: smote their breasts, and returned home. And all
his acquaintance stood afar off, and the women, which followed him from
Galile, beholding these things.
And behold there was a man named Ioseph a senator, which was a good man
and a just, He did not consent to their counsel and deed, which was of
Aramathia, a city of the jews. Which same also, waited for the kingdom
of God: he went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Iesus. And took it
down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in an hewn tomb,
wherein was never man before laid. And that day was the saboth even,
And the saboth drew on. The women that followed after which came with
him from Galile, beheld the sepulchre and how his body was laid. And
they returned, and prepared odours, and ointments, And the saboth day
they rested, according to the commandment.
The .xxiiij. Chapter.
On the morrow after the saboth, early in the morning, they came unto
the tomb and brought the odours which they had prepared, and other
women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the
sepulchre, and went in: but found not the body of the lord Iesu. And it
happened, as they were amazed thereat: lo two men stood by them, in
shining vestures. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces
to the earth: they said to them: why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here: but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you, when he
was yet with you in Galile, saying: that the son of man must be
delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third
day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the
sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all other.
It was Mary Magdalene and Ioanna, and Mary Iacobi, And other that were
with them, which told these things unto the Apostles, and their words
seemed unto them feigned things, neither believed they them. Then arose
Peter and ran unto the sepulchre, and stooped in, And saw the linen
clothes laid by them self. And departed wondering in himself at that
which had happened.
And behold, two of them went that same day to a town, which was from
Ierusalem about three score furlongs, called Emaus: and they talked
together of all these things that had happened. And it chanced, as they
communed together, and reasoned, that Iesus himself drew near, and went
with them. But their eyes were holden, that they could not know him.
And he said unto them: What manner of communications are these that ye
have one to another as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them named
Cleopas, answered, and said unto him: art thou only a stranger in
Ierusalem, and hast not known the things which have chanced therein in
these days? To whom he said: what things? And they said unto him: of
Iesus of Nazareth which was a prophet, mighty in deed, and word, before
God, and all the people. And how the high priests, and our rulers
delivered him to be condemned to death: and have crucified him. We
trusted that it should have been he that should have delivered
Israhell. And as touching all these things, today is even the third
day, that they were done.
Yea and certain women also of our company made us astonied, which came
early unto the sepulchre, and found not his body. And came saying, that
they had seen visions of angels which said that he was alive. And
certain of them which were with us, went their way to the sepulchre,
and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
And he said unto them: O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that
the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these
things, and to enter into his glory? And he began at Moses, and at all
the prophets, and interpreted unto them, in all scriptures which were
written of him. And they drew nigh unto the town which they went to.
And he made, as though he would have gone further. And constrained him,
saying: Abide with us for it draweth towards night, and the day is far
passed. And he went in to tarry with them.
And it came to pass as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and
blessed it, and brake it and gave it unto them. And their eyes were
opened. And they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight, and they
said between themselves: did not our hearts burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and opened to us the scriptures? And they
rose up the same hour, and returned again to Ierusalem, and found the
eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying: The
lord is risen in deed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what
things was done in the way, and how they knew him, by the breaking of
bread.
As they thus spake, Iesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said
unto them: peace be with you. And they were abashed, and afraid,
supposing that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them: Why are
ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands
and my feet. For it is even I myself. Handle me and see. For spirits
have not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus
spoken, he shewed them his hands, and his feet. And while they yet
believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them: Have ye here any
meat? and they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and ate it before them.
And he said unto them: These are the words, which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you: that all must be fulfilled which were written
of me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalmes.
Then opened he their wits, that they might understand the scriptures,
and said unto them: Thus is it written, and thus it behoved Christ to
suffer, and to rise again from death the third day. And that
repentance, and remission of sins, should be preached in his name among
all nations. And the beginning must be at Ierusalem. And ye are
witnesses of these things. And behold, I will send the promise of my
father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Ierusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.
And he led them out into Bethany, and lift up his hands, and blest
them. And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he departed from them,
and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned
to Ierusalem with great joy. And were continually in the temple,
praising, and lauding God.
Here endeth the Gospell off Sainct Luke.
The gospell of S. Ihon
The first Chapter.
In the beginning was that word, and that word was with God: and God was
that word. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made
by it, and without it, was made no thing, that made was. In it was
life, And life was the light of men, And the light shineth in the
darkness, and darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was Ihon. The same came as a
witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might
believe. He was not that light: but to bear witness of the light. That
was a true light, which lighteneth all men that come into the world. He
was in the world, and the world by him was made: and the world knew him
not.
He came among his own, and his received him not. Unto as many as
received him, gave he power to be the sons of God: in that they
believed on his name: which were born not of blood nor of the will of
the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God.
And that word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw the glory
of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, which word
was full of grace, and verity.
Ihon bare witness of him saying: This was he of whom I spake, he that
cometh after me, was before me because he was yer than I. And of his
fullness have all we received, even favour for favour. For the law was
given by Moses, but favour and verity came by Iesus Christ. No man saw
God at any time. The only begotten son, which is in the father's bosom,
hath declared him.
And this is the record of Ihon: When the jewes sent priests, and
levites from Ierusalem, to ask him, what art thou? And he confessed,
and denied not, and said plainly: I am not Christ. And they asked him:
what then? art thou Helias? And he said: I am not. Art thou a prophet?
And he answered no. Then said they unto him: what art thou? That we may
give an answer to them that sent us? what sayest thou of thy self? he
said: I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the
way of the lord, as said the prophet Esayas.
And they which were sent, were of the pharisees. And they asked him,
and said unto him: why baptisest thou then, if thou be not Christ, nor
Helias, neither a prophet? Ihon answered them saying: I baptise with
water: but one is come among you, whom ye know not, he it is that
cometh after me, which was before me, whose shoe latchet I am not
worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Iordan,
where Ihon did baptise.
The next day, Ihon saw Iesus coming unto him, and said: behold the lamb
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I
spake: After me cometh a man, which was before me. For he was yer than
I, and I knew him not: but that he should be declared to Israhell,
therefore came I baptising with water.
And Ihon bare record, saying: I saw the spirit descend from heaven,
like unto a dove, and it abode upon him, and I knew him not: But he
that sent me to baptise in water, said unto me: Upon whom thou shalt
see the spirit descend, and tarry still on him, the same is he which
baptiseth with the holy ghost. And I saw it, and bare record, that this
is the son of God.
The next day after Ihon stood again, and two of his disciples, and he
beheld Iesus as he walked by, and said: behold the lamb of God. And the
two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Iesus. Iesus turned
about, and saw them follow, and said unto them: What seek ye? They said
unto him: Rabbi (which is to say by interpretation, Master) where
dwellest thou? He said unto them: come and see. They came and saw where
he dwelt: and abode with him that day. For it was about the tenth hour.
One of the two which heard Ihon speak, and followed Iesus, was Andrew
Simon Peter's brother. The same found his brother Simon first, and said
unto him: we have found Messias, which is by interpretation anointed:
And brought him to Iesus. And Iesus beheld him and said: thou art Simon
the son of Ionas, thou shalt be called Cephas: which is by
interpretation a stone.
The day following Iesus would go into Galile, and found Philip, and
said unto him, follow me. Philip was of Bethsaida the city of Andrew
and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said unto him: We have found him
of whom Moses wrote in the law, and the prophets: Iesus the son of
Ioseph of Nazareth. And Nathanael said unto him: Can there any good
thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said to him: Come and see.
Iesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him: Behold a right
Israelite, in whom is no guile. Nathanael said unto him: From whence
knewest thou me? Iesus answered and said unto him: Before that Philip
called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael
answered and said unto him: Rabbi, thou art the son of God, Thou art
the king of Israhel. Iesus answered and said unto him: Because I said
unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, thou believest. Thou shalt
see greater things than these. And he said unto him: Verily, verily, I
say unto you: hereafter shall ye see heaven open, and the angels of God
ascending, and descending over the son of man.
The second Chapter.
And the third day, was there a marriage in Cana a city of Galile. And
Iesus mother was there. Iesus was called also and his disciples unto
the marriage. And when the wine failed, Iesus mother said unto him:
they have no wine. Iesus said unto her: woman, what have I to do with
thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother said unto the ministers:
whatsoever he sayeth unto you, do it. And there were standing six
waterpots of stone after the manner of the purifying of the jewes,
containing two or three firkins apiece.
Iesus said unto them: fill the water pots with water, and they filled
them up to the harde brim. And he said unto them: Draw out now, and
bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler
of the feast had tasted the water that was turned unto wine, nother
knew whence it was (But the ministers which drew the water knew). He
called the bridegroom, and said unto him: all men at the beginning set
forth good wine, And when men be drunk, then that which is worse: But
thou hast kept back the good wine hitherto.
This beginning of miracles did Iesus in Cana of Galile, and shewed his
glory, and his disciples believed on him. After that descended he into
Capernaum, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: But
continued not long there.
And the jewes' ester was even at hand, And Iesus went up to Ierusalem,
and found sitting in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep, and
doves, and changers of money sitting. And he made a scourge of small
cords, and drave them all out of the temple, both sheep and oxen, and
poured down the changers' money, and overthrew their tables. And said
unto them that sold doves: Have these things hence, and make not my
father's house, an house of merchandise. His disciples remembered, how
that it was written: The zeal of thine house, hath even eaten me.
Then answered the jewes and said unto him: what token shewest thou unto
us, seeing that thou dost these things? Iesus answered, and said unto
them: destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.
Then said the jewes: In xlvj. years this temple was built: and wilt
thou raise it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.
As soon therefore as he was risen from death again, his disciples
remembered that he thus said unto them. And they believed the
scripture, and the words which Iesus had said.
When he was at Ierusalem, at ester in the feast, many believed on his
name: when they saw the signs which he did: but Iesus put not himself
in their hands, because he knew all men, and needed not, that any man
should testify of man. For he knew what was in man.
The .iij. Chapter.
There was a man of the pharisees named Nicodemus a ruler among the
jewes. He to Iesus by night, and said unto him: Master, we know that
thou art, a teacher which art come from God. For no man could do such
miracles as thou doest, except God were with him: Iesus answered, and
said unto him: Verily verily I say unto thee: except a man be born a
new, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus said unto him: how can a man be born, when he is old? can he
enter into his mother's body and be born again? Iesus answered: verily,
verily I say unto thee: except that a man be born of water, and of the
spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of
the flesh, is flesh. And that which is born of the spirit, is spirit.
Marvel not that I said to thee, ye must be born a new. The wind bloweth
where he listeth, and thou hearest his sound: but canst not tell whence
he cometh and whither he goeth. So is every man that is born of the
spirit. And Nicodemus answered and said unto him: how can these things
be? Iesus answered and said unto him: Art thou a master in Israhell,
and knowest not these things? Verily verily, I say unto thee, we speak
that we know, and testify that we have seen: And ye receive not our
witness. If I have told you earthly things and ye have not believe: How
should ye believe if I shall tell you of heavenly things?
And no man ascendeth up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven,
that is to say, the son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lift up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
son of man be lift up, that none which believeth in him perish: but
have eternal life.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only son for the intent, that
none that believe in him, should perish: But should have everlasting
life. For God sent not his son into the world, to condemn the world:
But that the world through him, might be saved. He that believeth on
him shall not be condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned all
ready, because he believeth not in the name of the only son of God. And
this is the condemnation: Light is come into the world, and the men
have loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. For
every man that evil doeth, hateth the light: neither cometh to light,
lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doth truth, cometh to
the light, that his deeds might be known, how that they are wrought in
God.
After that came Iesus and his disciples into the jewes land, and there
abode with them and baptised, and Ihon also baptised in Enon besides
Salim, because there was much water there, and they came, and were
baptised. For Ihon was not yet cast into prison.
There arose a question between Ihon's disciples and the jewes about
purifying. And they came unto Ihon, and said unto him: Master, behold
he that was with thee beyond Iordan, to whom thou barest witness,
baptiseth, and all men come to him. Ihon answered, and said: A man can
receive nothing at all except it be given him from heaven. Ye
yourselves are witnesses, how that I said: I am not Christ: but am sent
before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: But the friend of
the bridegroom which standeth by and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly of
the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this my joy is fulfilled. He must
increase: and I must decrease.
He that cometh from on high is above all: he that is of the earth is of
the earth, and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from heaven, is
above all: And testifieth that he hath seen, and heard: and his
testimony no man receiveth. Whosoever receiveth his witness, the same
hath sealed that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the
words of God. For God giveth not the spirit by measure. The father
loveth the son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that
believeth on the son, hath everlasting life. And he that beloveth not
the son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.
The .iiij. Chapter.
As soon as the lord had knowledge, how that it was come to the ears of
the pharisees, that Iesus made and baptised more disciples then Ihon
(though that Iesus himself baptised not: but his disciples) he left
jewry, and departed again in to Galile. And it was so that he must
needs go thorow Samaria. Then came he to a city of Samaria called
Sichar besides the possession that Iacob gave to his son Ioseph, and
there was Iacob's well. Iesus then wearied in his journey, sat thus on
the well.
It was about the sixth hour: There came a woman of Samaria to draw
water. Iesus said unto her: Give me drink. (for his disciples were gone
away unto the town to buy meat.) The woman of Samaria said unto him:
how is it, that thou being a jewe askest drink of me, which am a
Samaritan? (for the jewes meddle not with the Samaritans.) Iesus
answered and said unto her: if thou knewest the gift of God, and who it
is, that sayeth to thee give me drink: thou wouldest have asked of him,
and he would have given thee water of life. The woman said unto him:
Sir thou hast no thing to draw it withall, and the well is deep: from
whence then hast thou that water of life? Art thou greater than our
father Iacob, which gave us the well, and he himself drank thereof and
his children and his cattle?
Iesus answered and said unto her: whosoever drinketh of this water,
shall thirst again. But whosoever shall drink of the water that I shall
give him, shall never be more a thirst: But the water that I shall give
him, shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting
life. The woman said unto him: Sir give me of that water, that I thirst
not, neither come hither to draw. Iesus said unto her: Go and call thy
husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said to him: I have no
husband. Iesus said to her: Thou hast well said, I have no husband. For
thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast, is not thy
husband. That saidst thou truly.
The woman said unto him: Sir I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our
fathers worshipped in this mountain: and ye say that in Ierusalem is
the place where men ought to pray. Iesus said unto her: woman trust me,
The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at
Ierusalem, worship the father. Ye worship ye wot nere what: we know
what we worship. For salvation cometh of the jewes. But the hour
cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father
in spirit, and in verity. For verily such the father requireth to
worship him. God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must honour
him, in spirit and verity.
The woman said unto him: I wot well Messias shall come, which is called
Christ. When he is once come, he will tell us all things. Iesus said
unto her: I that speak unto thee, am he. And even at that point, came
his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman. Yet no man
said unto him: what meanest thou, or why talkest thou with her? The
woman left her water pot behind her, and went her way into the city,
and said to the men there: Come see a man which told me all things that
ever I did. Is not he Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came
unto him.
In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him saying: Master eat. He said
unto them: I have meat to eat, that ye know not of. Then said the
disciples between themselves: hath any man brought him meat? Iesus said
unto them: My meat is to fulfill the will of him that sent me. And to
finish his work. Say not ye: There are yet four months, and then cometh
harvest? Behold I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the
regions: For they are white already unto harvest. And he that reapeth
receiveth reward, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: That both he
that soweth, might rejoice also, and he that reapeth. And herein is the
saying true, that one soweth, And another reapeth. I sent you to reap
that whereon ye bestowed no labor. Other men laboured, And ye are
entered into their labors.
Many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, For the woman's
saying, which testified: He told me all things that ever I did. Then
when the Samaritans were come unto him, They besought him, that he
would tarry with them. And he abode there two days. And many more
believed because of his own words. And said unto the woman: Now we
believe not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and
know that this is even indeed Christ the saviour of the world.
After two days, he departed thence, and went away into Galile. And
Iesus himself testified, that a prophet hath none honour in his own
country. Then as soon as he was come into Galile, the Galileans
received him which had seen all things, that he did at Ierusalem on the
feast. For they went also unto the feast day. And Iesus came again into
Cana of Galile, where he turned water into wine.
And there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capernaum. As soon
as the same heard that Iesus was come out of jewry into Galilee he went
unto him, and besought him, that he would descend, and heal his son:
For he was even ready to die. Then said Iesus unto him: Except ye see
signs and wonders, ye believe not. The ruler said unto him: Sir come
away or ever that my child die. Iesus said unto him go thy way, thy son
liveth. And the man believed the words that Iesus had spoken unto him,
and went his way. And anon as he went on his way, his servants met him,
and told him, saying: thy child liveth, Then enquired he of them the
hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him: Yesterday the
seventh hour, the fever left him. And the father knew that it was the
same hour in which Iesus said unto him: Thy son liveth. And he
believed, and all his household. This is again the second miracle, that
Iesus did, after he was come out of jewry into Galilee.
The .v. Chapter.
After that there was a feast of the jewes, and Iesus went up to
Ierusalem. There is at Ierusalem, by the slaughterhouse a pool called
in the Hebrew tongue, bethesda, having five porches, in them lay a
great multitude of sick folk, of blind, halt, and withered, waiting for
the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season
into the pool and stirred the water. Whosoever then first after the
stirring of the water stepped in, was made whole of whatsoever disease
he had. And a certain man was there, which had been diseased xxxviij.
years. When Iesus saw him lie, and knew that he now long time had been
diseased, he said unto him, Wilt thou be whole? The sick answered him:
Sir I have no man when the water is moved, to put me into the pool. But
in the mean time, while I am about to come, another steppeth down
before me.
Iesus said unto him: rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately
the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and went. And the same day
was the saboth day. The jewes therefore said unto him that was made
whole: It is the saboth day, it is not lawful for thee to carry thy
bed. He answered them: he that made me whole, said unto me: Take up thy
bed, and get thee hence. Then asked they him: what man is that which
said unto thee, take up thy bed and walk? And he that was healed, wist
not who it was. For Iesus had gotten himself away, because that there
was press of people in the place.
After that, Iesus found him in the temple, and said unto him: Behold
thou art made whole, see thou sin no more, lest a worse thing happen
unto thee. The man departed, and told the jewes that it was Iesus, the
which had made him whole. And therefore the jewes did persecute Iesus,
and sought the means to slay him, because he had done these things on
the saboth day. Iesus answered them: My father worketh hitherto, and I
work. Therefore the jewes sought the more to kill him, not only because
he had broken the saboth: but said also that God was his father and
made himself equal with God.
Then answered Iesus and said unto them: verily, verily, I say unto you:
the son can do no thing of himself: but that he seeth the father do.
For whatsoever he doeth, that doeth the son also. For the father loveth
the son, and sheweth him all things, whatsoever he himself doeth. And
he will shew him greater works than these, because ye should marvel.
For likewise as the father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them,
even so the son quickeneth whom he will. Neither judgeth the father any
man: but hath committed all judgement unto the son, because that all
men should honour the son, even as they honour the father. He that
honoureth not the son, the same honoureth not the father which hath
sent him. Verily verily I say unto you: He that heareth my words, And
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into damnation: but is scaped from death unto life.
Verily, verily I say unto you: the time shall come, and now is, when
the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God. And they that hear,
shall live. For as the father hath life in himself, so likewise hath he
given to the son to have life in himself. And hath given him power also
to judge in that he is the son of man. Marvel not at this, that the
hour shall come, in the which all that are in the graves, shall hear
his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the
resurrection of life. And they that have done evil, unto the
resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing at all. As I hear I judge, and my
judgement is just, because I seek not mine own will: But the will of
the father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness
is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me. And I am sure
that the witness which he beareth of me is true. Ye sent unto Ihon, and
he bare witness unto the truth: but I receive no record of man.
Nevertheless, these things I say, that ye might be safe. He was a
burning, and a shining light, and ye would for a season have rejoiced
in his light. But I have greater witness, than the witness of Ihon. For
the works which my father hath given me to finish: the same works which
I do, bear witness of me, that my father sent me. And my father
himself, which hath sent me, beareth witness of me. Ye have not heard
his voice at any time, Nor yet have seen his shape. And his words have
ye not abiding in you: For ye believe not him whom he hath sent.
Search the scriptures, for in them, ye think ye have eternal life: And
they are they which testify of me. And yet will ye not come to me that
ye might have life. I receive not praise of men: But I know you, that
ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my father's name, and
ye receive me not. If another shall come in his own name, him will ye
receive. How can ye believe, which receive praise one of another, and
seek not the praise which cometh of God only?
Suppose not, that I will accuse you to my father. There is one that
accuseth you, verily Moses in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses,
ye would have believed me: For he wrote of me. But when ye believe not
his writing: how shall ye believe my words.
The .vj. Chapter.
After that went Iesus his way over the sea of Galile nigh to a city
called Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they had
seen his miracles that he did on them that were diseased. Iesus went up
into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (And ester a
feast of the jewes, was nigh.) Then Iesus lift up his eyes, and saw a
great company come unto him, and said unto Philip: whence shall we buy
bread that these might eat: This he said to prove him. For he himself
knew what he would do.
Philip answered him, two hundred pennyworth of bread are not sufficient
for them, that every man have a little. Then said unto him, one of his
disciples (Andrew Simon Peter's brother.) There is a lad here, which
hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what is that among so
many? Iesus said: Make the people to sit down. (There was much grass in
the place.) And the men sat down, in number, about five thousand. Iesus
took the bread, and gave thanks, and gave to his disciples, and his
disciples, to them that were set down. And likewise of the fishes, as
much as they would.
When they had eaten enough, he said unto his disciples: gather up the
broken meat that remaineth: that nothing be lost. They gathered it
together, and filled twelve baskets with the broken meat, of the five
barley loaves, which broken meat remained unto them that had eaten.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Iesus did, said:
This is of a truth the same prophet which shall come into the world.
Iesus knew well enough, that they would come, and take him up, to make
him king: and therefore departed he again, into a mountain, himself
alone.
When even was come his disciples went unto the sea, and entered into a
ship. And went over the sea unto Capernaum. And anon it was dark, and
Iesus was not come to them. And the sea arose with a great wind. When
they had rowed about a xxv. or a xxx. furlongs, they saw Iesus walk on
the sea, and to draw nigh unto the ship, and they were afraid. And he
said unto them: It is I, be not afraid. Then would they have received
him into the ship, and the ship was by and by at the land whither they
went.
The day following, the people which stood on the other side of the sea,
saw that there was none other ship there save that one wherein his
disciples were entered, and that Iesus went not in with his disciples
into the ship: but that his disciples were gone away alone. (There came
other ships from Tiberias nigh unto the place, where they ate bread,
when the lord had blessed.) Then when the people saw that Iesus was not
there neither his disciples, they also took shipping and came to
Capernaum seeking for Iesus.
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said
unto him: Master when camest thou hither? Iesus answered them and said:
verily verily I say unto you: ye seek me, not because ye saw the
miracles: but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not
for the meat which perisheth, but for the meat that endureth unto
everlasting life, which meat the son of man shall give unto you. For
him hath God the father sealed.
Then said they unto him: what shall we do that we might work the works
of God? Iesus answered and said unto them: This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him, whom he hath sent. They said unto him: what
sign shewest thou then? that we may see and believe thee? What dost
thou work? our fathers did eat manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Iesus said unto them: verily,
verily I say unto you: Moses gave you not bread from heaven: but my
father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For he is the bread of
God, which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him: Master ever more give us this bread. And Iesus
said unto them: I am that bread of life. He that cometh to me, shall
not hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said
unto you: that ye have seen me, and yet believe ye not. All that my
father giveth me, cometh to me: and him that cometh to me, cast I not
out at the doors. For I came down from heaven: not to do mine own will:
but his will which hath sent me. And this is my father's will which
hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me, I shall loose no
thing: but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the
will of him that sent me: That every man which seeth the son, And
believeth on him, have everlasting life. And I will raise him up at the
last day.
The jewes murmured at it, because he said: I am that bread which is
come down from heaven. And they said: Is not this Iesus the son of
Ioseph, whose father, and mother we know? How is it then that he
sayeth, I came down from heaven? Iesus answered and said unto them.
Murmur not between yourselves. No man can come to me except my father
which hath sent me, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets: And they shall all be taught of God.
Every man which hath heard, and learned of the father, cometh unto me,
not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God. The
same hath seen the father.
Verily verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting
life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the
wilderness, and are dead? This is that bread which cometh from heaven,
that he which of it eateth, should also not die. I am that living bread
which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall
live forever. And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, which I will
give for the life of the world.
The jewes strove among themselves saying: How can this fellow give us
his flesh to eat? Iesus said unto them: Verily, verily I say unto you,
except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye
shall not have life in you. Whosoever eateth my flesh, and drinketh my
blood, the same hath eternal life: And I will raise him up at the last
day. For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that
eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him. As
my living father hath sent me, even so live I by my father: and he that
eateth me, shall live by me. This is the bread which came from heaven:
not as your fathers have eaten manna and are dead. He that eateth of
this bread, shall live ever.
These things said he in the synagogue as he taught in Capernaum. Many
of his disciples, when they had heard this, said: this is an hard
saying. Who can abide the hearing of it? Iesus knew in himself, that
his disciples murmu red at it, and said unto them: Doth this offend
you? what and if ye shall see the son of man ascend up where he was
before? It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing.
The words that I speak unto you are spirit and life. But there are some
of you that believe not. For Iesus knew from the beginning, which they
were that believed not. And who should betray him. And he said:
Therefore said I unto you: that no man can come unto me, except it were
given unto him of my father.
From that time many of his disciples went away from him, and companied
no more with him. Then said Iesus to the twelve: will ye also go away?
Simon Peter answered him: Master to whom shall we go? Thou hast the
words of eternal life, And we have believed, and known, that thou art
Christ the son of the living God. Iesus answered them: Have not I
chosen you twelve? And yet one of you is the devil? He spake it of
Iudas Iscariot the son of Simon. For he it was that should betray him,
and was one of the twelve.
The .vij. Chapter.
After that Iesus went about into Galile, and would not go about in
jewry, for the jewes sought to kill him. The jewes' tabernacle feast
was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him: Get thyself hence
and go into jewry that thy disciples may see thy works that thou doest.
There is no man that doeth any thing secretly, and he himself seeketh
to be known. If thou do such things, shew thyself to the world. For as
yet his brethren believed not in him.
Then Iesus said unto them: My time is not yet come, your time is alway
ready. The world cannot hate you. Me it hateth: Because I testify of
it, that the works of it are evil. Go ye up unto this feast, I will not
go up yet unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come. These
words he said unto them, and abode still in Galile. As soon as his
brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly:
but as it were privily. Then sought him the jewes at the feast, and
said: Where is he? And much murmuring was there of him among the
people. Some said: He is good. Other said nay, but he deceiveth the
people. No man spake openly of him, for fear of the jewes.
In the midst of the feast, Iesus went up into the temple, and taught.
And the jewes marvelled, saying: How knoweth he the scriptures? seeing
that he never learned. Iesus answered them, and said: My doctrine is
not mine: but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine, whether it be of God: or whether I spake of
myself. He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own praise. But he
that seeketh his praise that sent him, he is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him.
Did not Moses give you a law? And yet none of you keepeth the law? Why
go ye about to kill me? The people answered and said: Thou hast the
devil. Who goeth about to kill thee? Iesus answered, and said unto
them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave
unto you circumcision, not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers.
And yet ye on the saboth day circumcise a man. If a man on the saboth
day receive circumcision without breaking of the law of Moses: Disdain
ye at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the saboth day?
Judge not after the utter appearance: but judge righteous judgement.
Then said some of them of Ierusalem: Is not this he whom they go about
to kill? behold he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing to him. Do not
our rulers know indeed, that this is very Christ? But we know this man
whence he is, but when Christ cometh, no man shall know whence he is.
Then cried Iesus in the temple as he taught saying: And me ye know, and
whence I am ye know: and I am not come of myself. But he that sent me
is true, whom ye know not. I know him: For I am of him, and he hath
sent me. Then sought the jews to take him, but no man laid hands on
him, because his time was not yet come. Many of the people believed on
him, and said: When Christ cometh: Will he do more miracles than this
man hath done?
The pharisees heard that the people murmured such things about him: and
the pharisees and scribes sent ministers forth to take him. Then said
Iesus unto them: Yet am I a little while with you, and then go I unto
him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: And where I
am, thither can ye not come. Then said the jewes between themselves:
Whither will he go? that we shall not find him. Will he go among the
gentiles, which are scattered all abroad, and teach the gentiles? What
manner of saying is this that he said: ye shall seek me, and shall not
find me: And where I am, thither can ye not come?
In the last day, that great day of the feast: Iesus stood and cried
saying: If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. Whosoever
believeth on me, as sayeth the scripture, out of his belly shall flow
rivers of water of life. This spake he of the spirit, which they that
believed on him should receive. For the holy ghost was not yet there,
because that Iesus was not yet glorified. Many of the people, when they
heard this saying said: This is, no doubt, a prophet. Other said: this
is Christ. Some said: shall Christ come out of Galilee? Saith not the
scripture that Christ shall come of the seed of David: and out of the
town of Bethlehem where David was? So was there dissension among the
people for his sake. And some of them would have taken him: but no man
laid hands on him.
Then came the ministers to the high priests, and pharisees. And they
said unto them: why have ye not brought him? The servants answered:
never man spake as this man speaketh. Then answered them the pharisees:
are ye also deceived? Doth any of the rulers, or of the pharisees
believe on him? But the common people which know not the law are a
cursed. Nicodemus said unto them (He that came to Iesus by night which
was one of them.) Doth our law judge any man, before it be heard, and
known, what he hath done? They answered, and said unto him: Art thou
also of Galile? Search and look, for out of Galile ariseth no prophet.
And every man went unto his own house.
The .viij. Chapter.
Iesus went unto mount olivet, and early in the morning came again into
the temple, and all the people came unto him, And he sat down, and
taught them. The scribes and pharisees brought unto him a woman taken
in advoutry, and set her in the midst and said unto him: Master this
woman was taken in advoutry, even as the deed was a doing. Moses in the
law commanded us that such should be stoned: What sayest thou
therefore? And this they said to tempt him: that they might have,
whereof to accuse him. Iesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on
the ground. And while they continued asking him, he lifted himself up,
And said unto them: let him that is among you without sin, cast the
first stone at her. And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
As soon as they heard that, they went out one by one the eldest first.
And Iesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When
Iesus had lifted up himself again, and saw no man, but the woman, He
said unto her: Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man
condemned thee? She said: Sir no man. Iesus said: Neither do I condemn
thee. Go hence and sin no more.
Then spake Iesus again unto them saying: I am the light of the world.
He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness: but shall have the
light of life. The pharisees said unto him: thou bearest record of
thyself, thy record is not true. Iesus answered and said unto them: And
if I bear record of myself, my record is true for I know whence I come,
and whither I go. Ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye
judge after the flesh, I judge no man, and if I judge, then is my
judgement true. For I am not alone: but I and my father that sent me.
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
I am one that bear witness of myself, and my father that sent me
beareth witness of me.
Then said they unto him: where is thy father? Iesus answered: ye
neither know me, nor yet my father. If ye had known me, ye should have
known my father also. These words spake Iesus in the treasury, as he
taught in the temple. And no man laid hands on him, For his time was
not yet come. Then said Iesus again unto them: I go my way, and ye
shall seek me, and shall die in your sins. Whither I go thither can ye
not come. Then spake the jewes: will he kill himself, because he saith:
whither I go, thither can ye not come? And he said unto them: ye are
from beneath, I am from above. Ye are of this world, I am not of this
world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins. For
except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Then said they unto him, who art thou? And Iesus said unto them: Even
the very same thing that I say unto you. I have many things to say, and
to judge of you. But he that sent me is true. And I speak in the world,
those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he
spake of his father.
Then said Iesus unto them: When ye have lift up on high the son of man
then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, But
as my father hath taught me, even so I speak. And he that sent me is
with me. My father hath not left me alone, For I do always those things
that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Then said Iesus to those jewes which believed on him: If ye continue in
my saying, then are ye my very disciples: and ye shall know the truth:
And the truth shall make you free. They answered him: We be Abraham's
seed, and were never bond to any man: why sayest thou then, ye shall be
made free?
Iesus answered them: verily verily I say unto you, that whosoever
committeth sin, is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in
the house for ever: But the son abideth ever. If the son therefore
shall make you free, then are ye free in deed. I know that ye are
Abraham's seed: but ye seek means to kill me because my sayings have no
place in you. I speak that I have seen with my father: and ye do that
which ye have seen with your father.
They answered and said unto him: Abraham is our father. Iesus said unto
them. If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the deeds of Abraham.
But now ye go about to kill me, a man that have told you the truth,
which I have heard of my father. This did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds
of your father. Then said they unto him: we were not born of
fornication. We have one father that is God. Iesus said unto them: if
God were your father, then would ye have loved me. For I proceeded
forth and come from God. Neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why
do ye not know my speech? Because ye cannot abide the hearing of my
words.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father, ye will
follow: He was a murderer from the beginning, And abode not in the
truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, then
speaketh he of his own. For he is a liar, and the father thereof. And
because I tell you the truth, therefore believe ye not me.
Which of you can rebuke me of sin? If I say the truth, why do not ye
believe me? He that is of God, heareth God's words. Ye therefore hear
them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the jewes and said
unto him: Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan and hast the devil?
Iesus answered: I have not the devil: but I honour my father, and ye
have dishonored me. I seek not mine own praise: There is one that
seeketh it and judgeth.
Verily verily I say unto you, if a man keep my sayings, he shall never
see death. Then said the jewes to him: Now know we that thou hast the
devil. Abraham is dead, and also the prophets, and yet thou sayest: if
a man keep my saying he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater
than our father Abraham? which is dead? and the prophets are dead. Whom
makest thou thyself?
Iesus answered: If I praise myself, mine praise is nothing worth. It is
my father that praiseth me, which ye say is your God. And yet have ye
not known him: but I know him. And if I should say, I know him not, I
should be a liar like unto you, But I know him, and keep his saying.
Your father Abraham was glad to see my day, and he saw it and rejoiced.
Then said the jewes unto him: Thou art not yet fifty years old, and
hast thou seen Abraham? Iesus said unto them: Verily verily I say unto
you: yer Abraham was I am. Then took they up stones, to cast at him.
But Iesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
The .ix. Chapter.
And as Iesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth,
And his disciples asked him saying. Master, who did sin: this man, or
his father and mother, that he was born blind? Iesus answered: Neither
this man hath sinned, nor yet his father and mother: but that the works
of God should be shewed on him. I must work the works of him that sent
me, while it is day. The night cometh, when no man can work. As long as
I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
As soon as he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of
the spittle, and rubbed the clay on the eyes of the blind, and said
unto him: Go wash thee in the pool of Siloe (which by interpretation,
signifieth sent.) He went his way and washed, and came again seeing.
The neighbours, and they that had seen him before how that he was a
beggar said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: this is he.
Other said: he is like him. He himself said: I am even he. They said
unto him: How are thine eyes opened then? He answered and said: The man
that is called Iesus, made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto
me: Go to the pool Siloe, and wash. I went and washed and received my
sight. They said unto him: where is he? He said: I cannot tell.
Then brought they to the pharisees, him that a little before was blind.
(It was the saboth day when Iesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.)
Then again the pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.
He said unto them: He put clay upon mine eyes, And I washed, and I see.
Then said some of the pharisees: this man is not of God, because he
keepeth not the saboth day. Other said: how can a man that is a sinner
do such miracles? And there was strife among them. Then spake they unto
the blind again: What sayest thou of him, because he hath opened thine
eyes? And he said: He is a prophet.
The jewes did not believe of the fellow, how that he was blind, and
received his sight: until they had called the father and mother of him
that had received his sight. And they asked them saying: Is this your
son, whom ye say was born blind? How doth he now see then? His father
and mother answered them and said: we wot well that this is our son,
and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, that can we
not tell or who hath opened his eyes can we not tell. He is old enough,
ask him, let him answer for himself, of things that pertain to himself.
Such words spake his father, and mother, because they feared the jewes,
for the jewes had conspired already that if any man did confess that he
was Christ, he should be excommunicate out of the Synagogue. Therefore
said his father and mother: he is old enough, ask him.
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him: Give
God the praise, we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and
said: Whether he be a sinner or no, I cannot tell: One thing I am sure
of, that I was blind, and now I see. Then said they to him again: What
did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them, I told you
yerwhile, And ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will
ye also be his disciples? Then rated they him, and said: Thou art his
disciple. We are Moses' disciples. We are sure that God spake with
Moses. This fellow we know not from whence he is.
The man answered, and said unto them: this is a marvelous thing that ye
wot nere whence he is, and yet hath he opened mine eyes. We know well
enough that God heareth no sinners: But if any man be a worshipper of
God: and do what his will is, him heareth he. Since the world began was
it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
If this man were not of God, he could have done no thing. They answered
and said unto him: thou art altogether born in sin: and dost thou teach
us? And they cast him out.
Iesus heard that they had excommunicated him: and as soon as he had
found him he said unto him: dost thou believe on the son of God? He
answered and said: And who is it lord, that I might believe on him? And
Iesus said unto him: Thou hast seen him, and he it is that talketh with
thee. And he said: lord I believe: And worshipped him. Iesus said: I am
come unto judgement, into this world: that they which see not, might
see, and they which see might be made blind. And some of the pharisees
which were with him, heard these words and said unto him: Are we then
blind? Iesus said unto them, if ye were blind, ye should have no sin:
but now ye say we see, therefore your sin remaineth.
The .x. Chapter.
Verily verily I say unto you: Whosoever entereth not in by the door,
into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way: he is a thief and a
robber. He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. To
this man the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice, And
he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out, and when he
hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep
follow him: For they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow,
but will fly from him. For they know not the voice of strangers. This
manner of saying spake Iesus unto them. And they understood not, what
things they were, which he spake unto them.
Then said Iesus unto them again: Verily verily I say unto you: that I
am the door of the sheep. All even as many as came before me, are
thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by
me, if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, and
find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal and kill, and
destroy. I am come that they might have life, and have it more
abundantly.
I am a good shepherd, a good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. An
hired servant which is not the shepherd, neither the sheep are his own,
seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and flyeth, and the wolf
catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant flyeth
because he is an hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am that
good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As my father
knoweth me: even so know I my father. And I give my life for my sheep,
and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also must I
bring, that they shall hear my voice. And there shall be one flock, and
one shepherd.
Therefore doth my father love me, because I put my life from me, that I
might take it again. No man taketh it from me: but I put it away of
myself. I have power to put it from me, and power I have to take it
again. This commandment have I received of my father. Again there was
dissension among the jewes for these sayings, and many of them said: He
hath the devil, and is mad: why hear ye him? other said, these are not
the words of him that hath the devil: Can the devil open the eyes of
the blind?
It was at Ierusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was the winter:
And Iesus walked in Solomon's hall. Then came the jewes round about
him, and said unto him: How long dost thou make us doubt? If thou be
Christ, tell us plainly. Iesus answered them: I told you and ye believe
not: The works that I do in my father's name, bear witness of me: but
ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. As I said unto you: my
sheep, hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give
unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any
man pluck them out of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater
than all men, and no man is able to take them out of my father's hand.
And I and my father are one.
Then the jewes again took up stones, to stone him withall. Iesus
answered them: many good works have I shewed you from my father: for
which of them will ye stone me? The jewes answered him saying: For thy
good works' sake we stone thee not: but for thy blasphemy, and because
that thou being a man, makest thyself God. Iesus answered them: Is it
not written in your law: I have said, ye are gods? If he called them
gods unto whom the word of God was spoken (and the scripture cannot be
broken) say ye then to him, whom the father hath sanctified, and sent
into the world: Thou blasphemest, because I said I am the son of God?
If I do not the works of my father, believe me not. But though ye
believe not me, yet believe the works, that ye may know and believe
that the father is in me, and I in him.
Again they went about to take him, but he escaped out of their hands,
and went away again beyond Iordan, into the place where Ihon before had
baptised, and there abode. And many resorted unto him, and said: Ihon
did no miracle: But all things that Ihon spake of this man are true..
And there many believed on him there.
The .xj. Chapter.
A certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethania the town of Mary and
her sister Martha. It was that Mary which anointed Iesus with ointment,
and wept his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick, and
his sister sent unto him saying: lord behold, he whom thou lovest is
sick. When Iesus that heard he said: this infirmity is not unto death:
But for the laud of God, that the son of God might be praised by the
reason of it. Iesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus. After he
heard that he was sick, then abode he two days still in the same place
where he was.
Then after that said he to his disciples: let us go into jewry again.
His disciples said unto him: Master, the jewes lately sought means to
stone thee, and wilt thou go thither again? Iesus answered: are there
not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not,
because he seeth the light of this world. If a man walk in the night he
stumbleth, because there is no light in him. This said he. And after
that he said unto them: our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go to wake
him out of sleep. Then said his disciples: lord if he sleep, then shall
he do well enough. Iesus spake of his death: but they thought that he
had spoken of the natural sleep. Then said Iesus unto them plainly,
Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes, that I was not there,
because ye may believe. Nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said
Thomas (which is called Didymus,) unto the disciples: let us also go,
that we may die with him.
Then went Iesus, and found, that he had lain in his grave four days
already. Bethanie was nigh unto Ierusalem, about xv. furlongs off, And
many of the jewes came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them over their
brother. Martha as soon as she heard that Iesus was coming, went and
met him. Mary sat still at home.
Then said Martha unto Iesus: lord if thou hadst been here, my brother
had not been dead: but nevertheless, I know that whatsoever thou askest
of God, God will give it thee. Iesus said unto her: Thy brother shall
rise again. Martha said unto him: I know well, he shall rise again in
the resurrection at the last day. Iesus said unto her: I am the
resurrection and the life. Whosoever believeth on me, Yea though he
were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth, and believeth on
me, shall never die. Believest thou this? She said unto him: yea lord:
I believe that thou art Christ the son of God, which shall come into
the world. And as soon as she had so said she went her way, and called
Mary her sister secretly saying: The master is come and calleth for
thee. She as soon as she heard that, arose quickly, and came unto him.
Iesus was not yet come into the town: but was in the place where Martha
met him. The jewes then which were with her in the house, and comforted
her (when they saw Mary that she rose up hastily, and went out)
followed her saying: She goeth unto the grave, to weep there. Then when
Mary was come, where Iesus was and saw him she fell down at his feet,
saying unto him: lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been
dead. When Iesus saw her weep, and the jewes also weep, which came with
her. He groaned in the spirit, and vexed himself and said: Where have
ye laid him? They said unto him: lord come and see. And Iesus wept.
Then said the jewes: Behold how he loved him. Some of them said: Could
not he which opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that this
man should not have died? Iesus again groaned in himself came to the
grave, it was a cave, and a stone laid on it.
Iesus said: Take ye away the stone. Martha (the sister of him that was
dead) said unto him: lord by this time he stinketh. For he hath been
dead four days. Iesus said unto her: Said I not unto thee, that if thou
didst believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God. Then they took away
the stone from the place where the dead was laid. Iesus lift up his
eyes and said: Father I give thee thanks because that thou hast heard
me, I knew well that thou hearest me always: but because of the people
that stand by I said it, that they might believe, that thou hast sent
me.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus come
forth, and he that was dead, came forth bound hand and foot, with bonds
after the manner as they were wonte to bind their dead with all. And
his face was bound with a napkin. Iesus said unto them: loose him, and
let him go. Then many of the jewes which came to Mary, and had seen the
things which Iesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their
ways to the pharisees, and told them what Iesus had done.
Then gathered the high priests and the pharisees a council and said:
what do we? This man doeth many miracles. If we let him scape thus all
men will believe on him. And the Romans shall come and take away our
country and people. And one of them named Caiphas: which was the high
priest that same year, said unto them: Ye perceive nothing at all nor
yet consider that it is expedient for us, that one man die for the
people, and not that all the people perish. This spake he not of
himself: but being high priest that same year, prophesied he that Iesus
should die for the people, and not for the people only: but that he
should gather together in one the children of God which were scattered
abroad. From that day kept they a counsel together for to put him to
death.
Iesus therefore walked no more openly among the jewes: but went his way
thence unto a country nigh to a wilderness into a city called Ephraim,
and there haunted with his disciples. The jewes' ester was nigh at
hand, and many went out of the country up to Ierusalem before the ester
to purify themselves. Then sought they for Iesus, and spake between
themselves as they stood in the temple: What think ye, seeing he cometh
not to the feast. The high priests and pharisees had given a
commandment that if any man knew where he were, he should shew it that
they might take him.
The .xij. Chapter.
Then Iesus before six days of ester, came to Bethany where Lazarus
(which was dead) was, whom Iesus raised from death. There they made him
a supper, and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at
the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment called nardus,
perfect and precious, and anointed Iesus' feet, and wept his feet with
her hair, and all the house smelled of the savour of the ointment. Then
said one of his disciples named Iudas Iscarioth, Simon's son, which
afterward betrayed him: why was not this ointment sold for three
hundred pence, and given to the poor? This said he, not that he cared
for the poor: but because he was a thief, and kept the bag, and bare
that which was given. Then said Iesus: Let her alone, against the day
of my burying she kept it. The poor allways shall ye have with you, but
me shall ye not allways have.
Much people of the jewes had knowledge that he was there. And they came
not for Iesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also whom he
raised from death. The high priests therefore held a council that they
might put Lazarus to death also, because that for his sake many of the
jewes went away, and believed on Iesus.
On the morrow much people that were come to the feast (when they heard
that Iesus should come to Ierusalem,) took branches of palm trees and
went and met him, and cried: Hosanna, blessed is he that in the name of
the lord cometh, king of Israhell. Iesus got a young ass and sat
thereon, according to that which was written: fear not daughter of
Sion: behold thy king cometh sitting on an asse's colt. These things
understood not his disciples at the first: but when Iesus was
glorified, then remembered they that such things were written of him,
and that such things they had done unto him.
The people that was with him, when he called Lazarus out of his grave,
and raised him from death, bare record. Therefore met him the people,
because they heard that he had done such a miracle. The pharisees
therefore said among themselves: Ye see that we prevail nothing: lo all
the world goeth away after him.
There were certain greeks among them, which came to pray at the feast,
the same came to Philip which was of Bethsaida a city in Galile, and
desired him saying: Sir we would fain see Iesus. Philip came and told
Andrew. And again Andrew and Philip told Iesus. And Iesus answered them
saying: the hour is come that the son of man must be glorified.
Verily verily I say unto you, except the wheat corn fall into the
ground and die, it bideth alone. If it die, it bringeth forth much
fruit. He that loveth his life shall destroy it: And he that hateth his
life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man
minister unto me, let him follow me and where I am there shall also my
minister be. And if any man minister unto me, him will my father
honour.
Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father deliver me from
this hour: but therefore came I unto this hour. Father glorify thy
name. Then came there a voice from heaven, I have glorified it, and
will glorify it again. Then said the people that stood by and heard, it
thundereth. Other said: an angel spake to him. Iesus answered and said:
this voice came not because of me: but for your sakes.
Now is the judgement of this world: now shall the prince of this world
be cast out a doors. And I (if were lifted up from the earth,) will
draw all men unto me. This said Iesus signifying what death he should
die. The people answered him: We have heard of the law that Christ
bideth ever: and how sayest thou then that the son of man must be
lifted up? who is that son of man? Then Iesus said unto them: yet a
little while is the light with you: walk while ye have light, lest the
darkness come on you. He that walketh in the dark, wotteth not whither
he goeth. While ye have light, believe on the light that ye may be the
children of light.
These things spake Iesus and departed, and hid himself from them. And
though he had done so many miracles before them, yet believed not they
on him, that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, that
he spake. lord who shall believe our saying? And to whom is the arm of
the lord declared? Therefore could they not believe, because that
Esaias saith again: He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their
hearts, that they should not see with their eyes, and understand with
their hearts, and should be converted and I should heal them. Such
things said Esaias when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers many believed on him, but because
of the pharisees they would not be a known of it, lest they should be
excommunicated. For they loved the praise that is given of men, more
than the praise, that cometh of God.
Iesus cried and said: he that believeth on me believeth not on me, but
on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. I am
come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not
bide in darkness, and if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge
him not. For I came not to judge the world: but to save the world. He
that putteth me away, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him. The words that I have spoken shall judge him in the last day. For
I have not spoken of myself: but the father which sent me gave me a
commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know well
that his commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore,
even as my father bade me, so I speak.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Before the feast of ester when Iesus knew that his hour was come, that
he should depart out of this world unto the father. When he loved his
which were in the world, unto the end he loved them. And when supper
was ended, after that the devil had put in the heart of Iudas Iscariot
Simon's son, to betray him. Iesus knowing that the father had given all
things into his hands: And that he was come from God, and went to God,
he rose from supper, and laid aside his upper garments, and took a
towel, and gird himself. After that poured he water into a basin, and
began to wash his disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel,
wherewith he was gird.
Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him: lord shalt thou
wash my feet? Iesus answered and said unto him: what I do thou wettest
not now, thou shalt know here after. Peter said unto him: Thou shalt
not wash my feet while the world standeth. Iesus answered him: if I
wash not thy feet, thou shalt have no part with me. Simon Peter said
unto him: lord not my feet only: but also my hands and my head. Iesus
said to him: he that is washed, needeth not but to wash his feet, but
is clean every whit. And ye are clean: but not all. For he knew his
betrayer. Therefore said he: ye are not all clean.
After he had washed their feet, and received his clothes, and was set
down again, he said unto them: wot ye what I have done to you? ye call
me master and lord, and ye say well, for so am I. If I then your lord
and master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's
feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done
to you. Verily verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than
his master. Neither the messenger greater than he that sent him.
If ye understand these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not
of you all, I know whom I have chosen. But that the scripture be
fulfilled: he that eateth bread with me, Hath lifted up his heel
against me. Now tell I you before it come: that when it is come to pass
ye might believe that I am he. Verily verily I say unto you. He that
receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me. And he that receiveth me,
receiveth him that sent me.
When Iesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified
saying: verily verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Then the disciples looked one on another doubting of whom he spake.
There was one of his disciples which leaned on Iesus' bosom, whom Iesus
loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter that he should ask who it was of
whom he spake. He then as he leaned on Iesus' breast said unto him:
lord who is it? Iesus answered, he it is to whom I give a sop, when I
have dept it. And he wet a sop, and gave it to Iudas Iscarioth Simon's
son. And after the sop Satan entered into him.
Then said Iesus unto him: that thou dost do quickly. That wist no man
at the table, for what intent he spake unto him. Some of them thought,
because Iudas had the bag, that Iesus had said unto him, buy those
things that we have need of against the feast: or that he should give
something to the poor. As soon then as he had received the sop, he went
immediately out. And it was night. When he was gone out, Iesus said:
now is the son of man glorified. And God is glorified by him. If God be
glorified by him, God shall also glorify him, in himself: and shall
straightway glorify him.
Dear children, yet a little while am I with you. Ye shall seek me, and
as I said unto the jewes whither I go, thither can ye not come. Also to
you say I now. A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love
together, as I have loved you, that even so ye love one another. By
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye shall have love
one to another. Simon Peter said unto him: lord whither goest thou?
Iesus answered him: whither I go thou canst not follow me now, thou
shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him lord why cannot I
follow thee now? I will give my life for thy sake. Iesus answered him:
Wilt thou give thy life for my sake? Verily verily I say unto thee, the
cock shall not crow, till thou have denied me thrice.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
And he said unto his disciples: Let not your hearts be troubled,
believe in God, and believe in me. In my father's house are many
mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a
place for you. I will come again, and receive you even unto myself,
that where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go ye know, and
the way ye know.
Thomas said unto him: lord we know not whither thou goest. Also how is
it possible for us to know the way? Iesus said unto him I am the way,
the verity, and life. No man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye
had known me ye had known my father also. And now ye know him. And ye
have seen him.
Philip said unto him: lord shew us thy father and it sufficeth us.
Iesus said unto him: have I been so long time with you: and yet hast
thou not known me? Philip, he that hath seen me, hath seen the father.
And how sayest thou then: shew us the father? Believest thou not that I
am in the father, and the father in me? The words that I speak unto
you, I speak not of myself: but the father dwelling in me is he that
doeth the works. Believe that I am in the father, and the father in me.
At the least believe me for the very works' sake.
Verily verily I say unto you whosoever believeth on me, the works that
I do, the same shall he do, and greater works then these shall he do,
because I go unto my father. And whatsoever ye ask in my name, that
will I do, that the father might be glorified by the son. If ye shall
ask any thing in my name I will do it.
If ye love me keep my commandments, and I will pray the father, and he
shall give you another comforter, that he may bide with you ever, which
is the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because the world
seeth him not, neither knoweth him. But ye know him. For he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will
come unto you.
It is yet a little while and the world seeth me no more: but ye shall
see me. For I live, and ye shall live. That day shall ye know that I
am in my father, and my father in me, and I in you.
He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, the same is he that
loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my father, and I
will love him, and will shew mine own self unto him. Iudas said unto
him (not Iudas Iscarioth) lord what is the cause that thou wilt shew
thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Iesus answered and said unto
him: if a man love me and will keep my sayings, my father also will
love him, and we will come unto him, and will dwell with him. He that
loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings. And the words which ye hear are
not mine, but my father's, which sent me.
This have I spoken unto you being yet present with you. But that
comforter which is the holy ghost (whom my father will send in my name)
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance
whatsoever I have told you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be grieved, neither fear
ye. Ye have heard how I said unto you: I go and come again unto you. If
ye loved me, ye would verily rejoice, because I said, I go unto the
father. For the father is greater than I. And now have I shewed you,
before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
Here after will I not talk many words unto you. For the chief ruler of
this world cometh, and hath nought in me. But that the world may know
that I love my father, And as the father gave me commandment, even so
do I. Rise let us go hence.
The .xv. Chapter.
I am the true vine, and my father is an husbandman. Every branch that
beareth not fruit in me, He will take away. And every branch that
beareth fruit will he purge that it may bring more fruit. Now are ye
clean, be that means of the words which I have spoken unto you. Bide in
me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it
bide in the vine: no more can ye except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, and ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without me can ye do
nothing. If a man bide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is
withered: and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they
burneth. If ye bide in me, and my words also bide in you: ask what ye
will, and it shall be given you. Here in is my father glorified, that
ye bear much fruit, and be made my disciples.
As the father hath loved me, even so have I loved you. Continue in my
love. If ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall bide in my love, even
as I have kept my father's commandments, and bide in his love. These
things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and
that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love
together as I have loved you. Greater love than this hath no man, than
that a man bestow his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you. Henceforth call I you not servants: For the
servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. But you have I called friends:
For all things that I have heard of my father, I have opened to you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye
go, and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit remain, that whatsoever
ye shall ask of my father in my name he should give it you.
This command I you, that ye love together. If the world hate you, ye
know that he hated me before he hated you. If ye were of the world, the
world would love his own. Because ye are not of the world, but I have
chosen you out of the world, therefore hateth you the world. Remember
the saying, that I said unto you: the servant is not greater than the
lord. If they have persecuted me, so will they persecute you. If they
have kept my saying, so will they keep yours.
But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because
they have not known him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto
them, they should have no sin: but now have they nothing to cloak their
sin with all. He that hateth me, hateth my father. If I had not done
works among them which none other man did, they should be without sin.
But now have they seen, and yet have hated both me and my father: Even
that the saying might be fulfilled that is written in their law: they
hated me without a cause. But when the comforter is come, whom I will
send unto you from the father, which is the spirit of verity, which
proceedeth of the father, he shall testify of me. And ye shall bear
witness also, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
The .xvj. Chapter.
These things have I said unto you because ye should not be hurt in your
faith. They shall excommunicate you: yea the time shall come, that
whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God true service. And
such things will they do unto you, because they have not known the
father neither yet me. These things have I told you, that when that
hour is come, ye might remember then, that I told you so. These things
said I not unto you at the beginning, because I was present with you.
But now go I my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me:
whither goest thou? but because I have said such things unto you, your
hearts are full of sorrow. Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is
expedient for you that I go away. For if I go not away, that comforter
will not come unto you. But if I depart, I will send him unto you. And
when he is come, he will rebuke the world of sin, and of righteousness,
and of judgement. Of sin, because they believe not on me: Of
righteousness, because I go to my father, and ye shall see me no more:
And of judgement, because the chief ruler of this world, is judged all
ready.
I have yet many things to say unto you: but ye cannot bear them away
now. When he is once come (I mean the spirit of verity,) he will lead
you into all truth. He shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he
shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew unto
you. All things that my father hath are mine. Therefore said I unto you
that he shall take of mine and shew unto you.
After a while ye shall not see me, and again after a while ye shall see
me: For I go to my father. Then said some of his disciples between
themselves: what is this that he saith unto us, after a while ye shall
not see me, and again after a while ye shall see me: and that I go to
my father. They said therefore: what is this that he saith after a
while? we cannot tell what he saith. Iesus perceived, that they would
ask him, and said unto them: This is it that ye enquire of between
yourselves, that I said, after a while ye shall not see me, and again
after a while ye shall see me. Verily verily I say unto you: ye shall
weep and lament, and the world shall rejoice. Ye shall sorrow: but your
sorrow shall be turned to joy.
A woman when she travaileth hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but
as soon as she is delivered of her child she remembereth no more the
anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now are in
sorrow: but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and
your joy shall no man take from you. And in that day shall ye ask me no
question. Verily verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the
father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing
in my name. Ask and ye shall receive it: that your joy may be full.
These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs. The time will come
when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs: but I shall shew you
plainly from my father. At that day shall ye ask in mine name. And I
say not unto you that I will speak unto my father for you. For my
father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed
that I came out from God. I went out from the father, and came into the
world: and I leave the world again, and go to the father.
His disciples said unto him: lo now speakest thou plainly, and thou
usest no proverb. Now know we that thou understandest all things, and
needest not that any man should ask thee any question. Therefore
believe we that thou camest from God. Iesus answered them: Now ye do
believe. Behold the hour draweth nigh, and is already come, that ye
shall be scattered every man his ways, and shall leave me alone. And
yet am I not alone. For my father is with me. These words have I spoken
unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world shall ye have
tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
The .xvij. Chapter.
These words spake Iesus and lift up his eyes to heaven, and said:
father the hour is come glorify thy son that thy son may glorify thee.
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give
eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. This is life eternal
that they might know thee that only very God: and whom thou hast sent
Iesus Christ.
I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou
gavest me to do. And now glorify me thou father in thine own presence,
with the glory which I had with thee yer the world was. I have declared
thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world. Thine they
were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy sayings. Now have
they known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me, are of thee.
For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they
have received them, and know surely that I came out from thee: and do
believe that thou didst send me.
I pray for them. I pray not for the world: but for them which thou hast
given me, for they are thine, and all mine are thine, and thine are
mine, and I am glorified in them. And now am I no more in the world,
but they are in the world, and I come to thee. Wholly father keep in
thine own name them which thou hast given me, that they may be one as
we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name.
Those that thou gavest me, have I kept, and none of them is lost, but
that lost child, that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Now come I to thee, and these words speak I in the world, that they
might have my joy full in them. I have given them thy doctrine, and the
world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am
not of the world. I desire not that thou shouldest take them out of the
world: but that thou keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as
I am not of the world. Sanctify them in thy truth. {with thy trueth}
Thy saying is verity. As thou didst sent me into the world, even so
have I sent them into the world, And for their sakes sanctify I myself,
that they also might be sanctified thorow the truth.
I pray not for them alone: but for them also which shall believe on me
thorow their preaching, that they all may be one, as thou father art in
me, and I in thee, that they may be also one in us, that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me. And that glory that thou gavest me, I
have given them, that they may be one, as we are one. I am in them and
thou art in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the
world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou
hast loved me.
Father I will that they which thou hast given me, be with me where I
am, that they may see my glory which thou hast given me. For thou
lovedest me before the making of the world. O righteous father the very
world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known
that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and
will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, be in
them, and that I be in them.
The .xviij. Chapter.
When Iesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples
over the brook Cedron, where was a garden into the which he entered
with his disciples.
(Iudas also which betrayed him knew the place, for Iesus oftentimes
resorted thither with his disciples.) Iudas then after he had received
a bond of men, and ministers of the high priests, and of the pharisees
came thither with lanterns, and firebrands, and weapons. Then Iesus
knowing all things that should come on him, went forth and said unto
them: whom seek ye? They answered him: Iesus of Nazareth. Iesus said
unto them: I am he.
Iudas also which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon as he had said
unto them I am he, they went backwards and fell to the ground. And he
asked them again: whom seek ye? They said: Iesus of Nazareth. Iesus
answered, I said unto you, I am he. If ye seek me, let these go their
way. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake: of them which
thou gavest have I not lost one.
Simon Peter had a sword, and drew him out, and smote the high priests
servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
Then said Iesus unto Peter: put up thy sword into the sheath: shall I
not drink of the cup which my father had given me? Then the company,
and the Captain, and the ministers of the jewes, took Iesus and bound
him, and led him away to Anna first: For he was father-in-law unto
Caiphas, which was the high priest that same year. Caiphas was he that
gave counsel to the jewes that it was expedient that one man should die
for the people.
Simon Peter followed Iesus, and another disciple, that disciple was
known of the high priest, and went in with Iesus into the palace of the
high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that
other disciple which was known unto the high priest, and spake to the
damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then said the damsel
that kept the door unto Peter: Art not thou one of this man's
disciples? He said: I am not. The servants and the ministers stood
there, and had made a fire of coals. For it was cold, and they warmed
themselves. Peter also stood among them and warmed himself.
The high priest asked Iesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Iesus answered him: I spake openly in the world. I ever taught in the
synagogue and in the temple whither all the jewes resorted: and in
secret have I said nothing: why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me
what I said unto them. Behold they can tell what I said. When he had
thus spoken, one of the ministers which stood by, smote Iesus on the
face saying: Answerest thou the high priest so? Iesus answered him: If
I have evil spoken, bear witness of the evil: if I have well spoken,
why smitest thou me? Annas sent him bound unto Caiphas the high priest.
Simon Peter stood and warmed himself, and they said unto him: Art not
thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said: I am not. One
of the servants of the high priest (his cousin whose ear Peter smote
off ) said unto him: did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter
denied it again: and immediately the cock crew. Then led they Iesus
from Caiphas into the hall of judgement. It was in the morning, and
they themselves went not into the judgement house lest they should be
defiled, but that they might eat the Pascha. Pilate then went out unto
them and said: What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered
and said unto him: If he were not an evil doer, we would not have
delivered him unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them: take him unto you,
and judge him after your own law. The jewes said unto him. It is not
lawful for us to put any man to death. That the words of Iesus might be
fulfilled which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
Then Pilate entered into the judgement house again, and called Iesus,
and said unto him: Art thou king of the jewes? Iesus answered: sayest
thou that of thyself, or did other tell it thee of me? Pilate answered:
Am I a jew? Thine own nation and high priests have delivered thee unto
me. What hast thou done? Iesus answered: my kingdom is not of this
world. If my kingdom were of this world then would my ministers surely
fight, that I should not be delivered to the jewes, but now is my
kingdom not from hence. Pilate said unto him: Art thou a king then?
Iesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this cause was I
born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear
witness unto the truth. And all that are of the truth hear my voice.
Pilate said unto him: what is truth? And when he had said that, he went
out again unto the jewes, and said unto them: I find in him no cause at
all. Ye have a custom among you, that I should deliver you one loose at
ester. Will ye that I loose unto you the king of the jewes. Then cried
they all again saying: Not him, but Barabas. Barabas was a robber.
The .xix. Chapter.
Then Pilate took Iesus and scourged him. And the soldiers wound a crown
of thorns and put it on his head. And they did on him a purple garment,
and said: hail king of the jewes. And they smote him on the face.
Pilate went forth again, and said unto them: behold I bring him forth
to you, that ye may know, that I find no fault in him. Then came Iesus
forth wearing a crown of thorns and a robe of purple. And Pilate said
unto them: Behold the man. When the high priests and ministers saw him,
they cried saying: crucify him, crucify him. Pilate said unto them.
Take ye him and crucify him: For I find no cause in him. The jewes
answered him. We have a law, and by our law he ought to die: because he
made himself the son of God.
When Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again
into the judgement house, and said unto Iesus: whence art thou? Iesus
gave him none answer. Then said Pilate unto him: Speakest thou not unto
me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power
to loose thee? Iesus answered: Thou couldest have no power at all
against me, except it were given unto thee from above. Therefore he
that delivered me unto thee, is more in sin. And from thenceforth
sought Pilate means to loose him: but the jewes cried saying: if thou
let him go, thou art not Cesar's friend. Whosoever maketh himself a
king, is against Cesar.
When Pilate heard that saying he brought Iesus forth, and sat down to
give sentence, in a place called the pavement: But in the Hebrew
tongue, Gabbatha. (It was the saboth even which falleth in the ester
feast, and about the sixth hour) And he said unto the jewes: Behold
your king. They cried, away with him, away with him, Crucify him.
Pilate said unto them: Shall I crucify your king? The high priests
answered: We have no king but Cesar. Then delivered he him unto them to
be crucified.
And they took Iesus, and led him away. And he bare his cross, and went
forth into a place called the place of dead men's skulls (which is
named in hebrew, Golgotha) where they crucified him. And with him two
other, on either side one, and Iesus in the midst. Pilate wrote his
title, and put it on the cross: The writing was, Iesus of Nazareth,
king of the jewes. This title read many of the jewes. For the place
where Iesus was crucified, was nigh to the city. And it was written in
hebrew, greek and latin. Then said the high priests of the jewes to
Pilate: write not, king of the jewes, but that he said, I am king of
the jewes. Pilate answered: what I have written, that have I written.
The soldiers, when they had crucified Iesus, took his garments and made
four parts, to every soldier a part, and also his coat. The coat was
without seam woven upon thorow and thorow. And they said one to
another: Let us not divide it: but cast lots who shall have it. That
the scripture might be fulfilled which saith. They parted my raiment
among them, and on my coat did cast lots. And the soldiers did such
things in deed.
There stood by the cross of Iesus his mother, and his mother's sister,
Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Iesus saw his
mother, and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said unto his
mother: Woman behold thy son. Then said he to the disciple: behold thy
mother. And from that hour the disciple took her for his own.
After that when Iesus perceived that all things were performed, that
the scripture might be fulfilled: he said: I thirst. There stood a
vessel full of vinegar by. They filled a sponge with vinegar, and wound
it about with hyssop, and put it to his mouth. As soon as Iesus had
received of the vinegar, he said: It is finished, and bowed his head,
and gave up the ghost.
The jewes then because it was the saboth even that the bodies should
not remain upon the cross on the saboth day (For that saboth day was an
high day) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they
might be taken down. Then came the soldiers and brake the legs of the
first, and of the other which was crucified with Iesus. When they came
to Iesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but
one of the soldiers with a spear, thrust him into the side, and
forthwith came there out blood and water.
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true. And he knoweth
that he saith true that ye might believe also. These things were done
that the scripture should be fulfilled: Ye shall not break a bone of
him. And again another scripture saith: They shall look on him, whom
they pierced.
After that, Ioseph of Arimathia (which was a disciple of Iesus: but
secretly for fear of the jewes) besought Pilate that he might take down
the body of Iesus. And Pilate gave him license. And there came also
Nicodemus which at the beginning came to Iesus by night, and brought of
myrrh and aloes mingled together about an hundred pound weight. Then
took they the body of Iesu and wound it in linen clothes with those
confections as the manner of the jewes is to bury. In the place where
Iesus was crucified, was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre,
wherein was never man laid. There laid they Iesus because of the jewes'
saboth even, for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
The .xx. Chapter.
The morrow after the saboth day came Mary Magdalene early when it was
yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and saw the stone rolled away from the
tomb. Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple
whom Iesus loved, and said unto them: They have taken away the lord out
of the tomb and we cannot tell where they have laid him. Peter went
forth and that other disciple, and came unto the sepulchre. They ran
both together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first
to the sepulchre. And he stooped down and saw the linen clothes, yet
went he not in. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the
sepulchre, and saw the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about
his head not lying with the linen cloth, but wrapped together in a
place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple which came first
to the sepulchre, and he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the
scriptures, that he should rise again from death. And the disciples
went away again unto their own home.
Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: As she wept, she bowed
herself into the sepulchre and saw two angels clothed in white sitting
the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where they had laid the
body of Iesus. They said unto her: woman why weepest thou? She said
unto them: They have taken away my lord, and I wot not where they have
laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back and saw Iesus
standing, and knew not that it was Iesus. Iesus said unto her: woman
why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing that he had been the
gardener, said unto him: Sir if thou have borne him hence tell me where
thou hast laid him, that I will take him away. Iesus said unto her:
Mary. She turned herself, and said unto him: Rabboni which is to say
master. Iesus said unto her: touch me not, for I have not yet ascended
to my father. But go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto my
father, and your father: my God and your god. Mary Magdalene came and
told the disciples that she had seen the lord, and that he had spoken
such things unto her.
The same day at night, which was the morrow after the saboth day, when
the doors were shut (where the disciples were assembled to gether for
fear of the jewes,) came Iesus and stood in the midst, and said to
them: peace be with you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them
his hands and feet, and his side. Then were the disciples glad when
they saw the lord. He said unto them again: peace be with you. As my
father sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said that, he blew
on them, and said unto them: Receive the holy ghost. whosoevers sins ye
remit, they are remitted unto them: And whosoevers sins ye retain, they
are retained.
Thomas one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Iesus
came. The other disciples said unto him: we have seen the lord. And he
said unto them: except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and
put my finger in the holes of the nails, and thrust my hand into his
side, I will not believe.
And after viij days again, his disciples were with in, and Thomas was
with them. Iesus came when the doors were shut, and stood in the midst
and said: peace be with you:
Than said he to Thomas: put in thy finger here, and see my hands, and
put forth thy hand and thrust him into my side, and be not without
faith: but believe. Thomas answered and said unto him: my lord, and my
God. Iesus said unto him: Thomas, because thou hast seen me, therefore
hast thou believed: Happy are they that have not seen, and yet believe.
And many other signs did Iesus in the presence of his disciples, which
are not written in this book. These are written that ye might believe
that Iesus is Christ the son of God. And that ye in believing ye might
have life thorow his name.
The .xxj. Chapter.
After that Iesus shewed himself again at the sea of Tiberias. And on
this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter and
Thomas, which is called Didymus: and Nathanael of Cana a city of
Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of the disciples, Simon
Peter said unto them: I go a fishing. They said unto him: we also will
go with thee. They went their way and entered into a ship straightway,
and that night caught they nothing. When the morning was now come,
Iesus stood on the shore, Nevertheless the disciples knew not that it
was Iesus. Iesus said unto them: Sirs, have ye any meat? They answered
him no. And he said unto them: cast out your net on the right side of
the ship, and ye shall find. They cast out, and anon they were not able
to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Then said the disciple whom
Iesus loved unto Peter: It is the lord. When Simon Peter heard that it
was the lord, he gird his mantle to him (for he was naked) and sprang
into the sea. The other disciples came by ship: For they were not far
from land, but as it were two hundred cubits, And they drew the net
with fishes. As soon as they were come to land, they saw hot coals laid
and fish laid thereon, and bread. Iesus said unto them: bring of the
fishes which ye have now caught. Simon Peter stepped forth and drew the
net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and .liij. And for all
there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Iesus said unto them:
come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him: what art thou?
For they knew that it was the lord. Iesus then came and took bread, and
gave them, and fish likewise. And this is now the third time that Iesus
appeared to his disciples, after that he was risen again from death.
When they had dined, Iesus said to Simon Peter: Simon Ioanna, lovest
thou me more than these? He said unto him: yea lord, thou knowest, that
I love thee. He said unto him: feed my lambs. He said to him again the
second time: Simon Ioanna, lovest thou me? He said unto him: yea lord
thou knowest that I love thee. He said unto him: feed my sheep. He said
unto him the third time: Simon Ioanna, lovest thou me? Peter sorrowed
because he said to him the third time, lovest thou me, and said unto
him: lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee.
Iesus said unto him: feed my sheep.
Verily verily I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdedst
thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou art old,
thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and
lead thee whither thou wouldest not. That spake he signifying by what
death he should glorify God.
And when he had said thus, he said to him: Follow me. Peter turned
about, and saw that disciple whom Iesus loved following (which also
leaned on his breast at supper) and said: lord which is he that shall
betray thee? When Peter saw him, he said to Iesus: lord what shall he
here do? Iesus said unto him: If I will have him to tarry till I come,
what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad
among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Iesus said
not to him, he shall not die: but if I will that he tarry till I come,
what is that to thee? The same disciple is he, which testifieth of
these things, and wrote these things. And we know, that his testimony
is true. There are also many other things which Iesus did: the which if
they should be written every one, I suppose the world could not contain
the books that should be written.
Here endeth the Gospell off Sainct Ihon.
The acts of the apostles written by S. Luke
The first Chapter.
In my first treatise (Dear friend Theophilus) I have written of all
that Iesus began to do and teach, until the day in the which he was
taken up, after that he thorow the holy ghost, had given commandments
unto the Apostles, which he chose: to whom also he shewed himself
alive, after his passion by many tokens, appearing unto them forty
days, and spake of the kingdom of God, and gathered them together, and
commanded them, that they should not depart from Ierusalem: but to wait
for the promise of the father, whereof ye have heard of me. For Ihon
baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy ghost, and
that within this few days.
When they were come together, they asked of him, saying: Master wilt
thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israhel? He said unto
them: It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons which the
father hath put in his own power: but ye shall receive power of the
holy ghost which shall come on you. And ye shall be witnesses unto me
in Ierusalem, and in all Iewery, and in Samary, and even unto the
world's end.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld he was taken up,
and a cloud received him up out of their sight. And as they fastened
their eyes in heaven, as he went, lo two men stood by them in white
clothing, which also said: ye men of Galile, why stand ye gazing up
into heaven? This same Iesus which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come, even as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then returned they unto Ierusalem from mount Olivete, which is nigh to
Ierusalem, containing a saboth day's journey. And when they were come
in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and Iames, Ihon
and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartlemew and Matthew, Iames the son of
Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son. These all continued
with one accord, in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary
the mother of Iesu. And with his brethren.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said
(The number of names were about an hundred and twenty) Ye men and
brethren, this scripture must needs be fulfilled which the holy ghost
thorow the mouth of David spake before of Iudas, which was guide to
them that took Iesus. For he was now numbered with us and obtained
fellowship in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plot
of ground with the reward of iniquity. And when he was hanged, burst
asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it is known
unto all the inhabiters of Ierusalem. Insomuch that that field is
called in their mother tongue, Acheldema, that is to say the blood
field.
It is written in the book of psalms: His habitation be void, and no man
be dwelling therein: and his bishopricke let another take. Wherefore of
these men which have companied with us (all the time that the lord
Iesus went out and in among us, beginning at the baptism of Ihon unto
that same day that he was taken up from us) must one be ordained to be
a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Ioseph called Barsabas (whose surname was
Iustus) and Matthias. And they prayed saying: Thou lord which knowest
the hearts of all men, shew whether thou hast chosen of these two, that
the one may take the room of this ministration, and apostleship from
the which Iudas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own
place. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell on Mathias. And
he was counted with the eleven apostles.
The second Chapter.
When the fiftieth day was come, they were all with one accord gathered
together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as
it had been the coming of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they sat. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, as they
had been fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled
with the holy ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the
spirit gave them utterance.
There were dwelling at Ierusalem jewes, devout men, which were of all
nations under heaven. When this was noised about, the multitude came
together and were astonied, because that every man heard them speak his
own tongue. They wondered all, and marvelled saying among themselves:
Look, are not all these which speak of Galile? And how hear we every
man his own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites
and the inhabiters of Mesopotamia, of Iury, Capadocia, Ponthus, and of
Asia, Phrigia, Pamphlia, and of Egypt, and of the parts of Libia, which
is beside Syrene, And strangers of Rome, Iewes and Proselites, greeks
and Arabians: We have heard them speak with our own tongues the great
works of God. They were all amazed, and wondered saying one to another:
what meaneth this? Other mocked them saying: They are full of new wine.
Peter stepped forth with the eleven, and lift up his voice, and said
unto them: Ye men of Iewry, and all ye that inhabit Ierusalem: be this
known unto you, and with your ears hear my words. These are not
drunken, as ye wene: For it is yet but the third hour of the day: but
this is that which was spoken by the prophet Ioel: It shall be in the
last days (saith God) of my spirit I will pour out upon all flesh. And
your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see
visions. And your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and
on my hand maidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, And they
shall prophesy. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and tokens in
the earth beneath, blood and fire, and the vapour of smoke. The sun
shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that
great, and notable day of the lord come. And the time shall come that
whosoever shall call on the name of the lord, shall be saved. Ye men of
Israhel, hear these words. Iesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
among you with miracles and wonders, and signs which God did by him in
the midst of you, as ye yourselves know: him have ye taken by the hands
of unrighteous persons, after he was delivered by the determinate
counsel and foreknowledge of God, and have crucified and slain him,
whom God hath raised up and lowsed the sorrows of death, because it was
impossible that he should be holden of it. David speaketh of him:
Aforehand, saw I God always before me: For he is on my right hand, that
I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue
was glad. Moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope because thou shalt
not leave my soul in hell, neither shalt suffer thy saint to see
corruption. Thou hast shewed me the ways of life, Thou shalt make me
full of joy with thy countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David:
For he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with us
unto his day. Therefore since he was a prophet, and knew that God had
sworn with an oath to him, that the fruit of his loins should sit on
his seat: He saw before, and spake of the resurrection of Christ, that
his soul should not be left in hell: neither his flesh should see
corruption. This Iesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are
witnesses.
Since now that he by the right hand of God exalted is, and hath
received of the father the promise of the holy ghost, he hath shed
forth that which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into
heaven, but he said: The lord said to my lord sit on my right hand,
until I make thy foes, thy foot stool. So therefore let all the house
of Israhel know for a surety, that God hath made the same Iesus whom ye
have crucified, lord and Christ.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto
Peter, and unto the other apostles: Ye men and brethren, what shall we
do? Peter said unto them: Repent and be baptised every one of you in
the name of Iesus Christ, For the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the holy ghost. For the promise was made unto you,
and to your children, and to all that are afar, even as many as our
lord God shall call. And with many other words bare he witness, and
exhorted them saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
They that gladly received his preaching were baptised, And the same
day, there were added unto them about a three thousand souls.
And they continued in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayer. And fear came over every soul. And
many wonders and signs were shewed by the Apostles. And all that
believed gathered then together, and had all things common. And sold
their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man
had need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and
brake bread in every house, and ate their meat together with gladness,
and singleness of heart praising God, and had favour with all the
people, and the lord added to the congregation daily them that should
be saved.
The .iij. Chapter.
Peter and Ihon went up together into the temple at the ninth hour of
prayer: And there was a certain man halt from his mother's womb, whom
they brought and laid at the gate of the temple called beautiful, to
ask his alms of them that entered into the temple. When he saw Peter
and Ihon, that they would into the temple, he desired to receive an
alms, Peter fastened his eyes on him with Ihon and said: look on us,
and he gave heed unto them, trusting to receive something of them. Then
said Peter: Silver and gold have I none, such as I have give I thee. In
the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him
by the right hand, and lifted him up. And immediately his feet and
anklebones received strength, and he sprang, stood, and also walked,
and entered with them into the temple walking, and leaping, and lauding
God.
And all the people saw him walk and laud God. And they knew him, that
it was he which sat and begged at the beautiful gate of the temple. And
they wondered, and were sore astonied at that which had happened unto
him. As the halt which was healed held Peter and Ihon, all the people
ran amazed unto them in Solomon's hall.
When Peter saw that, he answered unto the people: Ye men of Israhell,
why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so steadfastly on us, as though
by our own power, or holiness we had made this man go? God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his son Iesus,
whom ye betrayed, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had
judged him to be lowsed: but ye denied the holy and just, and desired
that he should give you a murderer, and killed the lord of life whom
God hath raised from death, of the which we are witnesses: And his name
thorow the faith of his name hath made this man sound whom ye see and
know. And the faith which is by him, hath to this man given this
health, in the presence of you all.
And now brethren I wot well that thorow ignorance ye have done it, as
did also your heads. But God which shewed before by the mouth of all
his prophets that Christ should suffer, hath thuswise fulfilled it.
Repent ye therefore and turn that your sins may be done away when the
time of comfort cometh, which we shall have of the presence of the
lord, and when God shall send him, which before was preached unto you,
that is to wit Iesus Christ, which must heaven receive until the time
that all things be restored again, which God hath spoken by the mouth
of all his holy prophets since the world began.
For Moses said unto the fathers: A prophet shall your lord God raise up
unto you, one of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all
things whatsoever he shall say unto you. For the time will come, that
every soul which shall not hear that same prophet, shall be exiled from
the people. Also all the prophets from Samuel, and thenceforth, as many
as have spoken, have in likewise told of these days. Ye are the
children of the prophets, and to you pertaineth the testament that God
hath made unto our fathers saying to Abraham: Even in thy seed shall
all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. First unto you hath God
raised up his son Iesus, and him he hath sent to bless you, that every
one of you should turn from his wickedness.
The .iiij. Chapter.
As they spake unto the people, the priests and the ruler of the temple,
and the saduces came upon them, taking grievously that they taught the
people and preached in the name of Iesus the resurrection from death.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold until the next day.
For it was now eventide. Many of them which heard the words believed,
and the number of the men was about five thousand.
It chanced on the morrow that their rulers, and seniors, and scribes,
as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and Ihon and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together
at Ierusalem, and set them in the midst, and asked by what power, or in
what name have ye done this sirs? Then Peter full of the holy ghost
said unto them. Ye rulers of the people, and seniors of Israhel, if we
this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what
means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people
of Israhel, that in the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye
crucified, and whom God raised from death again, this man standeth here
present before you whole. This is the stone cast aside of you builders
which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there health
in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein
we must be saved.
When they saw the boldness of Peter and Ihon, And knew that they were
unlearned men and lay people, they marvelled, and they knew them, that
they were with Iesu: Seeing also the man which was healed standing with
them, they could not say against it, but commanded them to go aside out
of the council, And communed among themselves saying: what shall we do
to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known
to all them that dwell in Ierusalem, and we cannot deny it: But that it
be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them
that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should
speak or teach in the name of Iesu. But Peter and Ihon answered unto
them and said: whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you more
than God judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and
heard. So threatened they them and let them go, And found no thing how
to punish them, because of the people: For all men lauded God for the
miracle which was done. For the man was above forty year old, on whom
this miracle of healing was shewed.
As soon as they were let go they came to their fellows, and shewed all
that the high priests and seniors had said. When they heard that, with
one mind they lift up their voices to God and said: lord, thou art God
which hast made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is,
which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said: Why did the heathen
grudge, and the people imagine vain things. The kings of the earth
stood up and the rulers came together against the lord, And against his
Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Iesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod and also Pontius Pilate with the gentiles, and the people of
Israhel, gathered themselves to gether for to do whatsoever thy hand
and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now lord behold their
threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all confidence to speak
thy word. So that thou stretch forth thy hand that healing, and signs,
and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child Iesus. And as soon as
they had prayed, the place moved where they were assembled together,
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and they spake the word
of God boldly.
The multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, And of one
soul. Also none of them said, that any thing of those which he
possessed was his own: But had all things common. And with great power
gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the lord Iesu. And
great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them that
lacked. For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them
and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at
the Apostles' feet. And distribution was made unto every man according
as he had need.
And Ioses which was also called of the Apostles Barnabas (that is to
say the son of consolation, being a Levite, and of the country of
Cipers) had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the Apostles'
feet.
The .v. Chapter.
A certain man named Ananias with Saphira his wife sold a possession,
and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and
brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles' feet. Then
said Peter: Ananias how is it that Satan hath filled thine heart, that
thou shouldest lie unto the holy ghost, and keep away part of the price
of thy livelihood: Pertained it not unto thee only? And after it was
sold, was not the price in thine own power? How is it that thou hast
conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but
unto God. When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and gave up the
ghost. And great fear came on all them that these things heard. And the
young men rose up, and put him apart, and carried him out, and buried
him. It fortuned as it were about the space of iij. hours after, that
his wife came in ignorant of that which was done. Peter said unto her:
Tell me, sold ye the land for so much? And she said: ye for so much.
Peter said unto her: why have ye agreed together, to tempt the spirit
of the lord? Lo, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at
the door, and shall carry thee out, Then she fell down straightway at
his feet and yielded up the ghost. The young men came in and found her
dead, and carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear
came on all the congregation. And on as many as heard it.
By the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders shewed among
the people. And they were all together with one accord in Solomon's
hall. And of other durst no man join himself to them: but the people
magnified them. The number of them that believed in the lord both of
men and women grew more and more insomuch that they brought their sick
into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that at the
leastway the shadow of Peter when he came by, might shadow some of
them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto
Ierusalem, bringing with them sick and them which were vexed with
unclean spirits. And they were healed every one.
The chief priest rose up and they that were with him (which is the sect
of the Saduces) and were full of indignation, and laid hands on the
apostles, and put them in the common prison: but the angel of the lord
by night opened the prison door, and brought them forth, and said: go
step forth, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life. When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the
morning and taught.
The chief priest came and they that were with him and called a council
together, and all the seniors of the children of Israhel, and sent to
the prison to fetch them. When the ministers came and found them not in
the prison, they came again and told saying: The prison found we shut
with all diligence, and the keepers standing without before the doors:
but when we had opened we found no man within. When the chief priest of
all and the ruler of the temple, and the high priests heard these
things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would grow.
Then came one and shewed them: Lo the men that ye put in prison stand
in the temple, and preach to the people. Then went the ruler of the
temple with ministers, and brought them without violence. For they
feared the people lest they should have been stoned. And when they had
brought them, they set them before the council. And the chief priest
asked them saying: did not we straitly command you that ye should not
teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Ierusalem with your
doctrine, and ye intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Peter and the other Apostles answered, and said: We ought more to obey
God than men. The God of our fathers raised up Iesus, whom ye slew and
hanged on tree. Him being a ruler and a saviour hath God exalted with
his right hand, for to give repentance to Israhell and forgiveness of
sins. And we are his records as concerning these things: and also the
holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard
that they clave asunder, and sought means to slay them. Then stood
there up one in the council, a pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of
law, had in authority among the people and commanded to put the
Apostles aside a little space, and said unto them: Men of Israhell take
heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Before
these days rose up one Theudas boasting himself, to whom resorted a
number of men, about a four hundred, which was slain, and they all
which believed him were scattered abroad, and brought to nought. After
this man arose there up one Iudas of Galile, in the time when tribute
began, and drew away much people after him. He also perished: and all
even as many as harkened to him are scattered a broad.
And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves from these men, let them
alone: For if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to nought:
but and if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest haply ye be found
to strive against God. And to him they agreed, and called the apostles,
and beat them, and commanded that they should not speak in the name of
Iesu, and let them go.
And they departed from the council rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. And daily in the temple, and in
every house they ceased not, teaching and preaching Iesus Christ.
The .vj. Chapter.
In those days as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge
among the greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were
despised in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the
multitude of the disciples together and said: it is not meet that we
should leave the word of God and serve at the tables, wherefore
brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, and full of
the holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful
business: but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the
ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude
well. And they chose Stephen a man full of faith, and of the holy
ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and
Permenas, and Nicholas a proselite of Antioch, which they set before
the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Ierusalem greatly. And a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith. Stephen full of faith and power did great
wonders, and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the
Synagogue, which are called libertines, and Sirenens, and Alexandrians,
and Cilicilians, and Asians, and disputed with Steven. And they could
not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent
they in men which said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words
against Moses, and against God, and they moved the people, and the
seniors, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and
brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which
said: This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy
place and the law, for we heard him say: This Iesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave
unto us. And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and
saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
The .vij. Chapter.
Then said the chief priest: is it even so? And he said: ye men,
brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our
father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in
Charran, and said unto him: come out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew unto thee. Then came
he out of the land of Caldey, and dwelt in Charran. And after that as
soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, wherein ye
now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it, no not one foot of
ground. And promised that he would give it to him and to his seed after
him, when as yet he had no child.
God verily spake on this wise, thy seed shall be a dweller in a strange
land, and they shall put them in bondage, and entreat them evil .iiij.
C. years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge
(said God) and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this
place. And gave him the testament of circumcision, and he begat Isaac,
and circumcised him the viij. day, and Isaac begat Iacob, and Iacob the
twelve patriarchs.
And the patriarchs having indignation sold Ioseph into Egypt, and God
was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave
him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao king of Egypt, And Pharao
made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and
great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. When Iacob
heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and when
he had sent them the second time, Ioseph was known of his brethren, and
Ioseph's kindred was made known unto Pharao. Then sent Ioseph and
caused his father to be brought and all his kin, three score and xv.
souls. And Iacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our
fathers, and were translated into Sichem, and were put in the sepulchre
that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Emor, at Sichem.
When the time of the promise drew nigh (which God had promised with an
oath to Abraham) the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another
king arose which knew not of Ioseph. The same dealt subtly with our
kindred, and evil intreated our fathers, and made them to cast out
their children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was
Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was
nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out
Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son.
And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was
mighty in deeds and in words.
When he was full forty year old, it came into his heart to visit his
brethren, the children of Israhel. And when he saw one of them suffer
wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done
to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have
understood how that God by his hands should give them health: but they
understood not.
And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would
have set them at one again saying: Sirs ye are brethren why hurt ye one
another? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying:
Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What wilt thou kill me, as
thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at that word, and
was a stranger in the land of Madian, Where he begat two sons.
When xl. years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of
mount Sina the angel of the lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When
Moses saw it he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to behold
it. And the voice of the lord came unto him: I am the God of thy
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob.
Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the lord to him put off
thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy
ground. I have perfectly seen the affliction of my people which is in
Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And now come and I will send thee into Egypt.
The same Moses whom they forsook saying: who made the a ruler and a
judge: God sent both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel
which appeared to him in the bush. This man brought them out shewing
wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness
xl. years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israhell:
A prophet shall your lord God raise up unto you of your brethren like
unto me, him shall ye hear.
This is he that was in the congregation, in the wilderness with the
angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers. This
man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers
would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back
again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For
we wot not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land
of Egypt. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice
unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the
stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets: O ye of
the house of Israhell: have ye given unto me offerings or sacrifice, by
the space of xl. years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the
tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which
ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.
Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, as he
had appointed them speaking unto Moses, that he should make it
according to the fashion that he had seen, which tabernacle our fathers
received, and brought it in with Iosue into the possession of the
gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers
unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that
he might find a tabernacle for the God of Iacob. And Solomon built him
an house.
But he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands,
as saith the prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stool,
what house will ye build for me saith the lord? or what resting place?
hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and of
uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have allways resisted the holy
ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not
your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which shewed before
of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye
also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept
it.
When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth. He being full of the holy ghost looked
up with his eyes into heaven and saw the majesty of God, and Iesus
standing on the right hand of God, and said: lo, I see the heavens
open, and the son of man stand on the right hand of God. Then they gave
a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him
at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the
witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet named Saul. And
they stoned Steven calling on and saying: lord Iesu receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: lord impute not this
sin unto them, For they wote not what they do. And when he had thus
spoken he fell asleep.
The .viij. Chapter.
Saul had pleasure in his death. At that time there was a great
persecution against the congregation which was at Ierusalem, and they
were all scattered abroad thorowout the regions of Iury and Samaria,
except the apostles. Then devout men dressed Steven, and made great
lamentation over him. Saul made havoc of the congregation entering into
every house, and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them into
prison. They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word. Then came Philip into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them. And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spake
with one accord, in that they heard and saw the miracles which he did.
For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came out of many which were
possessed of them. Many taken with palsies, and many that halted were
healed. And there was great joy in that city. And there was a certain
man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft
and bewitched the people, saying that he was a man that could do great
things. Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest saying: this
is that power of God, which is called great. Him they set much by,
because of long time with sorcery he had deluded their wits. As soon as
they believed Philips preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name
of Iesu Christ, they were baptised both men and women. Then Simon
himself believed and was baptised. And continued with Philip, and
wondered beholding the miracles and signs, which were shewed.
When the Apostles which were at Ierusalem heard say that Samaria had
received the word of God: they sent unto them Peter and Ihon, which
when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy
ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised
only in the name of Christ Iesu. Then laid they their hands on them,
and they received the holy ghost.
When Simon saw that thorow laying on of the Apostles' hands on them,
the holy ghost was given: he offered them money saying: Give me also
this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy
ghost. Then said Peter unto him: Perish thou and thy money together.
For thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money? thou
hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not
right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and
pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I
perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity.
Then answered Simon and said: Pray ye to the lord for me that none of
these things which ye have spoken fall on me. And they when they had
testified, and preached the word of the lord returned to Ierusalem and
preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
Then the angel of the lord spake unto Philip saying: Arise and go
towards midday unto the way which leadeth from Ierusalem unto Gaza,
which is in the desert. He arose and went on, and behold a man of
Ethiopia which was gelded, and of great authority with Candace queen of
the Ethiophians, which had the rule of all her treasure, came to
Ierusalem for to pray. As he returned home again sitting in his chariot
he read Esay the prophet.
Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near and join thyself to yonder
chariot. Philip ran to him, and heard him read Esay the prophet and
said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how can I,
except I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up and
sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read was this. He was
led as a sheep to be slain: And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so
opened he not his mouth, in that he submitted himself, his judgement
was exalted: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken
from the earth. The gelded man answered Philip and said: I pray thee of
whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself? or of some other man?
Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached
unto him Iesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain
water, and the gelded man said: See here is water, what shall let me to
be baptised? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with all thine
heart, thou mayst. He answered saying: I believe that Iesus Christ is
the son of God. And commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went
down both into the water: both Philip and also the gelded man. And he
baptised him. As soon as they were come out of the water the spirit of
the lord caught away Philip. And the gelded man saw him no more. And he
went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he
walked thorow out the country preaching in their cities, till he came
to Cesarea.
The .ix. Chapter.
Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples
of the lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to
Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way whether
they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Ierusalem. As he
went on his journey, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and
suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell
to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me? And he said what art thou lord? The lord said, I
am Iesus whom thou persecutest, it shall be hard for thee to kick
against the prick. He both trembling and astonied said: lord what wilt
thou have me to do? And the lord said unto him: Arise and go into the
city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
The men which accompanied him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a
voice, but saw no man. Saul arose from the earth, And when he had
opened his eyes he saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and
brought him into Damascus. And he was iij. days without sight, and
neither ate nor drank.
There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, to him said the
lord in a vision: Ananias. And he said: I am here lord. And the lord
said to him: arise and go into the street which is called straight, and
seek in the house of Iudas after one called Saul of the city of
Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in unto him, And putting his hands on him, that he might
receive his sight.
Ananias answered: lord I have heard by many of this man, how much hurt
he hath done to thy saints at Ierusalem: and in this place he hath
authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name. The
lord said unto him: Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to
bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of
Israhel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my
name's sake.
Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on
him and said: brother Saul, the lord that appeared unto thee in the way
as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and
be filled with the holy ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes
as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was
baptised. And received meat and was comforted.
Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was
the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said: is not this he
that spoiled them which called on this name in Ierusalem? And came
hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high
priests? Saul increased in strength, And confounded the jews which
dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ.
After a good while, the jews took counsel among themselves to kill him.
But their layings wait were known of Saul. And they watched at the
gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night,
and put him thorow the wall and let him down in a basket.
When Saul came to Ierusalem he assayed to couple himself with the
disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was
a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and
told them how he had seen the lord in the way and had spoken with him:
and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Iesu, And he had
his conversation with them at Ierusalem, and quit himself boldly in the
name of the lord Iesu. And he spake and disputed with the greeks and
they went about to slay him. When the brethren knew of that, they
brought him to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the
congregations rest thorowout all jewry and Galile and Samary, and were
edified, and walked in the fear of the lord, And multiplied by the
comfort of the holy ghost.
It chanced that as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came to the
saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named
Eneas, which had kept his bed viij. years sick of the palsy. Then said
Peter unto him: Eneas, the lord Iesus Christ make thee whole: Arise and
make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and
Assaron, saw him, and turned to the lord.
There was at Ioppa a certain woman (which was a disciple named Tabitha,
which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good works
and alms deeds, which she did. It chanced in those days that she was
sick and died. When they had washed her and laid her in a chamber:
Because Lydda was nigh to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter
was there, they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be
grieved to come unto them.
Peter arose and came with them: when he was come, they brought him into
the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and
shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with
them. Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turned
him to the body, and said: Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes, and
when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lift her
up, and called the saints and widows and shewed her alive. And it was
known thorow out all Ioppa, and many believed on the lord. And it
fortuned that he tarried many days in Ioppa with one Simon a tanner.
The .x. Chapter.
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the
soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his
household, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed God always.
The same man saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day
the angel of God coming in unto him, and saying unto him: Cornelius,
when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said: what is it lord? He
said unto him: Thy prayers and thy alms are come up into remembrance in
the presence of God. And now send men to Ioppa, and call for one Simon
named also Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by
the seaside. He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do. When the
Angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his
household, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him, to whom he
told all the matter, and sent them to Ioppa.
On the morrow as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the
city, Peter went up into the uppermost part of the house to pray, about
the vj. hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten. while
they made ready for him. He fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened,
and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet,
knit at the iiij. corners, and was let down to the earth, wherein were
all manner of iiij. footed beasts of the earth and vermin and worms,
and fouls of the air. And a voice spake unto him from heaven: Rise
Peter Kill and eat. Peter said: God forbid lord, for I have never eaten
any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again
the second time: What God hath cleansed that make thou not common. This
was done thrice, And the vessel was received up again into heaven.
While Peter mused in himself what this vision which he had seen meant,
behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made inquirance for
Simon's house, and stood before the door. And called out one and asked
whether Simon which was also called Peter, were lodged there. While
Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: Lo, men seek
thee: arise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, and doubt not.
For I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto
him from Cornelius, and said: Lo, I am he, whom ye seek, what is the
cause wherefore ye are come? They said unto him: Cornelius the captain
a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the
people of the jews was warned by an holy angel, to send for thee in to
his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and
lodged them.
On the morrow Peter went with them, and certain brethren from Ioppa
accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Cesaria. Cornelius
waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, and special
friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and
fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Peter took him up, saying:
Even I myself am a man. And as he talked with him he came in, and found
many that were come together. And he said unto them: Ye do know how
that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a jew to company or come
unto an alien: But God hath shewed me that I should not call any man
common or unclean: therefore came I unto you without scruple, as soon
as I was sent for. I ask therefore: for what intent have ye sent for
me?
And Cornelius said: This day now. iiij. days I fasted, and at the ninth
hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright
clothing, and said: Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms
deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to
Ioppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in
the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside, the which as soon as he
is come, shall speak unto thee. Then sent I for thee immediately, and
thou hast well done for to come. Now are we all here, present before
God to hear all things that are commanded unto thee of God.
Peter opened his mought and said: Of a truth I perceive, that God is
not partial, but in all people he that feareth him and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him.
Ye know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israhell,
preaching peace by Iesus Christe (which is lord over all things.) which
preaching was published thorowout all Iewery, and began in Galile,
after the baptism preached by Ihon, After that God had anointed Iesus
of Nazareth with the holy ghost, and with power, he went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed with devils, for God was with
him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the
jewes and at Ierusalem, whom they slew, and hung on tree. Him God
raised up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people,
but unto us witnesses chosen before of God, which ate and drank with
him, after he arose from death. And he commanded us to preach unto the
people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a judge of
quick and dead. To him giveth all the prophets witness, that thorow his
name shall receive remission of sins all that believe in him.
While Peter yet spake these words, the holy ghost fell on all them
which heard his preaching. And they of the circumcision which believed
were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles
also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they heard them speak
with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid
water that these should not be baptised, which have received the holy
ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name
of the lord. Then prayed they him, to tarry a few days.
The .xj. Chapter.
It came to the ears of the Apostles and the brethren which were in
jewry, that the heathen also had received the word of God. When Peter
was come up to Ierusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him,
saying: Thou wentest in unto men uncircumcised, and atest with them.
Peter began and expounded the thing in order to them saying: I was in
the city of Ioppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain
vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let down from
heaven by the four corners, And it came to me: into the which when I
had fastened mine eyes I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the
earth, and vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. I heard also a voice
saying unto me: Arise Peter, slay and eat. And I said: God forbid lord,
for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mought.
The voice answered me again from heaven count not thou those things
common, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all
were taken up again into heaven.
And behold immediately were there three men come unto the house where I
was, sent from Cesarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I
should go with them, without doubting. Moreover the six brethren
accompanied me. And we entered into the man's house. And he shewed us,
how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him:
Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter he shall tell
thee words, whereby both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And
as I began to preach, the holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at
the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the lord, how
he said: Ihon baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the
holy ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto
us, when we believed on the lord Iesus Christ: what was I that I should
have withstood God? when they heard this, they held their peace and
glorified God, saying: Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life.
They which were scattered abroad thorow the affliction that arose about
Steven, walked thorow out till they came unto Phenice and Cypers and
Antioche, preaching the word to no man, but unto the jews only. Some of
them were men of Cypers and of Syrene, which when they were come into
Antioch, spake unto the greeks, and preached the lord Iesus. And the
hand of the lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned
unto the lord.
Tidings of this came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in
Ierusalem, And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto
Antioche. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of the lord,
was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would
continually cleave unto the lord. For he was a perfect man, and full of
the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had
found him, he brought him unto Antioche. And it chanced that a whole
year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and
taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioche were the
first that were called Christen.
In those days came prophets from Ierusalem unto Antioche. There stood
up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there
should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in
the Emperor Claudius days. Then the disciples every man according to
his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in
jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the seniors, by the
hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The .xij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the king layed hands on certain of the congregation,
to vex them. And he killed Iames the brother of Ihon with a sword: and
because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded further, to take
Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread, and when he had
caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to iiij.
quaternions of soldiers to be kept, intending after ester to bring him
forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made
without ceasing of the congregation unto God for him. When Herod would
have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter
between ij. soldiers, bound with two chains, And the keepers before the
door kept the prison.
And behold the angel of the lord was there present, and a light shined
in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up
saying: arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. And
the Angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy sandals, And so
he did. And he said unto him: cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow
me. And he came out and followed him, and wist not, that it was truth
which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When
they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron
gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by his own
accord. And they went out and passed thorow one street, and by and by
the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said: now I know of a surety,
that the lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me from the hand
of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people of the jewes. And
as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of
one Ihon, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together
in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to
hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not
the entry for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the
entry. And they said unto her: thou art mad. And she bare them down
that it was even so. Then said they: it is his angel. Peter continued
knocking: When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were
astonied. He beckoned unto them with his hand to hold their peace, and
told them by what means the lord had brought him out of the prison. And
said: go shew this unto Iames and to the brethren. And he departed and
went into another place.
As soon as it was day there was no little ado among the soldiers, what
was become of Peter. When Herod had called for him, and found him not,
he examined the keepers, and commanded to depart. And he descended from
Iewry to Cesarea, and there abode. Herod was displeased with them of
Tyre and Sidon. And they came all at once, and made intercession unto
Blastus the king's chamberlain, and desired peace, because their
country was nourished by the king's land. Upon a day appointed, the
king arrayed him in royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an
oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying: It is the voice
of a God and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the lord smote
him, because he gave not God the honour, and he was eaten of worms, and
gave up the ghost.
And the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned
to Ierusalem, and fulfilled their office, and took with them Ihon,
which was also called Marcus.
The .xiij. Chapter.
There were at Antioche, in the congregation, prophets and doctors, as
Barnabas and Simeonb called Nyger, And Lucius of Cerene, and Manahen
Herod the tetrarkes nursefellow, and Saul. As they served God, and
fasted, The holy ghost said: separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the
work whereunto I have called them. Then fasted they and prayed, and put
their hands on them, and let them go.
And they after they were sent of the holy ghost, came unto Seleutia,
and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were come to
Solamine, they shewed the word of God in the synagogues, unto the
jewes. And they had Ihon to their minister.
When they had gone over all the Isle unto the city of Paphos, they
found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet which was a jewe, named
Bariesu, which was with the ruler of the country one Sergius Paulus a
prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and
desired to hear the word of God. The sorcerer Elemas (for so was his
name by interpretation) withstood them, and sought to turn away the
ruler from the faith. Then Saul which also is called Paul being full of
the holy ghost, set his eyes on him, and said: O full of all subtlety
and deceitfulness the child of the devil, and the enemy of all
righteousness thou ceasest not to pervert the straight ways of the
lord. And now behold the hand of the lord is upon thee, and thou shalt
be blind and not see the sun for a season. And immediately fell on him
a mist and a darkness, And he went about seeking, them that should lead
him by the hand. Then the ruler when he saw what had happened,
believed, and wondered at doctrine of the lord.
When Paul and they that were with him, had shipped from Paphus, they
came to Perga a city of Pamphilia. There departed Ihon from them, and
returned to Ierusalem. But they wandered thorow the countries, from
Perga to Antioche a city of the country of Pisidia, and went into the
synagoge on the saboth day, and sat down. After the lecture of the law
and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them saying: Ye
men and brethren, if ye have any sermon to exhort the people, say on.
Paul stood up and beckoned with his hand and said: Men of Israhel, and
ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people chose our
fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the
land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought them out of it, and about
the time of. xl. years, suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
And he destroyed vij. nations in the land of Canaan, and divided their
land to them by Lott. And afterward he gave unto them judges about the
space of. iiij.C. and l. years unto the time of Samuel the prophet. And
after that they desired a king, and God gave unto them Saul the son of
Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of xl. years. And
after he had put him down, he set up David to be their king, to whom he
gave witness, saying: I have found David the son of Iesse, a man after
mine own heart, he shall fulfil all my will.
Of this man's seed hath God (according to his promise) brought forth to
the people of Israel a saviour, one Iesus, when Ihon had first preached
before his coming the baptism of repentance to Israhel. When Ihon had
fulfilled his course, he said: Whom ye think that I am? the same am I
not, but behold there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am
not worthy to lowse.
Ye men and brethren, children of the generation off Abraham, and
whosoever among you feareth God, to you is this word of health sent.
The inhabiters of Ierusalem, and their rulers because they knew him
not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every saboth
day, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And when they found no
cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate to kill him. And when
they had fulfilled all that were written of him, they took him down
from the tree and put him in a sepulchre: But God raised him again from
death, and he was seen many days of them, which came with him from
Galile to Ierusalem which are his witnesses unto the people.
And we declare unto you, how that the promise made unto the fathers,
God hath now fulfilled unto us the children, in that he raised up Iesus
again, even as it is written in the first {other second} psalm: Thou
art my son, this same day begat I thee. As concerning that he so raised
him up from death, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this
wise: The holy promises made to David I will keep faithfully. Wherefore
he saith also in another place: Thou shalt not suffer thy saincte to
see corruption. For David after he had in his time fulfilled the will
of God, he slept, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption.
But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore ye men and brethren, that thorow this
man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, And by him are all
that believe justified from all things from the which ye could not be
justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore lest that fall on you,
which is spoken of in the prophets: Behold ye despisers, and wonder,
and perish ye: for I do a work in your days, which ye shall not
believe, if a man would declare it you.
When the jews were gone out of the Synagogue, the gentiles besought
them that they would preach the word to them between the saboth days.
When the congregation was broken up, many of the jews and virtuous
proselites followed Paul and Barnabas, which spake to them and exhorted
them to continue in the grace of God.
And the next saboth day came Almost the whole city together to hear the
word of God. When the jews saw the people, they were full of
indignation and spake against those things which were spoken of Paul,
They spake against it, and dispraised it, rayling on it. Then Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold, and said: it was meet that the word of God should
first have been preached to you. But seeing ye put it from you, and
think yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the
gentiles. For so hath the lord commanded us: I have made thee a light
to the gentiles, that thou be health unto the end of the world.
The gentiles heard, and were glad and glorified the word of the lord,
and believed even as many as were ordained unto eternal life. And the
word of the lord was published thorowout all the region. But the jews
moved the worshipful and honorable women, and the chief men of the
city. And raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled
them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust off their feet
against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with
joy and with the holy ghost.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
It fortuned in Iconium that they went both together into the synagogue
of the jewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the jewes
and also of the greeks believed. But the unbelieving jews, stirred up
and unquieted the minds of the gentiles against the brethren. Long time
abode they there and quit themselves boldly with the help of the lord,
the which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, And caused signs
and wonders to be done by their hands. The people of city were divided:
and part held with the jews, and part with the Apostles.
When there was a fault made both of the gentiles and also of the jewes
with their rulers, to put them to shame and to stone them, they were
ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derba, cities of Licaonia, and
unto the region that lieth round about, and there preached the gospell.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being halt from
his mother's womb, and never walked. The same heard Paul preach, which
beheld him and perceived that he had faith to be whole, and said with a
loud voice: stand upright on thy feet. And he started up, and walked.
When the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices,
saying in the speech of Lycaonia: Goddes are come down to us in the
likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Iupiter, and Paul Mercurius,
because he was the preacher. Then Iupiters priest, which dwelt before
their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the church porch, and would
have done sacrifice with the people. When the Apostles, Barnabas and
Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people,
crying and saying: sirs, why do ye this? We are mortal men like unto
you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities unto
the living God, which made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in
them is, the which in times past suffered all nations to walk in their
own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he
shewed his benefits, in giving us rain from heaven and fruitful
seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these
sayings, scarce refrained they the people, that they had not done
sacrifice unto them.
Thither came certain jews from Antioche and Iconium, and obtained the
peoples' consent and stoned Paul, and drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead. As the disciples stood round about him, he
arose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with
Barnabas to Derba. After they had preached to that city, and taught
many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium and Antioche, and
strengthened the disciples souls, exhorting them to continue in the
faith, affirming that we must thorow much adversity enter into the
kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them seniors by election in
every congregation, after they had prayed and fasted, they commended
them to God on whom they believed.
And they went over all Pisidia and came into Pamphilia, and when they
had preached the word of God in Perga, they descended into Attalia, and
thence departed by ship to Antioche, from whence they were delivered
unto the grace of God, to the work which they had fulfilled. When they
were come and had gathered the congregation together, they rehearsed
all that God had done by them, and how he had opened the door of faith
unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
The .xv. Chapter.
And there came certain from jewry and taught the brethren: except ye be
circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved. Then arose
there dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas
against them. And they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain
other of them should ascend to Ierusalem unto the Apostles and seniors
about this question. After they were brought on their way by the
congregation, they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the
conversation {conversion} of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy
unto all the brethren. When they were come to Ierusalem they were
received of the congregation and of the apostles and seniors. And they
declared what things God had done by them. Then arose there up certain
of the sect of the pharisees, which did believe saying that it was
needful to circumcise them and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses.
The Apostles and seniors came together to reason of this matter.
When there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them: Ye men
and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us
that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospell and
believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave
unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us, And he put no
difference between them and us, and with faith purified their hearts.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the
disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear: But
we believe that thorow the grace of the lord Iesu Christ we shall be
saved as they do. Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience
to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders God had shewed
among the gentiles by them. As soon as they held their peace, Iames
answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me, Simeon told how God
at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people
unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is
written: After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle
of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it
will I build again and I will set it up, that the residue of men might
seek after the lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is called
saith the lord, which doth all these things: known unto God are all his
works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that
we trouble not them which of the gentiles are turned to God: but that
we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of
images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For Moses of
old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in the
synagogues every saboth day.
Then pleased it the apostles and seniors with the whole congregation to
send chosen men of their own company to Antioche with Paul and
Barnabas. They sent Iudas called also Barsabas and Silas which were
chief men among the brethren and gave them letters in their hands after
this manner.
The Apostles, seniors and brethren send greetings unto the brethren
which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as
we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you
with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised and
keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore
to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send
chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have
jeoparded their lives, for the name of our lord Iesus Christ. We have
sent therefore Iudas and Sylas, which shall also tell you the same
things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put
no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things, that is to
say, that ye abstain from things offered unto images, from blood, from
strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall
do well. So fare ye well.
When they were departed, they came to Antioche and gathered the
multitude together and delivered the pistel. When they had read it,
they rejoiced of that consolation. Iudas and Silas being prophets,
exhorted the people with much preaching, and strengthened them. After
they had tarried there a certain space, they were let go in peace of
the brethren unto the Apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Sylas to
abide there still. Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioche teaching,
and preaching the word of the lord with other many.
But after a certain space Paul said unto Barnabas: Let us go again and
visit our brethren in every city, where we have shewed the word of the
lord, and see how they do. Barnabas gave counsel, to take with them
Ihon called also Marke: But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto
their company which departed from them at Pamphilia, and went not with
them to the worke. So sharp was the dissension between them, that they
departed asunder one from the other. And Barnabas took Mark and sailed
unto Cypers. Paul chose Sylas and departed delivered of the brethren
unto the grace of God. And he went thorow all Cyria and Cilicia,
stablishing the congregations.
The .xvj. Chapter.
Then came he to Derba and Listra. And behold a certain disciple was
there named Timotheus, a womans son which was a jewess and believed,
but his father was a greek. Of whom reported well, the brethren of
Listra and of Iconium. Paul would that he should go forth with him, and
took and circumcised him because of the jewes which were in those
quarters, for they knew all that his father was a greek. As they went
thorow the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep,
ordained of the apostles and seniors which were at Ierusalem. So were
the congregations stablished in the faith, and increased in number
daily.
When they had gone thorowout Phrigia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the holy ghost to preach the word in Asia, they came
to Misia, and sought to go into Bethinia, and the spirit suffered them
not. When they went over Misia, and came down to Troada and a vision
appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and
prayed him saying: Come into Macedonia and help us. After he had seen
the vision immediately we prepared to go into Macedonia certified that
the lord had called us for to preach the gospell unto them. Then loosed
we forth from Troada, and with a straight course came we to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolim, and from thence to
Philippos, which is the chiefest city in the parts of Macedonia and a
free city.
We were in that city abiding a certain days. And on the saboth days we
went out of the city besides a river where men were wont to pray, and
we sat down and spake unto the women which thither resorted. And a
certain woman named Lidia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira
which worshipped God, gave us audience, whose heart God opened that she
attended unto those things which Paul spake. When she was baptised, and
her household, she besought us saying: If ye think that I believe on
the lord come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
It fortuned as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a
spirit that prophesied met us, which brought her master and masters
much vantage with prophesying. The same followed Paul and us saying:
These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the
way of health. And this did she many days. But Paul not content turned
about and said to the spirit: I command thee in the name of Iesu Christ
that thou come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
When her master and mastress saw that the hope of their gains was gone,
they caught Paul and Silas, and brought them into the market place unto
the rulers, and delivered them to the officers saying: These men
trouble our city, which are jews and shew new decrees, which are not
lawful for us to receive, neither to observe seeing we are romans. And
the people ran on them, and the officers rent their clothes, and
commanded them to be beaten with rods, and when they had beaten them
sore, they cast them into prison commanding the jailer to keep them
surely. Which when he had received such commandment thrust them into
the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and lauded God. And the prisoners
heard them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundation of the prison was shaken, and by and by all the doors
opened, and every man's bonds were lowsed. When the keeper of the
prison waked out of his sleep, and saw the prison doors open, he drew
out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners
had been fled. Paul cried with a loud voice saying: Do thyself no harm,
for we are all here.
He called for a light and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down
before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs what must I
do to be saved? And they said: believe on the lord Iesus, and thou
shalt be saved and thy household. And they preached unto him the word
of the lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the
same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and was baptised with
all that belonged unto him straight way. When he had brought them into
his house, he set meat before them, and joyed that he with all his
household believed on God.
And when it was day the officers sent the ministers saying: Let those
men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul: the officers
have sent word to loose you. Now therefore get you hence and go in
peace. Then said Paul unto them: They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, for all that we are Romans, and have cast us into prison:
and now would they send us away privily? Nay not so, but let them come
themselves and fetch us out. The ministers told these words unto the
officers and they feared when they heard that they were Romans, and
came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to
depart out of the city. They went out of the prison and entered into
the house of Lidia, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted
them and departed.
The .xvij. Chapter.
As they made their journey thorow Amphipolis, and Apolonia, they came
to Thessalonica where was a synagogue of the jewes. Paul as his manner
was went in unto them, and three saboth days declared out of the
scripture unto them, opening and alleging that Christ must needs have
suffered and risen again from death. And that this Iesus was Christ,
whom (said he) I preach to you. And some of them believed and came and
companied with Paul and Silas. Also of the honorable greeks a great
multitude, and of the chief women, not a few.
The jewes which believed not having indignation took unto them evil men
which were vagabonds, and gathered a company, and set all the city on a
roar, and made assault unto the house of Iason, and sought to bring
them out to the people. and when they found them not, they drew Iason
and certain brethren unto the heads of the city crying: These that
trouble the world are come hither also, which Iason hath received
privily. And these all do contrary to the ordinations of Cesar,
affirming another king, one Iesus. And they troubled the people and the
officers of the city when they heard these things. And when they were
sufficiently answered of Iason, and of the other they let them go.
The brethren immediately sent away Paul, and Silas by night unto
Berrea. When they were come thither they entered into the Synagogue of
the jews. These were the noblest among them of Thessalonia, which
received the word with all diligence of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily whether those things were even so. And many of them
believed, and of worshipful women which were greeks, and of men not a
few. When the jews of Thessalonia had knowledge that the word of God
was preached of Paul at Berrea, they came thither and moved the people,
and then by and by the brethren sent away Paul to go unto the sea: but
Silas and Timotheus abode there still. They that guided Paul brought
him unto Athens, and received a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus
for to come to him at once. And came their way.
While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was moved in him to
see the city given to worshipping of images. Then he disputed in the
synagogue with the jews, and with the devout persons, And in the market
daily with them that came unto him. Certain Philosophers of the
Epicures, and of the Stoyckes disputed with him. And some there were
which said: what will this babbler say. Other said: he seemeth to be a
tidings bringer of new devils, because he preached unto them Iesus, and
the resurrection, and they took him, and brought him into Marce street
saying: may we not know what is this new doctrine whereof thou
speakest. For thou bringest strange tidings to our ears. We would know
therefore what these things mean. For all the Athenians and strangers
which were there gave themselves to nothing else, but either to tell or
to hear new tidings.
Paul stood in the midst of Marce street and said, ye men of Athens, I
perceive that in all things ye are somewhat superstitious. For as I
passed by and beheld the manner how ye worship your gods, I found an
altar wherein was written: unto the unknown God. Whom ye then
ignorantly worship, him shew I unto you: God that made the world, and
all that are in it, seeing that he is lord of heaven and earth, he
dwelleth not in temples made with hands neither is worshipped with
men's hands, as though he needed of any thing. Forasmuch as he giveth
to all men life and breath every where, and hath made of one blood all
nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth. And hath
assigned times appointed before, And the ends of their inhabitation,
that they should seek God, if they might feel and find him, though he
be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, move, and have our
being, as certain of your own poets said. For we are also his
generation. Forasmuch then as we are the generation of God, we ought
not to think that the godhead is like unto gold, silver, or stone,
graven by craft and imagination of man.
And the time of this ignorance God regarded not: but now he biddeth all
men everywhere repent, because he hath appointed a day, in the which he
will judge the world according to righteousness, by that man, whom he
hath appointed, and hath given faith to all men, after that he had
raised him from death. When they heard of the resurrection from death,
some mocked, and other said: we will hear thee again of this matter. So
Paul departed from among them. Certain men clave unto Paul and
believed, among the which was Dionysius a senator, and a woman named
Damaris, and other with them.
The .xviij. Chapter.
After that, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinthum, and found
a certain jew named Aquila, born in Ponthus, lately come from Italy
with his wife Priscilla (because that the Emperor Claudius had
commanded all jewes to depart from Rome) and he drew unto them. And
because he was of the same craft he abode with them and wrought (their
craft was to make tents.) and he preached in the synagogue every saboth
day, And exhorted the jewes and the gentiles.
When Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia Paul was pained by
the spirit, as he testified to the jewes that Iesus was Christ. When
they said contrary and blasphemed, he shook his raiment and said unto
them: your blood upon your own heads. For henceforth I go unto the
gentiles, and he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's
house named Iustus which worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the
synagogue. One Crispus a ruler of the synagogue believed on the lord
with all his household. And many of the Corinthians gave audience and
believed, and were baptised.
Then spake the lord to Paul in the night by a vision: be not afraid,
but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall
invade thee that shall hurt thee. For I have much people in this city.
And he rested there a year and six months, and taught them the word of
God.
When Gallio was ruler of the country of Acaia. The jewes made
insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the
judge's seat, saying: This man teacheth to worship God contrary to the
law. And as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said unto the jews:
if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed (o ye jews) reason would
that I should hear you: but if it be a question of words, or of names,
or of your law, look ye to it yourselves. For I will be no judge in
such matters, and he drave them from his seat. Then took all the greeks
Sosthenes a ruler of the Synagogue and smote him before the judge's
seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
Paul after this, tarried there yet a good while, and then took his
leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Ciria, Priscilla and
Aquila accompanying him after that he shore his head in Cenchrea. For
he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus and left them there: but he
himself entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the jewes. When
they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not, but
bade them fare well saying: I must needs at this feast that cometh be
in Ierusalem: but I will return again unto you if God will. And
departed from Ephesus and came unto Cesarea: and ascended and saluted
the congregation, and departed unto Antioche, and when he had tarried
there a while, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatacia
and Phrigia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
And a certain jewe named Apollos, born at Alexandria came to Ephesus.
An eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. The same was informed in
the way of the lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit, and taught
diligently the things of the lord, and knew but the baptism of Ihon
only. And the same began to speak boldly in the Synagogue. When
Priscilla and Aquila had heard him: they took him unto them, And
expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
When he was disposed to go into Acaia, the brethren exhorted him
thereto, and wrote unto the disciples that they should receive him.
After he was come thither he helped them much, which had believed
thorow grace. And mightily he overcame the jews openly shewing by the
scriptures that Iesus was Christ.
The .xix. Chapter.
It fortuned, while Apollos was at Corinthum, that Paul passed over the
upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples and said
unto them: have ye received the holy ghost after ye believed? And they
said unto him: No, neither have we heard if there be any holy ghost or
no. And he said unto them: wherewith were ye then baptised? And they
said: with Ihon's baptism. Then said Paul: Ihon verily baptised with
the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should
believe on him, which should come after him. That is on Christ Iesus.
When they heard that, they were baptised in the name of the lord Iesu,
and when Paul laid his hands upon them, the holy ghost came on them.
And they spake with tongues and prophesied, All the men were about xij.
And he went into the synagogue, and behaved himself boldly for the
space of three months, disputing, and giving them exhortations of the
kingdom of God. When diverse waxed hard hearted, and believed not, but
spake evil of the way of the lord before the multitude: he departed
from them, And severed the disciples away, And taught daily in the
school of one called Tirannus. And this continued by the space of two
years: So that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the lord
Iesu, both jewes and greeks. And God wrought not small miracles by the
hands of Paul. So that from his body were brought unto the sick,
napkins or partlets, and the diseases and evil spirits departed from
them.
Certain of the vagabond jewes exorcists, took upon them to call over
them which had evil spirits the name of the lord Iesus saying: We
adjure you by Iesu whom Paul preacheth.
There were seven sons of one Sceva a ruler of the synagogue which did
so: and the evil spirit answered and said: Iesus I know, and Paul I
know: but who are ye? And the man in whom the wicked devil was, ran on
them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled
out of the house naked and wounded. This was known to all the jewes and
greeks also, which dwelt at Ephesus, and fear came on them all. And
they magnified the name of the lord Iesus.
And many that believed came, and confessed and shewed their works. Many
of them which used curious crafts, brought their books and burned them
before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty
thousand silverlings. So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.
After these things were ended Paul purposed in the spirit, to pass over
Macedonia and Acaia, and to go to Ierusalem saying: After I have been
there I must also see Rome. So sent he into Macedonia two of them that
ministered unto him: Timotheus and Erastus: but he himself remained in
Asia. For a season.
The same time there arose no little a do about that way. For a certain
man named Demetrius, a goldsmith, which made silver shrines for Diana,
was not a little beneficial unto the craftsmen: which he called
together with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs ye know
that by this craft we have vantage. Moreover ye see and hear that not
alone at Ephesus: but almost thorow out all Asia, this Paul entiseth,
and turned away much people saying: that they be no gods which are made
with hands: so that not only this our craft cometh into peril to be set
at nought: but that also the temple of great Diana should be despised.
And her majesty should be destroyed, which all Asia, and the world
worshippeth.
When they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out
saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And all the city was on a
roar, and they rushed into the common hall with one assent, and caught
Gaius, and Aristarcus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions. When Paul
would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Certain also of the chief of Asia which were his friends, sent unto
him, desiring him that he would not press into the common hall. Some
cried one thing, and some another and the congregation was all out of
quiet, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Some of the company drew forth Alexander (the jewes thrusting him
forwards) Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have given the
people an answer. When they knew that he was a jewe, there arose a
shout almost for the space of two hours of all men crying, great is
Diana of the Ephesians.
When the town clerk had ceased the people he said: ye men of Ephesus:
what man is it that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a
worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which came from
heaven. Seeing then that no man saith here against, ye ought to be
content, and to do nothing rashly, For ye have brought hither these
men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet despisers of your
goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him,
have any saying to any man, the law is open, and there are rulers, let
them accuse one another. If ye go about any other thing, it may be
determined in a lawful congregation. For we are in jeopardy to be
accused of this day's business. For as much as there is no cause
whereby we may give a reckoning of this concourse of people. And when
he had thus spoken, he let the congregation depart.
The .xx. Chapter.
After the rage was ceased, Paul called the disciples unto him, and took
his leave of them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he
had gone over those parts, and given them large exhortations, he came
into Greece. And there abode .iij. months. When the jewes laid wait for
him as he was about to sail into Syria, He purposed to return through
Macedonia. There accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berrea: And of
Thessalonia Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derba, and Timotheus:
Out of Asia Tychicus, and Trophimos. These went before, and tarried us
at Troas. We sailed away from Philippos after the ester holidays, and
came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.
On a saboth day the disciples came together for to break bread, and
Paul preached unto them (ready to depart on the morrow) and continued
the preaching unto midnight. There were many lights in the chamber
where we were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain
young man named Eutichus, fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul
declared he was the more overcome with sleep, and fell down from the
third loft, and was taken up dead. Paul went down and fell on him, and
embraced him, and said: Make nothing ado. For his life is in him. When
he was come up again, he brake bread, and tasted, and communed a long
while even till the morning, and so departed. They brought the young
man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Then took we shipping, and departed unto Asson, there to receive Paul.
For so had he appointed, and would himself go by land. When he was come
to us unto Asson, we took him in, and came to Mittilenes. And sailed
thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And the day following
we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogilon. The next day we came to
Mileton. For Paul had determined to leave Ephesus as they sailed,
because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted to be (if he
were possible) at Ierusalem at the day of Pentecost.
From Mileton he sent to Ephesus, and called the seniors of the
congregation. When they were come to him, he said to them: Ye know from
the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been with
you at all seasons, serving God with all humbleness of mind, and with
many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait
of the jewes, and how I kept back nothing that might be for your
profit: but that I have shewed you, and taught you openly and at home
in your houses, witnessing both to the jewes, and also to the greeks,
the repentance toward God, and faith toward our lord Iesu.
And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Ierusalem, and know not
what shall come of me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in
every city saying: that bonds and trouble abide me: but none of those
things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might
fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received
of the lord Iesu to testify the gospell of the grace of God.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all (thorow whom I have
gone preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face no more. Wherefore
I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of
all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have shewed you all the
counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the
congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am
sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, which will not spare the flock. And of your ownselves shall
men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.
Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of iij. years I ceased
not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his
grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's silver,
gold, or vesture. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all
things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to
remember the words of the lord Iesu, how that he said: It is more
blessed to give, than to receive.
When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And
they wept all abundantly, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him
sorrowing, most of all, for the words, which he spake, that they should
see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
The .xxj. Chapter.
And it chanced that as soon as we had launched forth, and were departed
from them, we came with a straight course unto Choon, and the day
following unto the Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. And we found a
ship ready to sail unto Phenices, and went aboard and set forth. Then
appeared unto us Cyprus, and we left it on the left hand, and sailed
unto Syria, and came unto Tyre. For there the ship unladed her burden.
And when we had found brethren, we tarried there. vij. days. And they
told Paul thorow the spirit, that he should not go up to Ierusalem. And
when the days were ended we departed, and went our ways, and they all
brought us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were come
out of the city. And we kneeled down in the shore and prayed. And when
we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship, and they returned
home again.
When we had full ended the course, from Tyre, we arrived at
Ptholomaida, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. The
next day, we that were of Paulus company, came unto Cesarea. And we
entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the
seven, and abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins,
which did prophesy. And as we tarried there a good many days, there
came a certain prophet from jewry, named Agabus. When he was come unto
us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his hands and feet and said: Thus
saith the holy ghost: So shall the jewes at Ierusalem, bind the man
that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the
gentiles.
When we heard this, both we and other of the same place, besought him,
that he would not go up to Ierusalem. Then Paul answered, and said:
What do ye weeping, and breaking mine heart? I am ready not to be bound
only, but also to die at Ierusalem for the name of the lord Iesu. When
we could not turn his mind, we ceased saying: The will of the lord be
fulfilled. After those days we made ourselves ready, and went up to
Ierusalem. There went with us also certain of his disciples of Cesarea,
and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an olde disciple, with whom
we should lodge. And when we were come to Ierusalem, the brethren
received us gladly. On the morrow Paul went in with us unto Iames. And
all the seniors came together. And when he had saluted them, he told by
order, what things God had wrought among the gentiles by his
ministration. When they heard it, they glorified the lord, and said
unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand jewes there are which
believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed
of thee that thou teachest all the jewes which are among the gentiles
to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their
children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The
multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art
come. Do therefore this that we say to thee.
We have iiij. men, which have a vow on them. Them take and purify
thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads
and all shall know that those things which they have heard of thee are
nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law. As
touching the gentiles which believe we have written and concluded, that
they observe no such things: but that they keep themselves from things
offered to idols, from blood, from strangled, and from fornication.
Then the next day Paul took the men and purified himself with them, and
entered into the temple, declaring the fulfilling of the days of
purification, until that an oblation should be offered for every one of
them.
And as the seven days should have been ended, the jewes which were of
Asia when they saw him in the temple, they moved all the people and
laid hands on him crying: Men of Israhell help. This is the man that
teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this
place. Moreover also he hath brought greeks into the temple, and hath
polluted this holy place. For they saw one Trophimus an Ephesian with
him in the city. Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
And all the city was moved, and the people swarmed together. And they
took Paul, and drew him out of the temple, and forthwith the doors were
shut to.
As they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the high captain of
the soldiers, that all Ierusalem was moved. Which immediately took
soldiers and undercaptains, and ran down unto them. When they saw the
uppercaptain and the soldiers, They left smiting of Paul. Then the
captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two
chains, and demanded what he was, and what he had done. One cried this,
another that, among the people. And when he could not know the
certainty, for the rage: He commanded him to be carried into the
castle. When he came unto a grece, it fortuned that he was borne of the
soldiers for the violence of the people. The multitude of the people
followed after crying: away with him.
And as Paul should have been carried into the castle, He said unto the
high captain: May I speak unto thee? Which said: Canst thou speak
greek? Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days, made an
uproar, and led out into the wilderness iiij. thousand men that were
murderers? Paul said: I am a man which am a jewe of Tharsus a city in
Cicill, a citizen of no vile city, I beseech thee suffer me to licence,
Paul stood on the steps, and beckoned with the hand unto the people,
and there was made a great silence. And he spake unto them in Hebrew
saying:
The .xxij. Chapter.
Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hear mine answer which I make unto you.
When they heard that he spake Hebrew unto them, they kept the more
silence. And he said: I am verily a man which am a jewe, born in
Tharsus, a city in Cicill, nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at
the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the
fathers, and was fervent minded to Godward, as ye all are this same
day, and I persecuted this way unto the death binding, and delivering
into prison both men and women, as the chief priest doth bear me
witness, and all the seniors: of whom also I received letters unto the
brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound
unto Ierusalem for to be punished.
And it fortuned that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto
Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light
round about me, and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying
unto me. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered: what art
thou lord? and he said unto me? I am Iesus of Nazareth, whom thou
persecutest. And they that were with me saw verily a light and were
afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spake with me. And I
said: what shall I do lord? And the lord said unto me: Arise and go
into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are
appointed for thee to do. And when I saw nothing for the brightness of
that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came
into Damascus. One Ananias a perfect man, and as pertaining to the law
having good report of all the jewes which there dwelt, came unto me,
and stood and said unto me: Brother Saul receive thy sight. And that
same hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said unto me, the God
of our fathers hath ordained thee before, that thou shouldest know his
will, and shouldest see that which is rightful, and shouldest hear the
voice of his mought: for thou shalt be his witness unto all men of
those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now: why tarriest
thou? Arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, in calling on the
name of the lord.
And it fortuned, when I was come again to Ierusalem and prayed in the
temple, that I was in a trance, And saw him saying unto me: Make haste,
and get thee quickly out of Ierusalem: for they will not receive the
witness that thou bearest of me. And I said: lord they know that I
prisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And
when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and
consented unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
And he said unto me: depart for I will send thee afar hence unto the
gentiles.
They gave him audience unto this word, and lifted up their voices and
said: away with such a fellow from the earth: it is pity that he should
live. And they cried and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into
the air. The captain bade him to be brought into the castle, and
commanded him to be scourged, and to be examined, that he might know
wherefore they cried on him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul
said unto an undercaptain: Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman
uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went to the
uppercaptain, and told him saying: What intendest thou to do? This man
is a Roman.
The uppercaptain came to him, and said: Tell me, art thou a Roman? He
said: Yee. {yea} And the captain answered: With much money obtained I
this freedom. And Paul said: I was freeborn. Then straightway departed
from him they which should have examined him. And the captain also was
afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman: because he had bound him.
On the morrow he lowsed him from his bonds desiring to know the
certainty for what cause he was accused of the jewes, and commanded the
high priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul,
and set him before them.
The .xxiij. Chapter.
Paul beheld the council and said: Men and brethren, I have lived in all
good conscience before God until this day. The high priest Ananias
commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mought. Then said
Paul to him: God shall smite thee thou painted wall. Sittest thou and
judgest me after the law: and commandest me to be smitten contrary to
the law? And they that stood by said: Revilest thou god's high priest?
Then said Paul: I wist not brethren, that he was the high priest. For
it is written thou shalt not speak evil to the ruler of thy people.
When Paul perceived that the one part were Saduces, and the other
Pharises: He cried out in the council. Men and brethren I am a
pharisaye, the son of a pharisaye. Of hope, and of resurrection from
death I am judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate
between the pharises and the saduces, and the multitude was divided.
For the Saduces say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor
spirit. But the Pharises grant both. And there arose a great cry, and
the scribes which were of the Pharises' part strove saying: We find
none evil in this man. Though a spirit, or an angel hath appeared to
him, let us not strive against God.
And when there arose great debate, the captain fearing lest Paul should
have been plucked asunder of them, commanded the soldiers to go down,
and to take him from among them, and to bring him into the castle. The
night following God stood by him and said: Be of good cheer Paul: For
as thou hast testified of me in Ierusalem, so must thou bear witness at
Rome.
When day was come, certain of the jewes gathered themselves together,
and made a vow saying: that they would neither eat nor drink till they
had killed Paul. They were about. xl. which had made this conspiration.
And they came to the chief priest and seniors, and said: we have bound
ourselves with a vow, that we will eat nothing until we have slain
Paul. Now therefore give ye knowledge to the upper captain, and to the
council that he bring him forth unto us tomorrow, as though we would
know some thing more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near)
are ready in the mean season to kill him.
When Paul's sister's son heard of their laying await, he went and
entered into the castle, and told Paul. And Paul called one of the
under captains unto him, and said: Bring this young man unto the
captain: for he hath a certain thing to shew him. And he took him, and
led him to the high captain, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto
him and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, which hath a
certain matter to shew thee.
The high captain took him by the hand, and went apart with him out of
the way: and asked him: what hast thou to say unto me? And he said: the
jewes are determined to desire thee that thou wouldest bring forth Paul
tomorrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him
more perfectly. But follow not their minds: for there lay await for him
of them, more than xl. men, which have bound themselves with a vow,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now
are they ready, and look for thy promise.
The upper captain let the young man depart and charged him: See thou
tell no man that thou hast told me this. And he called unto him two
under captains, saying: make ready two hundred soldiers to go to
Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten. And spearmen two hundred, at
the third hour of the night. And deliver them beasts that they may put
Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the high debite, and wrote a
letter in this manner.
Claudius Lisias unto the most mighty ruler Felix sendeth greetings.
This man was taken of the jewes, and should have been killed of them:
Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and perceived that he was a
Roman. And when I would have known the cause, wherefore they accused
him, I brought him forth into their council. There perceived I that he
was accused of questions of their law: but was not guilty of any thing
worthy of death, or of bonds. Afterward when it was shewed me how that
the jews laid wait for the man, I sent him straight way to thee, and
gave commandment to his accusers, if they had ought against him, to
tell it unto thee: fare well.
The soldiers as it was commanded them, took Paul and brought him by
night to Antipatras. On the morrow they left horsemen to go with him,
and returned unto the castle. When they came to Cesarea, they delivered
the pistel to the debite, and presented Paul before him. When the
debite had read the letter, he asked of what country he was. And when
he understood that he was of Cicill, I will hear thee (said he) when
thine accusers are come also: And commanded him to be kept in Herod's
palace.
The .xxiiij. Chapter.
After v. days, Ananias the high priest descended, with seniors, and
with a certain orator named Tartullus, and enformed the ruler against
Paul. When Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to accuse him saying:
Seeing that we live in great quietness by the means of thee and that
many good things are done unto this nation thorow thy providence: that
allow we ever and in all places, most mighty Felix with all thanks.
Notwithstanding, lest I be not tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou
wouldest hear us of thy courtesy a few words.
We have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of debate among
all the jewes thorow out the world, And a maintainer of the sect of the
Nazarens: Which also hath enforced to pollute the temple, whom we took
and would have judged according to our law: but the high captain Lisias
came upon us, and with great violence took him out of our hands,
commanding his accusers to come unto thee, of whom thou mayest (if thou
wilt enquire) know the certain of all these things where of we accuse
him. The jewes likewise affirmed, saying that it was even so.
Then Paul (after that the ruler himself had beckoned unto him that he
should speak) answered: I shall with a more quiet mind answer for
myself, forasmuch as I understand that thou hast been of many years a
judge unto this people, because that thou mayest know that there are
yet but xij. days since I went up to Ierusalem for to pray. And that
they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, either
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city.
Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me.
But this I confess unto thee, that after that way (which they call
heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which
are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards God,
that the same resurrection from death (which they themselves look for
also) shall be both of just and unjust. And therefore study I to have a
clear conscience toward God, and toward man also.
Many years ago I came and brought alms to my people and offerings, in
the which they found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude,
nor yet with unquietness. There were certain jewes out of Asia which
ought to be here present before thee, and accuse me, if they had ought
against me: or else let these same here say, if they have found any
evildoing in me, while I stand here in the council, except it be for
this one voice, that I cried standing among them of the resurrection
from death am I judged of you this day.
When Felix heard that he deferred them, for he knew very well of that
way and said: when Lisias the captain is come, I will know the utmost
of your matters. And he commanded an undercaptain to keep Paul, and
that he should have rest, and that he should forbid none of his
acquaintance to minister unto him, or to come unto him.
After a certain days came Felix, and his wife Drusilla which was a
jewess, and called forth Paul, and heard him of the faith which is
toward Christ. And as he preached of Justice, temperance, and Judgement
to come, Felix trembled, and answered: thou hast done enough at this
time, depart, when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee. He
hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might
loose him, wherefore he called him the oftener, and communed with him.
After two year came Festus Porcius into Felix room, and Felix willing
to shew the jewes a pleasure left Paul in prison bound.
The .xxv. Chapter.
When Festus was come into the province, after three days, he ascended
from Cesarea unto Ierusalem. Then informed him the high priests, and
the chief of the jews against Paul. And they entreated him, and desired
favour against him that he would send for him to Ierusalem, and laid
wait for him in the way to kill him. Festus answered that Paul should
be kept at Cesarea: but that he himself would shortly depart thither.
Let them therefore (said he) which among you are able to do it come
down with us and accuse him, if there be any fault in the man.
When he had tarried there more than ten days he departed unto Cesarea,
and the next day sat down in the judgement seat, and commanded Paul to
be brought. When he was come the jewes which were come from Ierusalem,
came about him and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul,
which they could not prove as long as he answered for himself, that he
had neither against the law of the jewes, neither against the temple,
nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all.
Festus willing to do the jewes a pleasure, answered Paul, and said:
Wilt thou go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these things before
me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesar's judgement seat, where I ought to
be judged. To the jewes have I no harm done, as thou verily well
knowest. If I have hurt them, or committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die. If none of these things are, where of they accuse
me, no man ought to deliver me to them. I appeal unto Cesar. Then spake
Festus with deliberation, and answered: Thou hast appealed unto Cesar:
unto Cesar shalt thou go.
After a certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to
salute Festus. And when they had been there a good season, Festus
rehearsed Paul's cause unto the king saying: There is a certain man
left in prison of Felix about whom when I came to Ierusalem the high
priests, and seniors of the jewes informed me, and desired to have
judgement against him. To whom I answered: It is not the manner of the
Romans to deliver any man that he should perish, before that he which
is accused, have the accusers before him, and have license to answer
for himself, as pertaining to the crime whereof he is accused: when
they were come hither, without delay on the morrow I sat to give
judgement, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when
the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I
supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own
superstition, and of one Iesus which was dead. whom Paul affirmed to be
alive. Because I doubted of the questions, I asked him whither he would
go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Then when Paul
had appealed to be kept unto the knowledge of Cesar. I commanded him to
be kept till I might send him to Cesar.
Agrippa said unto Festus: I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow
(said he) thou shalt hear him. On the morrow when Agrippa was come and
Bernice with great pomp, and were entered into the council house with
the captains and chief men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was
brought forth, and Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men which are
here present with us: Ye see this man about whom all the multitude of
jewes have been with me, both at Ierusalem and also here, crying that
he ought not to live any longer. Yet found I nothing worthy of death
that he had committed. Nevertheless seeing that he hath appealed to
Cesar, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing
to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him unto you, and
specially unto thee, king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might
have somewhat to write. For me thinketh it unreasonable for to send a
prisoner, and not to shew the causes, which are laid against him.
The .xxvj. Chapter.
Agrippa said unto Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then
Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered for himself: I think myself
happy King Agrippa, because I shall answer this day before thee of all
the things whereof I am accused of the jewes, namely because thou art
expert in all customs, and questions, which are among the jewes.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My living of a child, which was at the first among mine own nation at
Ierusalem know all the jewes which knew me from the beginning, if they
would testify it. For after the most straitest sect of our lay, lived I
a pharisaye and now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise
made of God unto our fathers unto which promise, our xij. tribes
instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's
sake, king Agrippa am I accused of the jewes. Why should it be thought
a thing incredible unto you, if God raise again the dead?
I also verily thought in myself, that I ought to do many contrary
things, clean against the name of Iesus of Nazareth: which things I
also did in Ierusalem. And many of the saints shut I in prison,
moreover I received authority of the high priests: And when they were
put to death I gave the sentence. And I punished them oft in every
synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme: and was yet more mad upon
them, even unto strange cities. About the which things as I went to
Damascus with authority, and commission from the high priests, even at
mid day (king Agrippa) I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shine round about me and them, which journeyed
with me.
When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me,
and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
It is hard for thee to kick against the prick. And I said: Who art thou
lord? And he said: I am Iesus whom thou persecutest: But rise and stand
up on thy feet. For I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make
thee a minister, and a witness both of those things which thou hast
seen, and of those things in thee which I will appear unto thee,
delivering thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which
now I send thee, to open their eyes that they might turn from darkness
unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by
faith in me.
Wherefore king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Ierusalem, and thorowout
all the coasts of Iewry, and to the gentiles, that they should repent,
and turn to God, and do the right works of repentance. For this cause
the jewes caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Nevertheless I obtained help of God, and stood unto this day witnessing
both to small and to great, saying none other things, than those which
the prophets and Moses did say should come, that Christ should suffer,
and that he should be the first that should rise from death, and should
shew light unto the people, and to the gentiles.
As he thus answered for himself: Festus said with a loud voice: Paul,
thou art besides thyself. Much learning hath made thee mad. And Paul
said: I am not mad most dear Festus: but speak the words of truth and
soberness. The king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak
freely: neither think I that any of these things are hidden from him.
For this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa believest thou
the prophets? I wot well thou believest. Agrippa said unto Paul:
Somewhat thou bringest me in mind for to become christen. And Paul
said: I would to God that not only thou: but also all that hear me
today, were not somewhat only, but altogether such as I am except these
bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the debite,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them. And when they were gone
apart, they talked between themselves saying: This man doth nothing
worthy of death, nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus: This man
might have been lowsed if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
The .xxvij. Chapter.
When it was concluded that we should sail into Italy, they delivered
Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Iulius, an undercaptain
of Cesar's soldiers. And we entered into a ship of Adramicium, and
lowsed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia, one
Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia, being with
us. The next day came we to Sidon, and Iulius courteously entreated
Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends, and to refresh
himself. And from thence launched we and sailed hard by Cypers, because
the winds were contrary. Then sailed we over the sea of Cicill, and
Pamphylia, and came to Myra a city in Lycia.
And there the undercaptain found a ship of Alexandry ready to sail into
Italy, and put us therein, and when we had sailed slowly many days, and
scarce were come over against Gnydon (because the wind withstood us) we
sailed hard by the coast of Candy, over against Salmo, and with much
work sailed beyond it, and came unto a place called Goode port. Nigh
whereunto was a city called Lasea. When much time was spent and sailing
was now jeopardous, because also that we had overlong fasted, Paul put
them in remembrance, and said unto them: Sirs I perceive that this
voyage will be with hurt and damage, not of the lading and ship only:
but also of our lives. But the undercaptain believed the governor, and
the master, better than those things which were spoken of Paul. And
because the haven was not commodious to winter in, many took counsel to
depart thence, if by any means they might attain to Phenices and there
to winter, which haven pertaineth to Candy, and serveth to the
southwest, and northwest wind. When the south wind blew, they supposing
to obtain their purpose lowsed unto Asson, and sailed past all Candy.
But anon after there arose (against their purpose) a flaw of wind out
of the northeast. When the ship was caught, and could not resist the
wind, we let her go and drave with the weather. We came unto an isle
named Clauda, And had much work to come by a boat, which they took up,
and used help undergirding the ship, fearing lest we should have fallen
into Syrtes, and we let down a vessel and so were carried. The next day
when we were tossed with an exceeding tempest, they lightened the ship,
and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the
ship. When at the last neither sun nor star in many days appeared, And
no small tempest lay upon us, all hope that we should be saved, was
taken away.
Then after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them and
said: Sirs ye should have heard me, and not have departed from Candy,
neither to have brought unto us this harm and loss. And now I exhort
you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life
among you: But of the ship only. For there stood by me this night the
angel of God whose I am, and whom I serve, saying: fear not Paul, for
thou must be brought before Cesar. And lo, God hath given unto thee all
that are in the ship with thee, wherefore sirs be of good cheer, for I
believe God that so it shall be even as it was told me, and we must be
cast into a certain island.
But when the fourteenth night was come as we were carried in Adria,
about midnight the shipmen deemed that there appeared some country unto
them, and they sounded, and found it xx. fathoms. they went a little
further and sounded again, and found xv. fathoms. Then fearing lest
they should have fallen on some Rocke, they cast iiij. anchors out of
the stern, and wished for the day. As the shipmen were about to flee
out of the ship, and had let down the boat into the sea, under a colour
as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship: Paul said
unto the undercaptain and the soldiers: except these abide in the ship
ye cannot be safe. Then the soldiers cut off the rope of the boat, and
let it fall away.
And in the meantime, betwixt that and day, Paul besought them all to
take meat, saying: this is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and
continued fasting receiving nothing at all, wherefore I pray you to
take meat: for this no doubt is for your health, for there shall not an
hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken he
took bread and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and brake
it, and began to eat. Then were they all of Good cheer, and they also
took meat. We were all together in the ship, two hundred and three
score and sixteen souls. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the
ship and cast out the wheat into the sea.
When it was day they knew not the land, but they spied a certain reach
with a bank, into the which they were minded (if it were possible) to
thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they
committed themselves unto the sea, and lowsed the rudder bonds and
hoised up the main sail to the wind and drew to land, but they fell
into a place, which had the sea on both the sides, and thrust in the
ship. And the fore part stuck fast, and moved not, but the hinderpart
brake with the violence of the waves.
The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners lest any of them, when
he had swum out should flee away: but the undercaptain willing to save
Paul kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they that could
swim should cast themselves first in to the sea, and scape to land. And
the other he commanded to go, some on boards, and some on broken pieces
of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they came all safe to land.
The .xxviij. Chapter.
And when they were scaped they knew that the isle was called Mileta.
The people of the country shewed us no little kindness, for they
kindled a fire and received us every one because of the present rain,
and because of cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, And put
them into the fire, a viper (because of the heat) crept out leapt on
his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand,
they said among themselves: this man must needs be a murderer: Whom
(though he have escaped the sea) yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
and he shook off the vermin into the fire, and felt no harm. They
waited when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly. But
after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they
changed their minds, and said that he was a God.
In the same quarters, the chief man of the isle whose name was Publius,
had a lordship: which received us, and lodged us three days
courteously. It fortuned that the father of Publius lay sick of a
fever, and of a bloody flux to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and
laid his hands on him and healed him. When this was done, other also
which had diseases in the isle, came and were healed: And they did us
great honour. And when we departed, they laded us with things
necessary.
After three months we departed in a ship of Alexandry, which had
wintered in the isle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux. And when we
came to Ciracusa, we tarried there iij. days, from whence we sailed
about and came to Regium. And after one day the south wind blew, and we
came the next day to Putiolus where we found brethren, and were desired
to tarry with them seven days, and so came we to Rome. and from thence,
when the brethren heard of us, they came to Apiphorum, and three
taverns, and met us. When Paul saw them he thanked God, and waxed bold.
When he came to Rome, the undercaptain delivered the prisoners to the
chief captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell alone with
one Soldier that kept him.
It fortuned after three days Paul called the chief of the jewes to
gether. When they were come, he said unto them: Men and brethren,
though I have committed no thing against the people, or laws of our
fathers: yet was I delivered prisoner from Ierusalem into the hands of
the romans. Which when they had examined me, would have let me go,
because they found no cause of death in me: but when the jewes cried
contrary: I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar. Not because I had
ought to accuse my people of. For this cause have I called for you to
see you, and to speak with you. For I because of the hope of Israhel,
am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him: We neither received letters out of Iewry
pertaining unto thee, neither came any of the brethren that shewed or
spake any harm of thee. But we will hear of thee what thou thinkest.
For we have heard of this sect, that everywhere it is spoken against.
When they had appointed him a day, there came many unto him into his
lodging: to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God. and
preached unto them of Iesu: both by the law of Moses, and also out by
the prophets from morning to night. And some believed the things which
were spoken, and some believed not.
When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul
had spoken one word: well spake the holy ghost by Esay the prophet unto
our fathers, saying: Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall
ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see and
shall not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and
their ears wex thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest
they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should
heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that this consolation of God
is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said
that, the jewes departed from him, and had great despicions among
themselves.
But Paul dwelt two years in his lodging. And received all that came to
him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which
concerned the lord Iesus with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Here endeth the Actes off the Apostles.
The epistle of S. Paul to the Romans
The first Chapter.
Paul the servant of Iesus Christ, called unto the office of an apostle,
put apart to preach the Gospell of God, which he promised afore by his
prophets, in the holy scriptures that make mention of his son, the
which was begotten of the seed of David, as pertaining to the flesh:
and declared to be the son of God with power of the holy ghost, that
sanctifieth, since the time that Iesus Christ our lord rose again from
death, by whom we have received grace and apostleship, that all
gentiles should obey to the faith which is in his name, of the which
number are ye also, which are Iesus Christe's by vocation.
To all you of Rome beloved of God, and saints by calling. Grace be with
you and peace from God our father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
First verily I thank my God thorow Iesus Christ for you all, because
your faith is published throughout all the worlde. For God is my
witness, whom I serve with my spirit, in the gospell of his son that
without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, beseeching
that at one time or another, a prosperous journey (by the will of God)
might fortune me to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I might
bestow among you some spiritual gift, to strengthen you with all (that
is) that I might have consolation together with you, through the common
faith, which both ye and I have.
I would that ye should know, brethren, how that I have oftentimes
purposed to come unto you (but have been let hitherto) to have some
fruit among you, as I have among other of the gentiles. For I am debtor
both to the greeks, and to them which are no greeks, unto the learned
and also unto the unlearned. Likewise, as much as in me is, I am ready
to preach the Gospell to you of Rome also.
For I am not ashamed of the Gospell of Christ, because it is the power
of God unto salvation to all that believe, namely to the jewe, and also
to the gentile. For by it the righteousness which cometh of God is
opened, from faith to faith. As it is written: The just shall live by
faith.
For the wrath of God of heaven appeareth against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men which withhold the truth in unrighteousness,
seeing that that, which may be known of God, is manifest among them.
For God did shew it unto them. For his invisible things (that is to
say, his eternal power and godhead) are understood and seen, by the
works from the creation of the world. So that they are without excuse,
in as much as when they knew God, they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful, but waxed full of vanities in their
imaginations. And their foolish hearts were blinded. When they counted
themselves wise, they became fools and turned the glory of the immortal
God, unto the similitude of the image of mortal man, and of birds, and
four footed beasts and serpents.
For this cause God gave them up unto their hearts' lusts, unto
uncleanness to defile their own bodies between themselves: which turned
his truth unto a lie, and worshipped and served the creatures more then
the maker, which is blessed forever Amen. For this cause God gave them
up unto shameful lusts. For even their women did change the natural use
unto the unnatural. And likewise also the men left the natural use of
the woman, and brent in lust one on another among themselves. And man
with man wrought filthiness, and received in themselves the reward of
their error as it was according.
And as it seemed not good unto them to be aknown of God, even so God
delivered them up unto a leawde mind, that they should do those things
which were not comely, being full of all unrighteous doing, of
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy,
murder, debate, deceit, evil conditioned whisperers, backbiters, haters
of God, doers of wrong, proude, boasters, bringers up of evil things,
disobedient to fathers and mothers, without understanding, covenant
breakers, unloving, stubborn and merciless. Which men, though they knew
the righteousness of God, how that they which such things commit are
worthy of death, yet not only do the same, but also had pleasure in
them that did them.
The Second Chapter.
Therefore art thou inexcusable o man whosoever thou be that judgest.
For in the same wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself.
For thou that judgest doest even the same self things. But we are sure
that the judgement of God is according to truth, against them which
commit such things. Thinkest thou O thou man that judgest them which do
such things and yet doest even the very same, that thou shalt escape
the judgement of God? Other despisest thou the riches of his goodness
and patience, and long sufferance? and rememberest not how that the
kindness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
But thou after thine hard heart that cannot repent, heapest thee
together the treasure of wrath against the day of vengeance, when shall
be opened the righteous judgement of God, which will reward every man
according to his deeds, that is to say praise, honour, and immortality,
to them which continue in good doing, and seek eternal life: But unto
them that are rebellious, and disobey the truth, yet follow iniquity,
shall come indignation, and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon the
soul of every man that doth evil. Of the jewe first And also of the
gentile. To every man that doth good shall come praise, honour and
peace, to the jewe first, and also to the gentile. For there is no
partiality with God: But whosoever hath sinned without law, shall
perish without law. And as many as have sinned under the law, shall be
judged by the law. For before God they are not righteous which hear the
law: but they which do the law shall be justified. For if the gentiles
which have no law, do of nature the things contained in the law: then
they having no law, are a law unto themselves, which shew the deed of
the law written in their hearts: While their conscience beareth witness
unto them, and also their thoughts, accusing one another, or excusing
at the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, by Iesus Christ
according to my Gospell.
Behold, thou art called a Iewe, and trustest in the law and rejoicest
in God, and knowest his will, and hast experience of good and bad, in
that thou art informed by the law: And believest that thou thyself art
a guide unto the blind, a light to them which are in darkness, an
informer of them which lack discretion, a teacher of the unlearned,
which hast the ensample of that which ought to be known, and of the
truth in the law. Now teachest thou another: but teachest not thyself.
Thou preachest, a man should not steal: and yet thou stealest. Thou
sayest, a man should not commit advoutry and thou breakest wedlock.
Thou abhorrest images, and robbest God of his honour. Thou rejoicest in
the law, and thorow breaking the law dishonourest God. For the name of
God is evil spoken of among the gentiles thorow you as it is written.
Circumcision verily availeth if thou keep the law: But if thou break
the law thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the
uncircumcised keep the right things contained in the law: shall not his
uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not
uncircumcision which is by nature (if it keep the law) judge thee,
which being under the letter and circumcision, dost transgress the law?
For he is not a Iewe, which is a Iewe outward. Neither is that thing
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Iewe which is
hid within, and the circumcision of the heart is the true circumcision,
which is in the spirit, and not in the letter: whose praise is not of
men but of God.
The Third Chapter.
What preferment than hath the Iewe? other what advantageth
circumcision? Surely very much. First unto them was committed the word
of God. What then though some of them did not believe? shall their
unbelief make the promise of God without effect? God forbid. Let God be
true, and all men liars, as it is written: That thou mightest be
justified in thy sayings and shouldest overcome when thou art judged.
If our unrighteousness make the righteousness of God more excellent:
what shall we say? Is God unrighteous which taketh vengeance? (I speak
after the manner of men.) God forbid. For how then shall God judge the
world? if the verity of God appear more excellent thorow my lie, unto
his praise, why am I hence forth judged as a sinner? and say not rather
(as men evil speak of us, and as some affirm that we say) let us do
evil, that good may come thereof. Whose damnation is just.
What say we then? Are we better than they? no, in no wise. For we have
all ready proved how that both jewes and gentiles are all under sin, as
it is written: There is none righteous, no not one: There is none that
understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God, they are all gone
out of the way, they are all made unprofitable, there is none that
doeth good, no not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their
tongues they have deceived: the poison of Aspes is under their lips.
whose mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift
to shed blood. Destruction and wretchedness are in their ways: And the
way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their
eyes.
Yea and we know that whatsoever the law saith, he saith it to them
which are under the law: That all mouths may be stopped, and all the
world be subdued to God, because that by the deeds of the law, shall no
flesh be justified in the sight of God. For by the law cometh the
knowledge of sin.
Now verily is the righteousness that cometh of God declared with out
the fulfilling of the law having witness yet of the law, and of the
prophets. The righteousness no doubt which is good before God cometh by
the faith of Iesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe.
For there is no difference, all have sinned, and lack the praise that
is of valour before God: but are justified freely by his grace, through
the redemption that is in Christ Iesu, whom God hath made a seat of
mercy thorow faith in his blood, to shew the righteousness which before
him is of valour, in that he forgiveth the sins that are passed, which
God did suffer to shew at this time: the righteousness that is allowed
of him, that he might be counted just, and a justifier of him which
believeth on Iesus.
Where is then thy rejoicing? It is excluded. By what law? by the law of
workes? Nay: but by the law of faith.
We suppose therefore that a man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law. Is he the God of the jewes only? Is he not also the
God of the gentiles? He is no doubt, God also of the gentiles. For it
is God only which justifieth circumcision, which is of faith: and
uncircumcision thorow faith. Do we then destroy the law thorow faith?
God forbid. We rather maintain the law.
The .iiij. Chapter.
What shall we say then, that Abraham our father as pertaining to the
flesh did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he
wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what saith the scripture?
Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. To
him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of favour: but of duty. To
him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly,
is faith counted for righteousness. Even as David describeth the
blessedfulness of a man, unto whom good {God} ascribeth righteousness
without deeds: Blessed are they, whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered. Blessed is that man to whom the lord
imputeth not sin.
Came this blessedness then upon the circumcised or upon the
uncircumcised? We say verily how that faith was reckoned to Abraham,
for righteousness. How was it reckoned? in the time of circumcision? or
in the time before he was circumcised? Not in time of circumcision: but
when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the sign of
circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness which is by faith, which
faith he had yet being uncircumcised, that he should be the father of
all them that believe, though they be not circumcised, that
righteousness might be imputed to them also, And that he might be the
father of the circumcised: not because they are circumcised only: but
because they walk also in the steps of that faith, which was in our
father Abraham before the time of circumcision.
For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to
Abraham, or to his seed thorow the law: but thorow the righteousness
which cometh of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, then
is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law
causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression.
Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of
favour: and that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Not to them
only which are of the law: but also to them which are of the faith of
Abraham, which is the father of us all. As it is written: I have
ordained thee a father to many nations, before God whom thou hast
believed, which quickeneth the dead and calleth those things which be
not as though they were.
Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed in hope, that he should be
the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken: So
shall thy seed be. And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet considered
his own body, which was now dead, even when he was almost an hundred
year old. Neither considered he the barrenness of Sara. He staggered
not at the promise of God thorow unbelief: But was made strong in the
faith, and gave honour to God and steadfastly believed, that he which
had made the promised was able also to make it good. And therefore was
it reckoned to him for righteousness.
It is not written for him only, that it was reckoned to him for
righteousness: but also for us, to whom it shall be counted for
righteousness so we believe on him that raised, up Iesus our lord from
death. Which was delivered for our sins, and rose again for to justify
us.
The .v. Chapter.
Because therefore that we are justified by faith we are at peace with
God thorow our lord Iesus Christ: by whom we have a way in thorow faith
unto this faveour wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the praise
that shall be given of God. Neither do we so only: but also we rejoice
in tribulation: For we know that tribulation bringeth patience,
patience bringeth feeling, feeling bringeth hope. and hope maketh not
ashamed, because the love that God hath unto us, is shed abroad in our
hearts, by the holy ghost, which is given unto us.
For when we were yet weak according to the time: Christ died for us
which were ungodly. Yet scarce will any man die for a righteous man.
Peradventure for a good man durst a man die. But God setteth out his
love that he hath to us, Seeing that while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Much more then now (seeing we are justified in his blood)
shall we be preserved from wrath thorow him.
For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of
his son: much more, seeing we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by
his life. Not only so, but we also joy in God by the means of our lord
Iesus Christ, by whom we have received this atonement.
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the worlde, and death by the
means of sin. And so death went over all men, insomuch that all men
sinned. For even unto the time of the law was sin in the worlde: but
sin was not regarded, as long as there was no law: nevertheless death
reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that sinned not, with
like transgression as did Adam: which is the similitude of him that was
{is} to come.
But the gift is not like as the sin. For if thorow the sin of one, many
be dead: much more plenteous upon many was the faveour of God and gift
by faveour: which faveour was given by one man Iesus Christ.
And the gift is not over one sin, as death came thorow one sin of one
that sinned. For damnation came of one sin unto condemnation: But the
gift came to justify from many sins. For if by the sin of one, death
reigned by the means of one, much more shall they which receive
abundance of faveour and of the gift of righteousness reign in life by
the means of one (that is to say) Iesus Christe.
Likewise then as by the sin of one, condemnation came on all men: even
so by the justifying of one cometh the righteousness that bringeth
life, upon all men. For as by one man's disobedience many became
sinners: so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
The law in the mean time entered in that sin should increase. And where
abundance of sin was, there was more plenteousness of grace. That as
sin had reigned unto death, even so might grace reign thorow
righteousness unto eternal life, by the help of Iesu Christ.
The .vj. Chapter.
What shall we say then? shall we continue in sin, that there may be
abundance of grace? God forbid. How shall we that are dead as touching
sin live any longer therein? Remember ye not that all we which are
baptised in the name of Christ Iesu, are baptised to die with him? We
are buried with him by baptism for to die: That as Christ was raised up
from death by the glory of the father: even so we also should walk in a
new life. For if we be graft in death like unto him: even so must we be
in the resurrection. This we must remember, that our old man is
crucified with him also, that the body of sin might utterly be
destroyed, that henceforth we should not be servants of sin. For he
that is dead, is justified from sin.
Wherefore if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live with
him: remembering that Christ once raised from death, dieth no more.
Death hath no more power over him. For as touching that he died, he
died as concerning sin once. And as touching that he liveth, he liveth
unto God. Likewise imagine ye also, that ye are dead concerning sin:
but are alive unto God thorow Iesus Christ our lord. Let not sin reign
therefore in your mortal bodies, that ye should thereunto obey in the
lusts of it. Neither give ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: But give yourselves unto God, as they that
are alive from death. And give your members as instruments of
righteousness unto God. Sin shall not have power over you. For ye are
not under the law, but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law: but under
grace? God forbid. Remember ye not how that to whomsoever ye commit
yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey:
whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
God be thanked. Ye were once the servants of sin: But now have obeyed
with your hearts unto the form of doctrine where unto ye were
delivered. Ye are then made free from sin, and are become the servants
of righteousness.
I will speak grossly because of the infirmity of your flesh. As ye
have given your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity, from
iniquity unto iniquity: even so now give your members servants unto
righteousness, that ye may be sanctified. For when ye were servants of
sin, ye were not under righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those
things, where of ye are now ashamed. For the end of those things is
death. But now are ye delivered from sin, and made the servants of
God, and have your fruit that ye should be sanctified, and the end
everlasting life. For the reward of sin is death: but eternal life is
the gift of God, thorow Iesus Christ our lord.
The .vij. Chapter.
Remember ye not brethren (I speak to them that know the law) how that
the law hath power over a man as long as it endureth: For the woman
which is in subjection to a man, is bound by the law to the man, as
long as he liveth. If the man be dead, she is lowsed from the law of
the man. So then if while the man liveth she couple herself with
another man, she shall be counted a wedlock breaker. But if the man be
dead she is free from the law: so that she is no wedlock breaker,
though she couple herself with another man.
Even so ye my brethren, ye also are made dead as concerning the law by
the body of Christ, that ye should be coupled to another (I mean to him
that is risen again from death) that we should bring forth fruit unto
God. When we were in the flesh, the lusts of sin which were stirred up
by the law, reigned in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.
But now are we delivered from the law, and dead from it, whereunto we
were in bondage, that we should serve in a new conversation of the
spirit, and not in the old conversation of the letter.
What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid: but I knew not what
sin meant but by the law. For I had not known what lust had meant,
except the law had said, thou shalt not lust. But sin took an occasion
by the means of the commandment, and wrought in me all manner of
concupiscence. For verily without the law sin was dead. I once lived
without law: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I was
dead. And the very same commandment which was ordained unto life, was
found to be unto me an occasion of death. For sin took occasion by the
means of the commandment and so deceived me, and by the self
commandment slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment
holy, just, and good.
Was that then which is good made death unto me? God forbid. Nay sin was
death unto me, that it might appear how that sin by the means of that
which is good, had wrought death in me: that sin which is under the
commandment, might be out of measure sinful. For we know that the law
is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin: because I wot not what I
do. For what I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that do I. If I
do now that which I would not, I grant to the law that it is good. So
then now it is not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I
know that in me (that is to say in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing. To
will is present with me: but I find no means to perform that which is
good. For I do not that good thing which I would: but that evil do I,
which I would not. Finally, if I do that I would not, then is it not I
that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me doeth it. I find then by the
law that when I would do good, evil is present with me. I delight in
the law of God, as concerning the inner man. But I see another law in
my members rebelling against the law of my mind, and subduing me unto
the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am: who
shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God by Iesus Christ
our lord: So then I myself in my mind serve the law of God, and in my
flesh the law of sin.
The .viij. Chapter.
There is then no damnation to them which are in Christ Iesu, which walk
not after the flesh: but after the spirit. For the law of the spirit,
wherein is life thorow Iesus Christ hath delivered me from the law of
sin, and death. For what the law could not do in as much as it was weak
because of the flesh: that performed God, and sent his son in the
similitude of sinful flesh, and by sin damned sin in the flesh: that
the righteousness required of the law, might be fulfilled in us, which
walk not after the flesh: but after the spirit.
For they that are carnal, are carnally minded. and they that are
spiritual are ghostly minded. To be carnally minded is death. and to be
spiritually minded is life, and peace: because that the fleshly mind is
emnity against God: For it is not obedient to the law of God, neither
can be. So then they that are given to the flesh, cannot please God.
But ye are not given to the flesh, But to the spirit: If so be that the
spirit of God dwell in you. If there be any man that hath not the
spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. If Christ be in you, the
body is dead because of sin: But the spirit is life for righteousness'
sake. Wherefore if the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from death,
dwell in you: even he that raised up Christ from death, shall quicken
your mortal bodies, because that his spirit dwelleth in you.
Therefore brethren we are now debtors, not to the flesh, to live after
the flesh: For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die. But if ye
mortify the deeds of the body, by the help of the spirit, ye shall
live, for as many as are led by the spirit of God, are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but ye
have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba father. The
same spirit certifieth our spirit that we are the sons of God. If we be
sons, we are also heirs (the heirs I mean of God) and heirs annexed
with Christ, if so be that we suffer together, that we may be glorified
together.
For I suppose that the afflictions of this life, are not worthy of the
glory which shall be shewed upon us. Also the fervent desire of the
creatures abideth looking when the sons of God shall appear because the
creatures are subdued to vanity against their will: but for his will
which subdued them in hope. For the very creatures shall be delivered
from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons
of God. For we know that every creature groaneth with us also, and
travaileth in pain even unto this time.
Not they only, but even we also which have the first fruits of the
spirit mourn in ourselves and wait for the adoption, and look for the
deliverance of our bodies. For we are saved by hope. But hope that is
seen is no hope. For how can a man hope for that which he seeth? but
and if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience abide for
it.
Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities. For we know not, what
to desire as we ought: but the spirit maketh intercession mightily for
us with groanings which cannot be expressed with tongue. And he that
searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the meaning of the spirit: for he
maketh intercession for the saints according to the pleasure of God.
For we know well that all things work for the best unto them that love
God, which also are called of purpose. For those which he knew before,
he also ordained before, that they should be like fashioned unto the
shape of his son, that he might be the first begotten son among many
brethren. Moreover which he appointed before, them he also called. And
which he called, them also he justified. which he justified, them he
also glorified.
What shall we then say unto these things? if God be on our side: who
can be against us? which spared not his own son, but gave him for us
all: How shall he not with him give us all things also? Who shall lay
anything to the charge of God's chosen? It is God that justifieth: who
then shall condemn? it is Christ which is dead, Ye rather which is
risen again, which is also on the right hand of God and maketh
intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from God's love? shall tribulation? or anguish?
or persecution, other hunger? other nakedness? other peril? other
sword? As it is written: For thy sake are we killed all day long, and
are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. Nevertheless in all these
things we overcome strongly thorow his help that loved us. Yea and I am
sure that neither death, neither life, neither angell, nor rule,
neither power, neither things present, neither things to come, neither
heyth, neither lowth, neither any other creature shall be able to
depart us from God's love, which is in Christ Iesu our lord.
The .ix. Chapter.
I Say the truth in Christ and lie not, in that whereof my conscience
beareth me witness in the holy ghost, that I have great heaviness, and
continual sorrow in my heart. For I have wished myself to be cursed
from Christ for my brethren, which are my kinsmen as pertaining to the
flesh. Which are the Israelites, to whom pertaineth the adoption, and
the glory, and the testaments, and the ordinance of the law, and the
service of God, and the promises, whose also are the fathers, and they
of whom (as concerning the flesh) Christ came: which is God over all
things blessed forever Amen.
I speak not these things as though the words of God had took none
effect. For they are not all Israelites which came of Israhel, Neither
are they all children straightway because they are the seed of Abraham:
But in Isaac shall thy seed be called, that is to say, They which are
the children of the flesh, are not the children of God. But the
children of promise are counted the seed. For this is a word of
promise, about this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
Neither was it to with her only: but also when Rebecca was with child
by one, I mean by our father Isaac, yer the children were born, when
they had neither done good neither bad (that the purpose of God which
is by election, might stand) it was said unto her, not by the reason of
works, but by grace of the caller, the elder shall serve the younger.
As it is written: Iacob he loved, but Esau he hated.
What shall we say then? is there any unrighteousness with God? God
forbid. For he saith to Moses: I will shew mercy to whom I shew mercy:
And will have compassion on whom I have compassion. So lieth it not
then in a man's will, or running, but in the mercy of God. For the
scripture saith unto Pharaoh: Even for this same purpose have I stirred
thee up, to shew my power on thee, and that my name might be declared
thorowout all the world. So hath he mercy on whom he will. And whom he
will he maketh hard hearted.
Thou wilt say then unto me: why then blameth he us yet? For who can
resist his will? But o man what art thou, which disputest with God?
shall the work say to the workman: why hast thou made me on this
fashion? Hath not the potter power over the clay, even of the same lump
to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Even so,
God willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, suffered
with long patience the vessels of wrath, ordained to damnation, that he
might declare the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he
had prepared unto glory: that is to say, us which he called, not of the
jewes only, but also of the gentiles. As he saith in Osee: I will call
them my people which were not my people: and her beloved which was not
beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said unto
them: Ye are not my people, that there shall be called the sons of the
living God.
But Esaias crieth for Israhel, though the number of the children of
Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet shall a remnant be saved. He
finisheth the work verily and maketh it short in righteousness. For a
short word will God make on earth. And as Esaias said before: Except
the lord of saboth had left us seed, we had been made as Zodoma, and
had been likened to Gomorra.
What shall we say then? we say that the gentiles which followed not
righteousness, have overtaken righteousness I mean the righteousness
which cometh of faith. But Israel which followed the law of
righteousness, could not attain unto the law of righteousness. And
wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith: but as it were by the
works of the law. For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. As it
is written: Behold I put in Syon a stumbling stone, and a rock which
shall make men fall. And none that believe on him, shall be ashamed.
The .x. Chapter.
Brethren my heart's desire, and prayer to God for Israel is that they
might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a fervent mind to
Godward, but not according to knowledge. For they are ignorant of the
righteousness which is allowed before God, and go about to establish
their own righteousness and therefore are not obedient unto the
righteousness which is of value before God. For Christ is the end of
the law to justify all that believe.
Moses describeth the righteousness which cometh of the law, how that
the man which doth the things of the law shall live therein. But the
righteousness which cometh of faith, speaketh on this wise: Say not in
thine heart: who shall ascend into heaven? (That is nothing else than
to fetch Christ down.) Other who shall descend into the deep? That is
nothing else but to fetch up Christ from death. But what saith the
scripture? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thine heart.
This word is the word of faith which we preach. For if thou shalt
knowledge with thy mouth that Iesus is the lord, and shalt believe with
thine heart that God raised him up from death, thou shalt be safe. For
the belief of the heart justifieth: and to knowledge with the mought
maketh a man safe. For the scripture saith: whosoever believeth on him,
shall not be ashamed.
There is no difference between the jewe and the gentile. For one is
lord of all, which is rich unto all that call on him. For whosoever
shall call on the name of the lord shall be safe. How shall they call
on him, on whom they believed not? how shall they believe on him of
whom they have not heard? how shall they hear with out a preacher? And
how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written: how
beautiful are the feet of them which bring glad tidings of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things. But they have not all obeyed to the
gospell. For Esaias saith: lord who shall believe our sayings? So then
faith cometh by hearing, and hearing cometh by the word of God. But I
ask: have they not heard? No doubt, their sound went out into all
lands: and their words into the ends of the world.
But I demand whether Israhel did know or not? First Moses saith: I will
provoke you for to envy by them that are no people, and by a foolish
nation I will anger you. Esaias after that is bold and saith. I am
found of them that sought me not, and have appeared to them that asked
not after me. And against Israhel he saith: All day long have I
stretched forth my hands unto a people that believeth not, but speaketh
against me.
The .xj. Chapter.
I say then: hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For even I
verily am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, and of the tribe of
Benjamin, God hath not cast away his people which he knew before. Other
wot ye not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Helias, how he
spake to God against Israhel, saying: lord they have killed thy
prophets and digged down thine altars: and I am left only, and they
seek my death. But what saith the answer of God to him again? I have
reserved unto me seven thousand men which have not bowed their knees to
baal. Even so at this time is there a remnant left thorow the election
of grace. If it be of grace then is it not by the deserving of works.
For then were faveour no more faveour. If it be by the deserving of
works, then is there no faveour. For then were deserving no deserving.
What then? Israhel hath not obtained that that he sought. No but yet
the election hath obtained it. The remnant are blinded, according as it
is written: God hath given them the spirit of unquietness: eyes that
they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, even unto this
day. And David saith: Let their table be made a snare to take them with
all, and an occasion to fall, and a reward unto them. Let their eyes be
blinded that they see not: and ever bow down their backs.
I say then: Have they therefore stumbled that they should but fall
only? God forbid: but thorow their fall is health happened unto the
gentiles for to provoke them with all. Wherefore if the fall of them,
be the riches of the world: and the minishing of them the riches of the
gentiles: How much more should it be so if they all believed. I speak
to you gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the gentiles I will
magnify mine office that might provoke them which are my flesh: and
might save some of them. For if the casting away of them, be the
reconciling of the worlde: what shall the receiving of them be, but
life again from death? For if one piece be holy, the whole heap is
holy. And if the root be holy, the branches are holy also.
Though some of the branches be broken off, and thou being a wild olive
tree art graft in among them, and made part taker of the root, and
fatness of the olive tree, boast not thyself against the branches. For
if thou boast thyself, remember that thou bearest not the root, but the
root thee. Thou wilt say then: the branches are broken off, that I
might be graft in. Thou sayest well: because of unbelief they are
broken off, and thou standest steadfast in faith. Be not high minded,
but fear: seeing that God spared not the natural branches, lest haply
he also spare not thee.
Behold the kindness and rigorousness of God: on them which fell,
rigorousness: but towards thee kindness, if thou continue in his
kindness. Or else thou shalt be hewn off, and they if they bide not
still in unbelief shall be grafted in again. For God is of power to
graft them in again. For if thou wast cut out of a natural wild olive
tree, and wast graffed contrary to nature in a true olive tree: how
much more shall the natural branches be graffed in their own olive tree
again.
I would not that this secret should be hid from you my brethren (lest
ye should be wise in your own conceits) that partly blindness is
happened in Israhell, until the fullness of the gentiles be come in.
And so all Israhell shall be saved. As it is written: There shall come
out of Sion he that doth deliver, and shall turn away the ungodliness
of Iacob. And this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away
their sins. As concerning the gospell, They are enemies for your sakes:
but as touching the election, they are loved for the fathers' sakes.
For verily the gifts and calling of God are such, that it cannot repent
him of them, for look, as ye in time passed have not believed God, yet
have now obtained mercy thorow their unbelief: even so now have they
not believed the mercy which is happened unto you, That they also may
obtain mercy. God hath wrapped all nations in unbelief, that he might
have mercy on all. O the deepness of the abundant wisdom and knowledge
off God: how incomprehensible are his judgements, and his ways
unsearchable. For who hath known the mind of the lord? or who was his
counsellor? other who hath given unto him first, that he might be
recompensed again? For of him, and thorow him, and unto him are all
things. To him be glory forever Amen.
The .xij. Chapter.
I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercifulness of God that ye
make your bodies a quick sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which
is your reasonable serving of God. and fashion not yourselves like unto
this worlde: But be ye changed in your shape, by the renewing of your
wits, that ye may feel what thing that good, that acceptable, and
perfect will of God is. For I say (thorow the grace that unto me given
is) to every man among you, that no man esteem of himself more than it
becometh him to esteem: But that he discreetly judge of himself
according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
As we have many members in one body: and all members have not one
office: So we being many are one body in Christ: and every man (among
ourselves) one another's members. Seeing that we have divers gifts
according to the grace that is given unto us, if any man have the gift
of prophecy, let him have it that it be agreeing unto the faith. Let
him that hath an office, wait on his office. Let him that teacheth take
heed to his doctrine. Let him that exhorteth give attendance to his
exhortation. If any man give, let him do it with singleness. Let him
that ruleth do it with diligence. If any man shew mercy let him do it
with cheerfulness.
Let love be without dissimulation. Hate that which is evil, and cleave
unto that which is good. Be kind one to another, with brotherly love.
In giving honour go one before another. Let not that business which ye
have in hand be tedious to you. Be fervent in the spirit. Apply
yourselves to the time. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation,
continue in prayer. Distribute unto the necessity of the saints. Bless
them which persecute you: bless but curse not. Be merry with them that
are merry. Weep with them that weep. Be of like affection one towards
another. Be not high minded, but make yourselves equal to them of the
lower sort. Be not wise in your own opinions. Recompense to no man evil
for evil. Provide aforehand things honest in the sight of all men. If
it be possible, yet on your part have peace with all men.
Derly beloved avenge not yourselves but give room unto the wrath of
God. For it is written: vengeance is mine, and I will reward saith the
lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger feed him: if he thirst, give him drink.
For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head: Be not
overcome of evil: But overcome evil with goodness.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Let every soul submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers.
There is no power but of God. The powers that be, are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the ordinance of God.
They that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are
not to be feared for good works but for evil. Wilt thou be without fear
of the power? Do well then: and so shalt thou be praised of the same.
For he is the minister of God, for thy wealth. But and if thou do evil,
then fear: for he beareth not a sword for nought. for he is the
minister of God, to take vengeance on them that do evil. Wherefore ye
must needs obey, not for fear of vengeance only: but also because of
conscience. Even for this cause pay ye tribute. For they are God's
ministers, serving for the same purpose.
Give to every man therefore his duetie: Tribute to whom tribute
belongeth: Custom to whom custom is due: fear to whom fear belongeth:
Honour to whom honour pertaineth. Owe no thing to any man: but to love
one another. For he that loveth another, fulfilleth the law. For these
commandments: Thou shalt not commit advoutry: Thou shalt not kill: Thou
shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not
desire: and so forth if there be any other commandment, are all
comprehended in this saying: Love thine neighbor as thyself. Love
hurteth not his neighbor: Therefore is love the fulfilling of the law.
This also we know, I mean the season, how that it is time that we
should now awake out of sleep. For now is our salvation nearer than
when we believed. The night is passed and the day is come nigh. Let us
therefore cast away the deeds of darkness, and let us put on the armour
of light. Let us walk honestly as it were in the daylight: not in
eating and drinking: neither in chambering and wantonness: neither in
strife and envying: but put ye on the lord Iesus Christ. And make not
provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
Him that is weak in the faith, receive unto you, not in disputing and
troubling his conscience. One believeth that he may eat all things.
Another which is weak eateth herbs, Let not him that eateth, despise
him that eateth not. And let not him which eateth not judge him that
eateth. For God hath received him. What art thou that judgest another
man's servant? Whether he stand or fall, that pertaineth unto his
master. Yee, he shall stand. For God is able to make him stand.
This man putteth difference between day and day: another man counteth
all days alike. See that no man waver in his own mind. He that
observeth one day more than another, doth it for the lord's pleasure.
And he that observeth not one day more than another, doth it to please
the lord, for he giveth God thanks. and he that eateth not, eateth not
to please the lord with all, and giveth God thanks. For none of us
liveth his own servant: and also none of us dieth his own servant. If
we live, we live to be at the lord's will. And if we die, we die at the
lord's will. Whether we live therefore or die, we are the lord's. For
Christ therefore died and rose again, and revived, that he might be
lord both of dead and quick.
But why doest thou then judge thy brother? other why dost thou despise
thy brother? We shall all be brought before the judgement seat of
Christ. For it is written: As truly as I live saith the lord, all knees
shall bow to me, and all tongues shall give a knowledge to God. So
shall every one of us give accounts of himself to God. Let us not
therefore, judge one another any more.
But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block, or an
occasion to fall in his brother's way. For I know, and surely believe
in the lord Iesus, that there is nothing common of itself: but unto him
that judgeth it to be common, to him it is common. If thy brother be
grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him
with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Suffer ye not that your treasure
be evil spoken of. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but
righteousness, peace and joy, in the holy ghost. For whosoever in these
things serveth Christ, pleaseth well God: and is commended of men.
Let us follow those things which make for peace: and things wherewith
one may edify another. Destroy not the work of God for a little meat's
sake. All things are pure: but it is evil for that man, which eateth
with hurt of his conscience. It is good neither to eat flesh, neither
to drink wine, neither anything, whereby thy brother stumbleth, other
falleth, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it with thyself before
God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he
alloweth. For he that maketh conscience, is damned if he eat: Because
he doth it not of faith. For whatsoever is not of faith, that same is
sin.
The .xv. Chapter.
We which are strong ought to bear the frailness of them which are weak,
and not to stand in our own conceits. Let every man please his neighbor
unto his wealth and edifying. For Christ pleased not himself: but as it
is written: The rebukes of them which rebuked thee, fell on me.
Whatsoever things are written aforetime, are written for our learning
that we thorow patience and comfort of the scripture should have hope.
God which is lord of patience and consolation, give unto every one of
you, that ye be like likeminded one towards another after the ensample
of Iesu Christ, that ye all agreeing together, may with one mouth
praise God the father of our lord Iesus. Wherefore receive ye one
another as Christ received us, to the praise of God.
And I say that Iesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. And let
the gentiles praise God for his mercy. As it is written: For this cause
I will praise thee among the gentiles, and sing in thy name. And again
he saith: ye gentiles rejoice with his people. Again, praise the lord
all ye gentiles, and laud him all nations. And in another place Esaias
saith: there shall be the root of Iesse, and he that shall rise to
reign over the gentiles: in him shall the gentiles trust. The God of
hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may be rich
in hope thorow the power of the holy ghost.
I myself am full certified of you my brethren that ye yourselves are
full of goodness, and filled with all knowledge, and are able to
counsel one another. Nevertheless brethren I have somewhat boldly
written unto you, as one that putteth you in remembrance, for the grace
which is given me of God for this purpose that I should be the minister
of Iesu Christ among the gentiles, and should minister the glad tidings
of God, that the gentiles might be an acceptable offering, sanctified
by the holy ghost. I have therefore whereof I may rejoice in Christ
Iesu, in those things which pertain to God. For I dare not speak of any
of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me (to make the
gentiles obedient) with word and deed, in mighty signs and wonders, by
the power of the spirit of God, so that from Ierusalem and the coasts
round about, unto Illiricum, I have filled all countries with glad
tidings of Christ.
So have I enforced myself to preach the gospell, not where Christ was
named, lest I should have built on another man's foundation: but as it
is written: To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that
heard not, shall understand. For this cause I have been ofte let to
come unto you: but now seeing I have no more to do in these countries,
and also have been desirous many years to come unto you, when I shall
take my journey into Spayne, I will come to you. I trust to see you in
my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you after that I
have somewhat enjoyed you.
Now go I unto Ierusalem, and minister unto the saints. For it hath
pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia, to make a certain distribution
upon the poor saints which are at Ierusalem. It hath pleased them
verily, and their debtors are they. For if the gentiles be made
partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is to minister unto
them in carnal things. When I have performed this, and have shewed them
this fruit, I will come back again by you into Spayne. And I am sure
when I come, that I shall come with abundance of the blessing of the
gospell of Christ.
I beseech you brethren for our lord Iesu Christe's sake, and for the
love of the spirit, that ye help me in my business, with your prayers
to God for me, that I may be delivered from them which believe not in
Iewry. and that this my service, which I have to Ierusalem, may be
accepted of the saints, that I may come unto you with joy, by the will
of God, and may with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with all you
Amen.
The .xvj. Chapter.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister (which is a minister of the
congregation of Cencrea) that ye receive her in the lord as it becometh
saints, and that ye assist her, in whatsoever business she needeth of
your aid. For she hath succoured many, and mine own self also. Greet
Prisca and Aquila my helpers in Christ Iesu, which have for my life
laid down their own necks. Unto whom not I only give thanks: but also
the congregations of the gentiles. Likewise greet all the company that
is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epenetes, which is the
firstfruit among them of Achaia. Greet Mary which bestowed much labour
on us. Salute Andronicus, and Iunia my cousins, which were prisoners
with me also, which are well taken among the apostles, and were in
Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the lord. Salute Urban
our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apellas approved
in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobolus' household. Salute
Herodion my kinsman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus which are
in the lord. Salute Triphena and Triphosa, which women did labour in
the lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the lord.
Salute Rufus chosen in the lord, and his mother and mine. Greet
Asincritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Mercurius, and the brethren
which are with them. Salute Philologus and Iulia, Nereus and his
sister, and Olimpha, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one
another among yourselves with an holy kiss. The congregations of Christ
salute you.
I beseech you brethren mark them which cause division, and give
occasions of evil contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned: and
avoid them. For they that are such serve not the lord Iesus Christ: but
their own bellies. And with sweet preachings and flattering words
deceive the hearts of the innocents: for your obedience is spoken of
among all men. I am glad no doubt of you. But yet I would have you wise
unto that which is good. And to be innocent as concerning evil. The God
of peace tread Satan under your feet in short time. The grace of our
lord Iesu Christ be with you.
Timotheus my work fellow, and Lucius, and Iason, and Sopater, my
kinsmen salute you. I Tercius salute you, which wrote this epistle in
the lord. Gaius mine host and the host of all the congregations,
saluteth you. Erastus saluteth you, the chamberlain of the city. And
Quartus a brother, saluteth you. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be
with you all Amen.
To him that is of power to establish you according to my gospell,
wherewith I preach Iesus Christ, in opening of the mystery which was
kept close since the world began, and now is opened at this time and
declared in the scriptures of prophecy, at the commandment of the
everlasting God, to stir up obedience to the faith published among all
nations: To the same God, which alone is wise, be praise thorow Iesus
Christ for ever Amen.
To the Romayns. Sent from Corrinthum by Phebe, she that was the
minister unto the congregacion at Chenchrea.
The first pistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
The first Chapter.
Paul by vocation an Apostle of Iesus Christ thorow the will of God, and
brother Sostenes. Unto the congregation of God which is at Corinthum.
To them that are sanctified in Iesus Christ, saints by calling, with
all that call on the name of our lord Iesus Christ in every place, both
of theirs and of ours.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christ.
I thank my God always on your behalf for the faveour of God which is
given you by Iesus Christ, that in all things ye are made rich by him,
in all speach and in all knowledge (even as the testimony of Iesus
Christ was confirmed in you,) so that ye are behind in no gift, and
wait for the appearing of our lord Iesus Christ which shall strength
you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our lord Iesus
Christ.
God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto the fellowship of his son
Iesus Christ our lord.
I beseech you brethren in the name of our lord Iesus Christ, that ye
all speak one thing, and that there be no dissension among you: but be
ye perfect in one mind, and one meaning: It is shewed unto me (my
brethren) of you by them that are of the house of Cloe, that there is
strife among you, I speak of that which everyone of you sayth: I hold
of Paul, Another sayth: I hold of apollo: Another saith: I hold of
Cephas: and another saith I hold of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul
crucified for you? other were ye baptised in the name of Paul? I thank
God that I christened none of you, but Crispus and Gaius, lest any
should say that I in mine own name had baptised. I baptised also the
house of Stephana. Furthermore know I not whether I baptised any man or
no.
For Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the gospell, not with
wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should have been made of none
effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness: but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For
it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will cast away
the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise man? where is the scribe? where is the searcher of
this world? Hath not God made the wisdom of this world foolishness?
For when the world thorow wisdom knew not God, in the wisdom of God: it
pleased God thorow foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For the jews require a sign, and the greeks seek after wisdom. But we
preach Christ crucified, unto the jews an occasion of falling and unto
the greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called both of Iews and
greeks we preach Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
For Godly foolishness is wiser than men: And Godly weakness is stronger
than are men.
Brethren look on your calling how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many of high degree are called: But God
hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise. And
hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound things which are
mighty. And vile things of the world, and things which are despised,
hath God chosen yee and things of no reputation, for to bring to nought
things of reputation, that no flesh should rejoice in his presence. And
unto him pertain ye, in Christ Iesu, which of God is made unto us
wisdom, and also righteousness, and sanctifying, and redemption. That
according as it is written: he which rejoiceth, should rejoice in the
lord.
The .ij. Chapter.
And I brethren when I came to you, came not in gloriousness of words or
of wisdom, shewing unto you the testimony of God. Neither shewed I
myself that I knew any thing among you save Iesus Christ, even the same
that was crucified. And I was among you in weakness, and in fear, and
in much trembling. And my words, and my preaching were not with
enticing words of man's wisdom: but in shewing of the spirit and of
power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men: but in
the power of God.
We speak that which is wisdom among them that are perfect: not the
wisdom of this world neither of the rulers of this world (which goeth
to nought,) but we speak the wisdom of God, which is in secret and
lieth hid, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which
wisdom none of the rulers of the world knew. For had they known it,
they would not have crucified the lord of glory: but as it is written:
The eye hath not seen, and the ear hath not heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that
love him.
But God hath opened them unto us by his spirit. For the spirit
searcheth all things, yee the bottom of God's secrets. For what man
knoweth the things of a man: save the spirit of a man which is within
him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.
And we have not received the spirit of the world: but the spirit which
cometh of God, for to know the things that are given to us of God,
which things also we speak, not in the cunning words of man's wisdom,
but with the cunning words of the holy ghost, making spiritual
comparisons of spiritual things. For the natural man perceiveth not the
things of the spirit of God: For they are but foolishness unto him.
Neither can he perceive them because he is spiritually examined: but he
that is spiritual discusseth all things: yet he himself is judged of no
man. For who knoweth the mind of the lord, other who shall inform him?
but we understand the mind of Christ.
The .iij. Chapter.
And I could not speak unto you brethren as unto spiritual: but as unto
carnal, even as it were unto babes in Christ. I gave you milk to drink
and not meat. For ye then were not strong, no neither yet are strong.
For ye are yet carnal. As long verily as there is among you envying,
strife and dissension: are ye not carnal, and walk after the manner of
men? As long as one saith: I hold of Paul, and another, I am of apollo,
are ye not carnal? What is Paul? what thing is apollo? but ministers by
whom ye believed even as the lord gave every man grace. I have planted:
Apollo watered: but God gave increase. So then, neither is he that
planteth any thing, neither he that watereth: but God which gave the
increase.
He that planteth, and he that watereth, are neither better than the
other. Every man yet shall receive his reward according to his labour.
We are God's laborers: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise builder have I
laid the foundation, another hath built thereon: but let every man take
heed how he buildeth upon. For other foundation can no man lay, than
that which is laid, which is Iesus Christ. If any man build on this
foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, timber, hay, or stubble:
every man's work shall appear. For the day shall declare it, and it
shall be shewed in fire, and the fire shall try every man's work what
it is. If any man's work that he hath built upon, bide, he shall
receive a reward. If any man's work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he
shall be safe himself: nevertheless yet as it were thorow fire.
Are ye not ware that ye are the temple of God, and how that the spirit
of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall
God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which temple are ye. Let no
man deceive himself. If any man seem wise among you, let him be a fool
in this world, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God. For it is written: he compasseth the wise in
their craftiness. And again, God knoweth the thoughts of the wise that
they be vain. Therefore let no man rejoice in men. For all things are
yours, whether it be Paul, other Apollo, either Cephas: whether it be
the world, either life, either death, whether they be present things or
things to come: all are yours, and ye are Christe's, and Christ is
God's.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Let men this wise esteem us, even as the ministers of Christ, and
disposers of the secrets of God. Furthermore it is required of the
disposers that they be found faithful. With me is it but a very small
thing, that I should be judged of you, either of man's day. No I judge
not mine own self. I know nought by myself: yet am I not thereby
justified. It is the lord that judgeth me. Therefore judge nothing
before the time, until the lord come, which will lighten things that
are hid in darkness: and open the counsels of the hearts. And then
shall every man have praise of God.
These things brethren I have described in mine own person, and Apollos:
for your sakes, that ye might learn by us that no man count of himself
beyond that which is above written: that one swell not against another
for any man's cause. For who preferreth thee? What hast thou, that thou
hast not received? if thou have received it: why rejoicest thou as
though thou haddest not received it? Now ye are full: now ye are made
rich: ye reign as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign,
that we might reign with you.
Me thinketh that God hath shewed us which are apostles, for the
hindmost of all, as it were men appointed to death. For we are a
gazingstock unto the world, and to the angels, and to men, we are fools
for Christe's sake, and ye are wise thorow Christ: we are weak, and ye
are strong. Ye are honorable, and we are despised. Even unto this day
we hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted with fists, and
have no certain dwelling place, and labour working with our own hands.
We are reviled, and yet we bless. We are persecuted, and suffer it. We
are evil spoken of, and we pray. We are made as it were the filthiness
of the world, the offscouring of all things, even unto this time.
I write not these things to shame you: but as my beloved sons I warn
you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ: yet have ye
not many fathers. In Christ Iesu, I have begotten you thorow the
gospell. Wherefore I desire you to counterfeit me. For this cause have
I sent unto you Timotheus, which is my dear son, and faithful in the
lord, which shall put you in remembrance of my ways which I have in
Christ, even as I teach everywhere in all congregations. Some swell as
though I would come no more at you: but I will come to you shortly, if
God will, and will know, not the words of them which swell, but the
power. For the Kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. What will
ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or else in love, and in the
spirit of meekness?
The .v. Chapter.
There goeth a common saying that there is fornication among you, and
such fornication as is not once named among the gentiles: that one
should have his father's wife. And ye swell and have not rather
sorrowed, that he which hath done this deed might be put from among
you. For I verily as absent in body, even so present in spirit, have
determined already (as though I were present) of him that hath done
this deed, in the name of our lord Iesu Christ, when ye are gathered
together, and my spirit, with the power of the lord Iesus Christ, to
deliver him unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh that the
spirit may be saved in the day of the lord Iesus.
Your rejoicing is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven sowereth
the whole lump of dough? Purge therefore the old leaven, that ye may be
new dough as ye are sweet bread. For Christ our ester lamb is offered
up for us. Therefore let us keep holyday, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of maliciousness and wickedness but with the sweet
bread of pureness and truth.
I wrote unto you in the pistel that ye should not company with
fornicators. And I meant not at all of the fornicators of this world,
either of the covetous, or of extortioners, either of idolaters: for
then must ye needs have gone out of the world: but now I have written
unto you that ye company not together. If any that is called a brother,
be a fornicator, or covetous, or a worshipper of images, either a
railer, either a drunkard, or an extortioner: with him that is such see
ye eat not. For what have I to do to judge them which are without? Do
ye not judge them that are within? Them that are without, God shall
judge. Put away from among you that evil person.
The .vj. Chapter.
How dare one of you having business with another, go to law under the
wicked? and not rather under the saints? Do ye not know that the saints
shall judge the world? If the world shall be judged by you: are ye not
good enough to judge small trifles. Know ye not how that we shall judge
the angels? How much more may we judge things that pertain to the life?
If ye have judgements of worldly matters, take them which are despised
in the congregation, and make them judges. This I say to your shame. Is
there utterly no wise man among you? what not one at all? that can
judge between brother and brother? but one brother goeth to law with
another: and that under the unbelievers?
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law
one with another. Why rather suffer ye not wrong? why rather suffer ye
not yourselves to be robbed? Nay ye yourselves do wrong, and rob: and
that the brethren. Do ye not remember how that the unrighteous shall
not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived. For neither
fornicators, neither worshippers of images, neither whoremongers,
neither weaklings, neither abusers of themselves with mankind, neither
thieves, neither the covetous, neither drunkards, neither cursed
speakers, neither pillers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such
were ye verily: but ye are washed: ye are sanctified: ye are justified
by the name of the lord Iesus: And by the spirit of our God.
All things are lawful unto me: but all things are not profitable. I may
do all things: but I will be brought under no man's power. Meats are
ordained for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy
both him and them. Let not the body be applied unto fornication, but
unto the lord, and the lord unto the body. God hath raised up the lord,
and shall raise us up by his power. Either remember ye not, that your
bodies are the members of Christe? Shall I now take the members of
Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Do ye not
understand that he which coupleth himself with an harlot, is become one
body? For two (saith he) shall be one flesh: but he that is joined unto
the lord is one spirit.
Flee fornication. All sins that a man doth, are without the body. But
he that is a fornicator, sinneth against his own body. Know ye not how
that your bodies are the temple of the holy ghost, which is in you,
whom he have of God, and how that ye are not your own? For ye are
dearly bought. Therefore glorify ye God in your bodies and in your
spirits, for they are God's.
The .vij. Chapter.
As concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a
man, not to touch a woman. Nevertheless to avoid fornication, let every
man have his wife: and let every woman have her husband. Let the man
give unto the wife due benevolence. Likewise also the wife unto the
man. The wife hath not power over her own body: but the husband: And
likewise the man hath not power over his own body: but the wife.
Withdraw not your selves one from another except it be with consent for
a time, for to give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and afterward
come again to the same thing, lest Satan tempt you for your
incontinency.
This I say of favour, not of commandment. For I would that all men were
as I my self am: but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after
this manner, another after that. I say unto the unmarried men, and
widows: it is good for them if they abide even as I do: but and if they
cannot abstain, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn.
Unto the married command not I, but the lord: that the wife separate
not herself from the man. If she separate herself, let her remain
unmarried, or be reconciled unto her husband again. And let not the
husband put away his wife from him.
To the remnant speak I, and not the lord: if any brother have a wife
that believeth not, if she be content to dwell with him, let him not
put her away. And the woman which hath to her husband an infidel, if he
consent to dwell with her, let her not put him away. For the
unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife: and the unbelieving wife
is sanctified by the husband. Or else were your children unclean: but
now are they pure. But and if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A
brother or a sister is not in subjection to such. God hath called us in
peace. For how knowest thou o woman, whether thou shalt save thy
husband or not? Other how knowest thou o man, whether thou shalt save
the wife or not? but even as God hath distributed to every man.
As the lord hath called every person, so let him walk: and so ordain I
in all congregations. If any man be called being circumcised, let him
add nothing thereto. If any be called uncircumcised: let him not be
circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, uncircumcision is nothing: but
the keeping of the commandments of God is altogether. Let every man
abide in the same state wherein he was called. Art thou called a
servant? care not for it. Nevertheless if thou mayst be free, use it
rather. For he that is called in the lord being a servant, is the
lord's freeman. Likewise he that is called being free, is Christe's
servant. Ye are dearly bought, be not men's servants. Brethren let
every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
As concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the lord: yet give I
counsel as one that hath obtained of the lord to be faithful. I suppose
that it is good for the present necessity. For it is good for a man so
to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be lowsed. Art thou
lowsed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou take a wife, thou
hast not sinned. Likewise if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned:
nevertheless such shall have trouble in their flesh: but I favor you.
This say I brethren, the time is short. It remaineth that they which
have wives, be as though they had none: and they that weep, be as
though they wept not: and they that rejoice, be as though they rejoiced
not: And they that buy, be as though they possessed not: And they that
use this world, be as though they used it not: For the fashion of this
world goeth away.
I would have you without care, the single man careth for the things of
the lord, how he may please the lord: but he that hath married, careth
for the things of the world, how he may please his wife. There is
difference between a virgin and a wife. The single woman careth for the
things of the lord, that she may be pure both in body and also in
spirit: but she that is married, careth for the things of the world,
how she may please her husband. This speak I for your profit, not to
tangle you in a snare: but for that which is honest and comely unto you
And that ye may quietly cleave unto the lord without separation.
If any man think that it is uncomely for his virgin if she pass the
time of marriage, and if so need require, let him do what he listeth,
he sinneth not: let them be coupled in marriage. Nevertheless, he that
purposeth surely in his heart, having none need: but hath power over
his own will: and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his
virgin, doth well. So then he that joineth his virgin in marriage doth
well. And he that joineth not his virgin in marriage doth better. The
wife is bound to the law as long as her husband liveth. If her husband
sleep, she is at liberty to marry with whom she will only in the lord.
But she is happier if she so abide, in my judgement. And I think verily
that I have the spirit of God.
The .viij. Chapter.
To speak of things dedicate unto idols, we are sure that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge maketh a man swell: but love edifieth. If any man
think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to
know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
To speak of meat dedicat unto idols, we are sure that there is none
idol in the world: and that there is none other God but one. And though
there be that are called goddes, whether in heaven or in earth (as
there be goddes many and lords many) but unto us is there one God,
which is the father, of whom are all things, and we in him: and one
lord Iesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
But every man hath not knowledge. For some suppose that there is an
idol, until this hour, and eat as of a thing offered unto the idol, and
so their consciences being yet weak are defiled. Meat maketh us not
acceptable to God: Neither if we eat are we the better: Neither if we
eat not are we the worse.
But take heed that your liberty cause not the weak to fall. For if some
man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple
shall not the conscience of him which is weak be boldened to eat those
things which are offered unto the idol? And so thorow thy knowledge
shall the weak brother perish for whom Christ died. When we sin so
against the brethren and wound their weak consciences, we sin against
Christ. Wherefore if meat hurt my brother, I will eat no flesh while
the world standeth, because I will not hurt my brother.
The .ix. Chapter.
Am I not an Apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Iesus Christ our
lord? Are not ye my work in the lord. If I be not an Apostle unto
other, yet am I unto you. For the seal of mine Apostleship are ye in
the lord. Mine answer to them that ask me, is this: Have we not power
to eat and to drink? Either have we not power to lead about a sister to
wife as well as other Apostles, and as the brethren of the lord, and
Cephas? Either only I and Barnabas have not power this to do? Who goeth
a warfare any time at his own cost? who planteth a vineyard and eateth
not of the fruit? or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk?
Say I these things after the manner of men? or sayth not the law the
same also? For it is written in the law of Moses: Thou shall not muzzle
the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take thought
for oxen? Either saith he it not all together for our sakes? For our
sakes no doubt this is written: that he which eareth should ear in
hope: and that he which throsheth in hope, should be part taker of his
hope. If we sow unto you spiritual things: is it a great thing if we
reap your carnal things? If other be part takers of this power over
you? wherefore are not we rather.
Nevertheless we have not used this power: but suffer all things lest we
should hinder the gospell of Christ. Do ye not understand how that they
which minister in the temple: have their finding of the temple? And
they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so also
did the lord ordain, that they which preach the gospell, should live of
the gospell: But I have used none of these things.
Neither wrote I these things that it should be so done unto me. It were
better for me to die than any man should take this rejoicing from me.
In that I preach the gospell I have nothing to rejoice of. For
necessity is put unto me. Woe is it unto me if I preach not the
gospell. If I do it with a good will, I have a reward. If I do it
against my will, an office is committed unto me. What is my reward
then? Verily that when I preach the gospell, I make the gospell of
Christ free, that I misuse not mine authority in the gospell.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto
all men, that I might win the more. And unto the jewes, I became as a
jewe, to win the jewes. To them that were under the law, was I made as
though I had been under the law, to win them that were under the law.
To them that were without law, became I as though I had been without
law (when I was not without law as pertaining to God, but under a law
as concerning Christ) to win them that were without law. To the weak
became I as weak, to win the weak. In all thing I fashioned myself to
all men, to save at the leastway some. And this I do for the gospell's
sake, that I might have my part thereof.
Perceive ye not how that they which run in a course, run all, yet but
one receiveth the reward? So run that ye may obtain. Every man that
proveth masteries abstaineth from all things. And they do it to obtain
a corruptible crown: but we to obtain an everlasting crown: I therefore
so run, not as at an uncertain thing. So fight I, not as one that
beateth the air: but I tame my body and bring him into subjection, lest
after that I have preached to other, I myself should be a castaway.
The .x. Chapter.
Brethren I would not that ye should be ignorant of this, how that our
fathers were all under a cloud, and all passed thorow the sea, and were
all baptised under Moses in the cloud and in the sea: and did all eat
of one spiritual meat, and did all drink of one manner of spiritual
drink. And they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them, which
rock was Christ. But in many of them had God no delight. For they were
overthrown in the wilderness.
These are examples to us that we should not lust after evil things, as
they lusted. Neither be ye worshippers of images as were some of them
according as it is written: The people sat down to eat and drink, and
rose up again to play. Neither let us commit fornication as some of
them committed fornication, and were destroyed in one day xxiij.
thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted and were
destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye as some of them murmured, and
were destroyed of the destroyer.
All these things happened upon them for ensamples, and were written to
put us in remembrance, whom the ends of the world are come upon.
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
There hath none other temptation taken you, but such as followeth the
nature of man. God is faithful, which shall not suffer you to be
tempted above your strength: but shall in the midst of the temptation
make a way to escape out. Wherefore my dear beloved, flee from
worshipping of idols.
I speak as unto them which have discretion, judge ye what I say. Is not
the cup of blessing which we bless, partaking of the blood of Christ?
is not the bread which we break, partaking of the body of Christ?
because that we (though we be many) yet are one bread, and one body in
as much as we all are partakers of one bread. Behold Israhell which
walketh carnally. Are not they which eat of the sacrifice, partakers of
the altar?
What say I then? that the image is anything? or that it which is
offered to images is anything? Nay, but I say, that those things which
the gentiles offer, they offer to devils, and not to God. And I would
not that ye should have fellowship with the devils. Ye cannot drink of
the cup of the lord, and of the cup of the devils. Ye can not be
partakers of the lord's table, and of the table of devils. Other shall
we provoke the lord? other are we stronger than he? All things are
lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. All things are
lawful, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own profit: but
let every man seek his neighbors wealth.
Whatsoever is sold in the market, that eat, and ask no questions for
conscience sake. For the earth is the lord's, and all that therein is.
If any of them which believe not bid you to a feast, and if ye be
disposed to go, whatsoever is set before you eat, asking no question
for conscience sake. but and if any man say unto you: this is dedicate
unto idols, eat not of it for his sake that shewed it, and for hurting
of conscience: the earth is the lord's and all that therein is.
Conscience I say, not thine: but the conscience of that other. Why
should my liberty be judged of another man's conscience? For if I take
my part with thanks: why am I evil spoken of for that thing wherefore I
give thanks?
Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
praise of God. See that ye give none occasion of evil, neither to the
jewes, nor yet to the gentiles, neither to the congregation of God:
even as I please all men in all things not seeking mine own profit, but
the profit of many, that they might be saved.
The .xj. Chapter.
Follow me as I do Christ.
I commend you brethren that ye remember me in all things, and keep the
ordinances which I gave to you. I would ye knew that Christ is the head
of every man. and the womans head is the man. and Christe's head is
God. Every man praying or prophesying having any thing on his head,
shameth his head. Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth bare headed,
dishonesteth her head. For it is even all one, and the very same thing
even as though she were shaven. If the woman be not covered, let her
also be shaven. If it be shame for a woman to be shaven or shorn, let
her cover her head.
A man ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and
glory of God. The woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of
the woman, but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for
the woman's sake: but the woman for the man's sake. For this cause
ought the woman to have power in {on} her head, for the angels' sake.
Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman
without the man in the lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is
the man by the woman: but all is of God.
Judge in yourselves whether it be comely that a woman pray unto God
bareheaded. Or else doth not nature teach you, that it is a shame for a
man, if he have long hair: and a praise to a woman if she have long
hair? For her hair is given her to cover her with all. If there be any
man among you that lusteth to strive, let him know that we have no such
customes, neither the congregations of God.
This I warn you of, and commend not that ye come together after a worse
manner, and not after a better. First of all when ye come together in
the congregation, I hear that there is dissension among you: And I
partly believe it. For there must be sects among you, that they which
among you are perfect might be known. When ye come together in one
place, a man cannot eat the lord's supper. For every man beginneth
afore to eat his own supper. And one is hungry, and another is drunken.
Have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? Or else despise ye the
congregation of God? and shame them that have not? what shall I say
unto you? shall I praise you? in this praise I you not.
That which I gave unto you I received of the lord. For the lord Iesus
the same night in the which he was betrayed, took bread: and thanked
and brake, and said. Take ye, and eat ye this is my body which is
broken for you. This do ye in the remembrance of me. After the same
manner he took the cup when supper was done saying: This cup is the new
testament in my blood, this do as oft as ye drink it, in the
remembrance of me.
For as often as ye shall eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye shall
shew the lord's death, till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat of
this bread, or drink of the cup unworthily, shall be guilty of the body
and blood of the lord. Let a man therefore examine himself, and so let
him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he that eateth or
drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh his own damnation, because he
maketh no difference of the lord's {lordis} body.
For this cause many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. If we
had truly judged ourselves, we should not have been judged. When we are
judged of the lord we are chastened, because we should not be damned
with the world. Wherefore my brethren, when ye come to gether to eat,
tarry one for another. If any man hunger, let him eat at home, that ye
come not together unto condemnation. Other things will I set in order
when I come.
The .xij. Chapter.
In spiritual things brethren I would not have you ignorant. Ye know
that ye were gentiles, and went your ways unto dumb idols, even as ye
were led. Wherefore I declare unto you that no man speaking in the
spirit of God defieth Iesus. Also no man can say that Iesus is the
lord: but by the holy ghost.
There are diversities of gifts verily, yet but one spirit. And there
are differences of administrations, and yet but one lord. And there are
divers manners of operations, and yet but one God, which worketh all
things that are wrought in all creatures. The gifts of the spirit are
given to every man to profit the congregation. To one is given the
utterance of wisdom: to another is given the utterance of knowledge by
the same spirit: to another is given faith, by the same spirit. To
another the gifts of healing, by the same spirit. To another power to
do miracles: To another prophecy, To another judgement of spirits, To
another diverse tongues: To another the interpretation of tongues: and
these all worketh even the self same spirit, dividing to every man
several gifts even as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of
one body though they be many, yet are but one body: even so is Christ.
For in one spirit are we all baptised to make one body, whether we be
jewes or gentiles: whether we be bond or free, and have all drunk of
one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot say:
I am not the hand, therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not
of the body? and if the ear say I am not the eye: therefore I am not of
the body: is he therefore not of the body? if all the body were an eye:
where were then the ear? if all were hearing: where were the smelling?
But now hath God disposed the members, every one of them in the body,
at his own pleasure. If they were all one member: where were the body?
Now are there many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say
unto the hand: I have no need of thee: nor the head also to the feet: I
have no need of you. Yea rather a great deal those members of the body
which seem to be most feeble, are most necessary. And upon those
members of that body which we think least honest, put we most honesty
on. And our ungodly parts have most beauty on. For our honest members
need it not: but God hath so disposed the body, and hath given most
honour to that part which lacked, lest there should be any strife in
the body: but that the members should indifferently care for one
another. And if one member suffer all suffer with him: if one member be
had in honour, all members be glad also.
Ye are the body of Christ, and members one of another. And God hath
also ordained in the congregation, first the Apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles, after that, the
gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues.
Are all Apostles? are all prophets? Are all teachers? are all doers of
miracles? have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? do
all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet shew I unto you a
more excellent way.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Though I spake with the tongues of men and angels, and yet had no love,
I were even as sounding brass: and as a tinkling cymbal. And though I
could prophesy, and understood all secrets, and all knowledge: yee, if
I had all faith so that I could move mountains out of their places, and
yet had no love, I were nothing. And though I bestowed all my goods to
feed the poor, and though I gave my body even that I burned, and yet
had no love, it profiteth me nothing.
Love suffereth long, and is courteous. Love envieth not. Love doth not
frowardly, swelleth not, dealeth not dishonestly, seeketh not her own,
is not provoked to anger, thinketh not evil rejoiceth not in iniquity:
but rejoiceth in the truth, suffereth all things, believeth all things
hopeth all things, endureth in all things. Though that prophesying
fail, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge vanish away: yet love
falleth never away.
For our knowledge is unperfect, and our prophesying is unperfect: but
when that which is perfect is come: then that which is unperfect shall
be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a
child, I imagined as a child: but as soon as I was a man I put away
childishness. Now we see in a glass even in a dark speaking: but then
shall we see face to face. Now I know unperfectly: but then shall I
know even as I am known. Now abideth faith, hope, and love, even these
three: but the chief of these is love.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
Labour for love, and covet spiritual gifts: and most chiefly for to
prophesy. For he that speaketh with tongues speaketh not unto men, but
unto God. No man heareth him: For in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men, for their edifying, and
comfort. He that speaketh with tongues, profiteth himself: he that
prophesieth edifieth the congregation. I would that ye all spake with
tongues: but rather that ye prophesied. For greater is he that
prophesieth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he expound it
also, that the congregation may have edifying. Now brethren if I come
unto you speaking with tongues: what shall I profit you? except I speak
unto you, either by revelation, or knowledge, or prophesying, or
doctrine.
Moreover when things without life give sound: whether it be a pipe, or
an harp: except they make a distinction in the sounds: how shall it be
known what is piped or harped? And also if the trumpet give an
uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself to fight? Even so likewise
when ye speak with tongues, except ye speak words that have
signification, how shall it be understood what is spoken? For ye shall
but speak in the air.
Many kinds of voices are in the world, and none of them are without
signification. If I know not what the voice meaneth, I shall be unto
him that speaketh an alien: and he that speaketh shall be an alien unto
me. Even so ye (for a much as ye covet spiritual gifts) seek that ye
may have plenty unto the edifying of the congregation.
Wherefore let him that speaketh with tongues, pray that he may
interpret also. If I pray with tongues, my spirit prayeth: but my mind
is without fruit. What is it then? I will pray with my spirit, and will
pray with my mind also. I will sing with my spirit, and will sing with
my mind also.
For else when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that
occupieth the room of the unlearned say amen at thy giving of thanks?
seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? Thou verily givest thanks
well: but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with
tongues more than ye all. Yet had I lever in the congregation to speak
five words with my mind to the information of other, rather than ten
thousand words with the tongue.
Brethren, be not children in wit: as concerning maliciousness be
children: but in wit be perfect. In the law it is written, with other
tongues, and with other lips will I speak unto this people, and yet for
all that will they not hear me saith the lord. Wherefore tongues are
for a sign, not to them that believe: but to them that believe not.
Contrariwise prophesying serveth not for them that believe not: but for
them which believe.
If therefore when all the congregation is come together, and all speak
with tongues, there come in they that are unlearned, or they which
believe not: will they not say that ye are out of your wits? But and if
all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one
unlearned, he is reproved of all men, and is judged of every man: and
so are the secrets of his heart opened: and then falleth he down on his
face, and worshippeth God, and saith that God is with you indeed.
How is it then brethren? when ye come together every man hath his song,
hath his doctrine, hath his tongue, hath his revelation, hath his
interpretation: Let all things be unto edifying. If any man speak with
tongues, let it be two at once: or at the most three at once: and that
by course, and let another interpret it: But if there be no
interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation, and let him
speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two at once, or three at once, and let other
judge. If any revelation be made to another that sitteth by, let the
first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may
learn, and all may have comfort. For the spirits of the prophets are in
the power of the prophets. For God is not causer of strife: but of
peace, as he is in all other congregations of the saints.
Let your wives keep silence in the congregations. For it is not
permitted unto them to speak: but let them be under obedience, as saith
the law: if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at
home. For it is a shame for women to speak in the congregation. Sprang
the word of God from you? Either came it unto you only? If any man
think himself a prophet either spiritual: let him understand, what
things I write unto you. For they are the commandments of the lord. But
and if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore brethren
covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things
be done honestly and in order.
The .xv. Chapter.
Brethren as pertaining to the gospell which I preached unto you, which
ye have also accepted, and in the which ye continue: by the which also
ye are saved, I do you to wit after what manner I preached unto you, if
ye keep it, except ye have believed in vain.
For first of all I delivered unto you that which I received: how that
Christ died for our sins, agreeing to the scriptures: and that he was
buried, and that he arose again the third day according to the
scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve, After
that he was seen of more than five hundred brethren at once: of which
many remain unto this day, and many are fallen asleep. After that
appeared he to Iames, then to all the Apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me, as of one that was born out of due
time. For I am the least of all the Apostles, which am not worthy to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God: But by
the faveour of God I am that I am. And his faveour which is in me was
not in vain: but I laboured more abundantly than they all, not I, but
the faveour of God which is with me. Whether it were I or they, so have
we preach, and so have ye believed.
If Christ be preached how that he rose from death: how say some that
are among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there be
no rising again of death: then is Christ not risen. If Christ be not
risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also in vain. Yee,
and we are found false witnesses of God. For we have testified against
God how that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up, if it be so
that the dead rise not up again. For if the dead rise not again, then
is Christ not risen again. If it be so that Christ rose not, then is
your faith in vain, and yet are ye in your sins. And they which are
fallen asleep in Christ, are perished. If in this life only we believe
on Christ, then are we of all men the miserablest.
Now is Christ risen from death, and is become the first fruits of them
that slept. For by a man came death, and by a man came resurrection of
death. For as by Adam all die: even so by Christ, shall all be made
alive, and every man in his own order: The first is Christ, then they
that are Christi's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he hath
delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all
rule, authority, and power. For he must rule till he have put all his
enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all
things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him,
it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under
him. When all things are subdued unto him: then shall the son also
himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may
be all in all things. Other else what do they which are baptised over
the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they baptised over the
dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? by our rejoicing which I
have in Christ Iesu our lord, I die daily. That I have fought with
beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men, what advantageth it me, if
the dead rise not again? Let us eat and drink, tomorrow we shall die.
Be not deceived: malicious speakings corrupt good manners. Awake truly
out of sleep, and sin not. For some have not the knowledge of God. I
speak this unto your rebuke.
But some man will say: how shall the dead arise? with what body shall
they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest, is not quickened except
it die. And what sowest thou? Thou sowest not that body that shall be:
but bare corn (I mean either of wheat, or of some other) and God giveth
it a body at his pleasure, to every seed a several body.
All flesh is not one manner of flesh: but there is one manner flesh of
men, another manner flesh of beasts, another manner flesh of fishes,
and another of birds. There are celestial bodies, and there are bodies
terrestrial: But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of
the terrestrial is another. There is one manner glory of the sun, and
another glory of the moon, an another glory of the stars. For one star
differeth from another in glory. So is the resurrection of the dead. It
is sown in corruption, and riseth in incorruption. It is sown in
dishonour, and riseth in honour. It is sown in weakness, and riseth in
power. It is sown a natural body, and riseth a spiritual body.
There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. as it is
written: The first man Adam was made a living soul: and the last Adam
was made a quickening spirit: but that is not first which is spiritual:
but that which is natural, and then that which is spiritual. The first
man is of the earth, earthy: The second man is from heaven, heavenly.
As is the earthy, such are they that are earthy: And as is the
heavenly, such are they that are heavenly. And as we have born the
image of the earthy, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly.
This say I brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of
God. Neither doth corruption inherit uncorruption. Behold I shew a
mystery unto you: we shall not all sleep: but we shall all be changed,
and that in a moment, and in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of
the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall blow, and the dead shall rise
incorruptible: And we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put
on incorruptibility: and this mortal must put on immortality.
When this corruptible hath put on incorruptibility: and this mortal
hath put on immortality: then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written: Death is consumed into victory. Death where is thy sting?
Hell where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin.
The strength of sin is the law: But thanks be unto God, which hath
given us victory thorow our lord Iesus Christ. Therefore my dear
brethren, be ye steadfast and unmoveable, always rich in the works of
the lord, forasmuch as ye know how that your labour is not in vain in
the lord.
The .xvj. Chapter.
Of the gathering for the saints, as I have ordained in the
congregations of Galacia, even so do ye. In some saboth day let every
one of you put aside at home, and lay up whatsoever he thinketh meet,
that there be no gatherings when I come. When I am come, whosoever ye
shall allow by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality
unto Ierusalem. And if it be meet that I go, they shall go with me. I
will come unto you after I have gone over Macedonia. For I will go
thorowout Macedonia. With you peradventure I will abide a while: or
else winter, that ye may bring me on my way whithersoever I go.
I will not see you now in my passage: but I trust to abide a while with
you, if God shall suffer me. I will tarry at Ephesus until witsontide:
For a great door and a fruitful is opened unto me: and there are many
adversaries. If Timotheus come, see that he be without fear with you.
For he worketh the work of the lord as I do. Let no man despise him:
but convey him forth in peace, that he may come unto me. For I look for
him with the brethren.
To speak of brother Apollo: I greatly desired him to come unto you with
the brethren, but his mind was not at all to come at this time. He will
come when he shall have convenient time. Watch ye, stand fast in the
faith, quit you like men, and be strong. Let all your business be done
in love.
Brethren (ye know the house of Stephana how that they are the first
fruits of Achaia, and that they have appointed themselves to minister
unto the saints:) I beseech you that ye be obedient unto such, and to
all that help and labour. I am glad of the coming of Stephana,
Fortunatus, and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they
have supplied. They have comforted my spirit and yours. Look therefore
that ye know them that are such.
The congregations of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you
much in the lord, and so doeth the congregation that is in their house.
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. The
salutation of me Paul with mine own hand: If any man love not the lord
Iesus Christ, the same be anathema maranatha. The faveour of the lord
Iesus Christ be with you all. My love be with you all in Christ Iesu,
Amen.
The pistle unto the Corrinthyans sent from Philippos, By Stephana, and
Fortunatus, and Acaichus, and Timotheus.
The second pistel of S. Paul to the Corrinthians
The first Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesus Christ by the will of God, and brother
Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of God, which is at Corinthum, with all the
saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be with you and peace from God
our father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus the Christ, father of
mercy, and the God of all comfort, which comforteth us in all our
tribulation, insomuch that we are able to comfort them which are
troubled, in whatsoever tribulation it be, with the same comfort
wherewith we our selves are comforted of God. For as the afflictions of
Christ are plenteous in us: even so is our consolation plenteous by
Christ.
Whether we be troubled for your consolation, and health, which health
sheweth her power in that ye suffer the same afflictions which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted for your consolation and health: yet
our hope is steadfast for you inasmuch as we know how that as ye have
your part in afflictions, so shall ye be part takers of consolation.
Brethren I would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which happened
unto us in Asia. For we were grieved out of measure passing strength,
so greatly that we despaired even of life. Also we received an answer
of death in ourselves, and that was done because we should not put our
trust in ourselves: but in God, which raiseth the dead to life again:
Which delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, on whom we
trust, that yet hereafter he will deliver us, by the help of your
prayer for us: That by the means of many occasions, thanks may be given
of many on our behalf, For the grace given unto us.
Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we with
out doubleness, but with godly pureness: not in fleshly wisdom, but by
the grace of God, have had our conversation in the world, and most of
all to youwards. We write no other things unto you, than that ye read
and also know. Yee and I trust ye shall find us unto the end even as ye
have found us partly, for we are your rejoicing, even as ye are ours in
the day of the lord Iesus.
And in this confidence was I minded the other time to have come unto
you (that ye might have had a double pleasure,) and to have passed by
you into Macedonia, and to have come again out of Macedonia unto you,
and to have been led forth to Iewryward of you.
When I thuswise was minded: Did I use lightness? Or think I carnally
those things which I think? that with me should be yea yea, and nay
nay. God is faithful: For our preaching unto you, was not yea and nay.
For God's son Iesus Christ which was preached among you by us (that is
to say by me and Silvanus and Thimotheus) was not yea and nay: but in
him it was Yea: For all the promises of God, in him are Yea: and are in
him Amen, unto the laud of God thorow us. It is God which stablisheth
us and you in Christ, and hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us,
and hath given the earnest of the spirit into our hearts.
I call God for a record unto my soul, that for to favor you with all, I
came not any more unto Corinthum. Not that we be lords over your faith:
but helpers of your joy. For by faith ye stand.
The .ij. Chapter.
But I determined this in myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness. For if I make you sorry: who is it that should make me glad,
but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same pistel
unto you, lest if I came, I should take heaviness of them, of whom I
ought to rejoice. Certainly this confidence have I in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all. For in great affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote unto you with many tears: not to make you sorry, but that ye
might perceive the love which I have most specially unto you.
If any man hath caused sorrow, the same hath not made me sorry: but
partly, lest I should grieve you all. It is sufficient unto the same
man that he was rebuked of many. So that now contrarywise ye ought to
forgive him and comfort him: lest that same should be swallowed up with
overmuch heaviness. Wherefore I exhort you, that love may have strength
over him. For this cause verily did I write, that I might know the
proof of you, whether ye should be obedient in all things. To whom ye
forgive any thing, I forgive also. And verily if I forgive any thing,
to whom I forgave it for your sakes forgave I it, in the room of
Christ, lest Satan should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown
unto us.
When I was come to Troada for Christ's Gospel's sake (and a great door
was opened unto me of the lord) I had no rest in my spirit, because I
found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them and went away
into Macedonia. Thanks be unto God which always giveth us the victory
in Christ, and openeth the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God the sweet savor of Christ, both among them that are
saved, and also among them which perish: to the one part are we the
savor of death unto death: unto the other part are we the savor of life
unto life. And who is meet unto these things? For we are not as many
are which chop and change with the word of God: but as they which speak
of pureness, and as they which speak off God in the sight of God, so
speak we in Christ.
The .iij. Chapter.
We begin to praise ourselves again. Need we as some other of pistels of
recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation from you? Ye are
our pistel written in our hearts, which is understood and read of all
men, in that ye are known, how that ye are the pistel of Christ,
ministered by us and written, not with ink: but with the spirit of the
living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.
Such trust have we thorow Christ to Godward, not that we are sufficient
of ourselves to think any thing as it were of ourselves: but our
ableness cometh of God, which hath made us able to minister the new
testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit: For the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
If the ministration of death thorow the letters figured in stones was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not behold the face of
Moses for the glory of countenance (which glory nevertheless is done
away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be much more
glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious: much more
doth the administration of righteousness exceed in glory. For no doubt
that which was there glorified is not once glorified in respect of this
exceeding glory. Then if that which is destroyed was glorious, much
more shall that which remaineth be glorious.
Seeing then that we have such trust we use great boldness, and do not
as Moses, which put a veil over his face that the children of Israell
should not see for what purpose that served which is put away. But
their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same
covering untaken away in the old testament when they read it, which in
Christ is put away: But even unto this day, when Moses is read the veil
hangeth before their hearts. Nevertheless when they turn to the lord,
the veil shall be taken away. The lord no doubt is a spirit. And where
the spirit of the lord is, there is liberty. And now the lordis glory
appeareth in us all, as in a glass: and we are changed unto the same
similitude, from glory to glory, even of the lord which is a spirit.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Therefore seeing that we have such an office, even as mercy is come on
us, we faint not: but have cast from us the cloaks of unhonesty, and
walk not in craftiness, neither corrupt we the word of God: but walk in
open truth, and report ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight
of God.
If our Gospell be yet hid, it is hid among them that are lost, in whom
the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest should shine unto them the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
which is the image of God, for we preach not ourselves, but Christ
Iesus the lord, and preach ourselves your servants for Iesus' sake. For
it is God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which hath
shined in our hearts, for to give the light of knowledge of the
glorious God, in the face of Iesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellent power
of it might appear to be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on
every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in poverty: but not
utterly without somewhat. We are persecuted: but are not forsaken. We
are cast down: nevertheless we perish not. And we always bear in our
bodies the dying of the lord Iesus, that the life of Iesu might appear
in our bodies. For we which live, are always delivered unto death for
Iesus' sake, that the life also of Iesu might appear in our mortal
flesh. So then death worketh in us, and life in you. Seeing then that
we have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written (I
believed and therefore have I spoken) we also believe, and therefore
speak. For we know that he which raised up the lord Iesus, shall raise
up us also by the means of Iesus, and shall set us with you, for all
things I do for your sakes, that the plenteous grace by thanks given of
many, may redound to the praise of God.
Wherefore we are not wearied, but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day. For our exceeding tribulation,
which is momentary and light, prepareth an exceeding, and eternal
weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things which are
seen, but on the things which are not seen. For things which are seen,
are temporal: but things which are not seen are eternal.
The .v. Chapter.
We know surely if our earthy mansion wherein we now dwell were
destroyed, that we have a building ordained of God, an habitation not
made with hands, but eternal in heaven: And herefore sigh we, desiring
to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: if it happen that
we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in this
tabernacle, we sigh and are grieved: for we would not be unclothed: but
would be clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. He
that hath ordained us for this thing, is God: which very same hath
given unto us the earnest of the spirit.
We are always of good cheer, and know well that as long as we are at
home in the body we are absent from God. For we walk in faith and see
not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and had lever to be absent
from the body and to be present with God. Wherefore we endeavor
ourselves, whether we be at home or from home, to please God. For we
must all be brought before the judgement seat of Christ that every man
may receive the works of his body according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad? Seeing then that we know how the lord is to
be feared, we fare fair with men. For we are known well enough unto
God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences.
We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to
rejoice of us, that ye may have somewhat against them, which rejoice in
the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too fervent, to God are we
to fervent: if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the
love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be dead
for all, that then are all dead, and that he died for all, because that
they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves: but unto
him which died for them and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. Insomuch that
though we have known Christ after the flesh, now henceforth know we him
so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
Nevertheless all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto
himself by Iesus Christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach
the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the
world and him self, and imputed not their sins unto them: and hath
committed to us the preaching of the atonement.
Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ: even as though God
did beseech you thorow us: So pray we you in Christe's stead, that ye
be at one with God: for he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew
no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which before
God is allowed.
The .vj. Chapter.
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that ye receive not the grace of
God in vain. For he saith: I have heard thee in a time accepted: and in
the day of health, have I succoured thee. Behold now is that well
accepted time: behold now is the day of health. Let us give no man
occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all
things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in stripes,
in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watch, in fasting, in pureness,
in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the holy ghost, in love
unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness of the right hand and on the left hand, in honour and
dishonour, in evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true,
as unknown, and yet known: as dying and behold we yet live: as
chastened and not killed: as sorrowing and yet alwaye merry: as poor
and yet make many rich: as having no thing and yet possessing all
things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is made large:
ye are not brought into cumbrance by us, though that ye vex yourselves
of a true meaning. I speake unto you as unto children, which have like
reward with us: Stretch yourselves therefore out. bear not the yoke
with the unbelievers. For what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? What company hath light with darkness? What concord
hath Christ with beliall? Either what part hath he that believeth with
an infidel? how agreeth the temple of God with images? And ye are the
temple of the living God, as said God: I will dwell among them, and
walk among them, and will be their God: and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and separate yourselves (saith the
lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you, and will be
a father unto you, and ye shall be unto me sons and daughters, saith
the lord almighty.
The .vij. Chapter.
Seeing that we have such promises derely beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and grow up to
full holiness in the fear of God. Understand us: we have hurt no man:
we have corrupted no man: we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to
condemn you: for I have shewed you before that ye are in our hearts to
die and live with you. I am very bold over you, and rejoice greatly in
you. I am filled with comfort, my joy exceeding in all our
tribulations. For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no
rest, but we were troubled on every side: Outward was fighting, inward
was fear. Nevertheless he that comforteth the abject, comforted us at
the coming of Titus.
And not with his coming only: but also with the consolation wherewith
he was comforted of you. For he told us your desire, your mourning,
your fervent mind to meward: So that I now rejoice the more. Wherefore
though I made you sorry with a letter I repent not: though I did
repent. For I perceive that that same Epistle made you sorry though it
were but for a season. But I now rejoice, not that ye were sorry, but
that ye so sorrowed, that ye repented. For ye sorrowed godly: so that
in nothing were ye hurt by us. For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto
health, not to be repented of: when worldly sorrow causeth death.
Behold what diligence this godly sorrow that ye took hath wrought in
you: yee it caused you to clear yourselves. It caused indignation, it
caused fear, it caused desire, it caused a fervent mind, it caused
punishment. For in all things ye have shewed yourselves that ye were
clear in that business. Wherefore though I have written unto you, I did
it not for his cause that did hurt, neither for his cause that was
hurt: but that our good mind which we have toward you in the sight of
God, might appear unto you.
Therefore we are comforted, because ye are comforted: yee and
exceedingly the more joyed we, for the joy that Titus had: because his
spirit was refreshed of you all. I am therefore not now ashamed, though
I boasted myself to him of you. For as all things which I preached unto
you are true, even so is our boasting, that I boasted myself to Titus
with all, found true. And now is his inward affection more abundant
toward you, when he remembereth the obedience of every one of you: how
with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice that I may be bold
over you in all things.
The .viij. Chapter.
I do you to wit brethren of the grace of God, which is given in the
congregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance of their rejoicing
is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And how that their
poverty, though it be deep, yet hath followed over, and is be come unto
them riches in singleness. For to their powers (I bear them record) yee
and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, and
prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and
suffer them to be part takers with other in ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves
first to the lord, and after unto us by the will of God: so that we
could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same benevolence among you
also, even as he had begun.
Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parts, in faith, in word, in
knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have to us: even
so see that ye be plenteous in this benevolence. This say I not as
commanding: but because other are so fervent, therefore prove I your
love, whether it be perfect or no. Ye know the liberality of our lord
Iesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet for your sakes became
poor: that ye thorow his poverty might be made rich.
And I give counsel hereto: For this is expedient for you, which began,
not to do only: but also to will, a year ago. Now therefore perform the
deed, that as there was in you a readiness to will, even so ye may
perform the deed, of that which ye have. For if there be first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not
according to that he hath not.
It is not my mind that other be set at ease, and ye brought into
cumbrance: but that there be egalness. Let your abundance succour their
lack at this present time of dearth: that their abundance may supply
your lack: that there may be equality, agreeing to that which is
written: He that gathered much had never the more abundance, and he
that gathered little, had nevertheless. Thanks be unto God, which put
in the heart of Titus the same good mind toward you. For he accepted
our request. yee rather he was so well willing, that of his own accord
came unto you.
We have sent with him that brother whose laud is in the gospel thorow
out all the congregations: and not so only, but is also chosen of the
congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey, as concerning this
benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the lord, and
to stir up your prompt mind. And this we eschew that any man should
rebuke us in this abundance, that is ministered by us, and make
provision for honest things, not in the sight of God only, but also in
the sight of men.
We have sent with them a brother of ours whom we have oft times proved
diligent in many things, but now much more diligent. The great
confidence which I have in you hath caused me this to do: partly for
Titus' sake which is my fellow, and helper as concerning you: partly
because of other which are our brethren, and the messengers of the
congregations, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew unto them the
proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you, that the
congregations may see it.
The .ix. Chapter.
Of the ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to write
unto you: for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself
unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared a year ago,
and your ferventness hath provoked many. Nevertheless yet have I sent
these brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this
behalf, and that ye (as I have said) prepare yourselves, lest
peradventure if they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared,
the boast that I made in this matter should be a shame to us: I say not
unto you.
Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to come before
hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that
it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding. This
yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap little: and
he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. And let every man do
according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of
necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver.
God is able to make you rich in all grace, that ye in all things having
sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all manner good works, as
it is written: He that sparse abroad and hath given to the poor, his
righteousness remaineth for ever. He that findeth the sower seed, shall
minister bread for food, and shall multiply your seed, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness that on all parts, ye may be made rich in
all singleness, which causeth thorow us, thanks giving unto God.
For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the
saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable
ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God for
the obedience in knowledging the gospel of Christ, and for your
singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men. and in their
prayers to God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of God
given unto you. Thanks be unto God for his ineffable gift.
The .x. Chapter.
I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and softness of Christ, which
when I am present among you, am of no reputation, but am bold toward
you being absent. I beseech you that I need not to be bold when I am
present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am supposed to be bold)
against some which repute us as though we walked carnally. Nevertheless
though we walk compassed with the flesh, yet we war not fleshly. For
the weapons of our war are not carnal things, but things mighty in God
to cast down strongholds, wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bring into captivity all understanding to the obedience of Christ, and
are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is
fulfilled. Look ye on things after the utter appearance.
If any man trust in himself that he is Christi's, let the same also
consider of himself, that as he is Christi's, even so are we Christe's.
And though I should boast myself somewhat more of our authority which
the lord hath given us to edify and not to destroy you, it should not
be to my shame. This say I, lest I should seem as though I went about
to make you afraid with letters. For the pistels (saith he) are sore
and strong: but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech homely. Let
him that is such think on this wise, that as we are in words by letters
when we are absent, such are we in deeds when we are present.
For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of
them, or to compare ourselves to them, which laud themselves: but while
they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with
themselves, they understand nought. But we will not rejoice above
measure: but according to the quantity of the measure which God hath
distributed unto us, a measure that reacheth even unto you. For we
stretch not out ourselves beyond measure as though we had not reached
unto you. For even unto you have we come with the gospel of Christ, and
we boast not ourselves out of measure in other men's labors: yee and we
hope, When your faith is increased among you, to be magnified according
to our measure more largely: And to preach the gospel in those regions
which are beyond you: and not to rejoice of that which is by another
man's measure prepared all ready. Let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in
the lord. For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed: but he whom the
lord praiseth.
The .xj. Chapter.
Would to God, ye could suffer me a little in my foolishness: yee, and I
pray you forbear me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin to Christ: But I
fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve, thorow his subtlety, even so
your wits should be corrupt from the singleness that is in Christ. For
if he that cometh to you preach another Iesus than him whom we
preached: or if ye receive another spirit than that which ye have
received: either another gospel than that ye have received, ye might
right well have been content.
I suppose that I was not behind the chief Apostles. Though I be rude in
speaking, yet I am not so in knowledge. How be it among you we are
known to the utmost what we are in all things. Did I therein sin,
because I submitted myself, that ye might be exalted? and because I
preached the gospel to you free? I robbed other congregations, and took
wages of them, to do you service with all. And when I was present with
you and had need, I was grievous to no man. For that which was lacking
unto me, the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all
things I kept myself that I should not be grievous to you: and so will
I keep myself.
If the truth of Christ be in me, this rejoicing shall not be taken from
me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God
knoweth. Nevertheless what I do, that will I do to cut away occasion
from them which desire occasion, that they might be found like unto us
in that wherein they rejoice: For these false apostles are deceitful
workers, and fashion them selves like unto the Apostles of Christ. And
no marvel, for Satan himself is changed into the fashion of an angel of
light. Therefore it is no great thing, though his ministers fashion
themselves as though they were the ministers of righteousness: whose
end shall be according to their deeds.
I say again lest any man think that I am foolish: or else even now take
me as a fool, that I may boast myself a little. That I speak, I speak
it not after the ways of the lord: but as it were foolishly, while we
are now come to boasting. Seeing that many rejoice after the flesh I
will rejoice also. For ye suffer fools gladly because that ye
yourselves are wise. For ye suffer even if a man bring you into
bondage: if a man devour: if a man take: if a man exalt himself: if a
man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning rebuke, as though we
had been weak.
Whereinsoever any man dare be bold (I speak foolishly) I dare be bold
also. They are Hebrews, so am I: They are Israelites, even so am I:
They are the seed of Abraham, even so am I. They are the ministers of
Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more: In labors more abundant: In
stripes above measure: In prison more plenteously: In death often. Of
the Iewes five times received I every time xl. stripes, one except.
Thrice was I beaten with rods. I was once stoned. I suffered thrice
shipwreck. Night and day have I been in the deep of the sea. In
journeying often: In perils of waters In perils of robbers. In
jeopardies of mine own nation: In jeopardies among the heathen. I have
been in perils in cities, in perils in wilderness, in perils in the
sea, in perils among false brethren, in labour and travail, in watching
often, in hunger, in thirst, in fastings often, in cold and in
nakedness.
Beside the things which outwardly happen unto me, I am cumbered daily
and do care for all congregations. Who is sick: and I am not sick? Who
is hurt in the faith: and my heart burneth not? If I must needs
rejoice, I will rejoice of mine infirmities.
God the father of our lord Iesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore,
knoweth that I lie not. In the city of Damaschon, the governor of the
people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of the Damascens, and
would have caught me, and at a window was I let down in a basket thorow
the wall, and so escaped his hands.
The .xij. Chapter.
It is not expedient for me no doubt to rejoice, Nevertheless I will
come to visions and revelations of the lord. I know a man in Christ
above xiiij years agone (whether he were in the body I cannot tell, or
whether he were out of the body I cannot tell, God knoweth) which was
taken up into the third heaven. And I know the same man (whether in the
body, or out of the body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how that he was
taken up into paradise, and heard words not to be spoken, which no man
can utter. Of this man will I rejoice, of myself will I not rejoice,
except it be of mine infirmities: and yet though I would rejoice I
should not be a fool: for I would say the truth. Nevertheless I spare,
lest any man should think of me above that he seeth me to be, or
heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted out of measure thorow the abundance of
revelations, there was given unto me of God unquietness of the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me: because I should not be exalted
out of measure. For this thing besought I the lord thrice, that it
might depart from me: and he said unto me: my grace is sufficient for
thee. For my strength is made perfect thorow weakness. Very gladly
therefore will I rejoice of my weakness, that the strength of Christ
may dwell in me. Therefore have I delectation in infirmities, in
rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in anguish, for Christi's sake. For
when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am made a fool in boasting myself. Ye have compelled me: I ought to
have been commended of you. For in nothing was I inferior unto the
chief apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an apostle were
wrought among you with all patience: with signs, and wonders, and
mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferiors unto other
congregations? except it be therein that I was not grievous unto you.
Forgive me this wrong done unto you. Behold now the third time I am
ready to come unto you, neither will I be grievous unto you. For I seek
not yours but you. Also the children ought not to lay up for the
fathers and mothers: but the fathers and mothers for the children.
I will very gladly bestow, and will be bestowed for your souls: though
the more I love you, the less I am loved again. But be it that I
grieved you not: nevertheless I was crafty and took you with guile. Did
I pill you by any of them which I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and
with him I sent a brother: Did Titus defraud you of any thing? walked
we not in one spirit? walked we not in like steps? Again, think ye that
we excuse ourselves? we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
But we do all things dearly beloved for your edifying. For I fear lest
it come to pass, that when I come, I shall not find you such as I
would: and I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: I fear lest
there be found among you lawynge, envying, wrath, strife, backbitings,
whisperings, swellings, and debate. I fear lest when I come again, God
bring me low among you, and I be constrained to bewail many of them
which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness,
and fornication, and wantonness which they have committed.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Now come I the third time unto you: in the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word stand. I told you before, and tell you
before, as I said when I was present with you the second time, so write
I now being absent to them which in time past have sinned, and to all
other: If I come again, I will not spare seeing that ye seek experience
of Christ which speaketh in me, which among you is not weak, but is
mighty in you. And verily though it came of weakness that he was
crucified, yet liveth he thorow the power of God: and we no doubt are
weak in him: but we shall live with him, by the might that God gave us
to youward.
Prove yourselves whether ye are in the faith or not. Examine your own
selves: know ye not your own selves, how that Iesus Christ is in you?
except ye be castaways. I trust that ye shall know that we are not
castaways. I desire before God that ye do none evil, not that we should
seem commendable: but that ye should do, that which is honest: and let
us be counted as lewd persons. We can do nothing against the truth, but
for the truth. We are glad when we are weak, and ye strong. This also
we wish for, even that ye were perfect. Therefore write I these things
being absent, lest when I am present I should use sharpness according
to the power which the lord hath given me, to edify, and not to
destroy.
Furthermore brethren fare ye well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be
of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace, shall be
with you. Greet one another in an holy kiss. All the saints salute you.
The faveour of our lord Iesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the holy ghost, be with you all Amen
The second pistle to the Corinthians. Sent from Phillippos a citie in
Macedonia by Titus and Lucas.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Galathians.
The first Chapter.
Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Iesus Christ, and
by God the father which raised him from death, and all the brethren
which are with me.
Unto the congregations of Galacia. Grace be with you and peace from God
the father, and from our lord Iesus Christ, which gave himself for our
sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, thorow the will of
God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the
grace of Christ, unto another gospell, which is nothing else, but that
there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospell of
Christ. Nevertheless though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospell unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, hold him as accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any
man preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold
him accursed. Seek I now the faveour {or doctrine} of men, or of God?
Other go I about to please men? If I studied to please men, I were not
the servant of Christ.
I certify you brethren, that the gospell which was preached of me, was
not after the manner of men, neither received I it of man, neither was
I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Iesus Christ. Ye have
heard of my conversation in times past in the Iewes' ways, how that
beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it:
and prevailed in the jewes' law, above many of my companions, which
were of mine own nation, and was a much more fervently maintained the
traditions of the elders.
But when it pleased God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and
called me by his grace, for to declare his son by me, that I should
preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of the matter
with flesh and blood, neither returned to Ierusalem to them which were
Apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto
Damascus. Then after three years, I returned to Ierusalem unto Peter
and abode with him xv days, no other of the Apostles saw I, save Iames
the lord's brother. The things which I write, behold, God knoweth I lie
not.
After that I went into the coasts of Siria and Cicill: and was unknown
as touching my person unto the congregations of Iewry, which were in
Christ. But they heard only, that he which persecuted us in time past,
now preacheth the faith, which before he destroyed. And they glorified
God in me.
The second Chapter.
Then xiiij. years there after, I went up again to Ierusalem with
Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Yee, and I went up by
revelation, and commended with them of the gospell, which I preach
among the gentiles: but apart with them that are counted chief, lest it
should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. Also
Titus which was with me, though he were a greek, yet was not compelled
to be circumcised, and that because of incomers being false brethren,
which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Iesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave no
room, no not for the space of an hour, as concerning to be brought into
subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospell might
continue with you.
Of them which seemed to be great (what they were in time passed it
maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person) nevertheless
they which seem great, added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they
saw that the gospell over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as
the gospell over circumcision was unto Peter (For he that was mighty in
Peter in the Apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in
me among the gentiles:) and as soon as Iames, Cephas, and Ihon, which
seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they
gave to me and Barnabas their hands, and agreed with us that we should
preach among the heathen, and they among the Iewes: warning only that
we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do.
When Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face, for he was
worthy to be blamed. For yer that certain came from Iames, he ate with
the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated
himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision, and the other
Iewes dissembled likewise, In so much that Barnabas was brought into
their simulation also. But when I saw that they went not the right way
after the truth of the gospell, I said unto Peter, before all men, if
thou being a Iewe, livest after the manner of the gentiles, and not as
do the Iewes: why causest thou the gentiles to follow the Iewes? we
which are Iewes by nature and not sinners of the gentiles, know that a
man is not justified by the deeds of the law: but by the faith of Iesus
Christ: and we have believed on Iesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ and not by the deeds of the law:
because that no flesh shall be justified by the deeds of the law: If
then while we seek to be made righteous by Christ, we ourselves are
found sinners, is not then Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For
if I build again that which I destroyed, then make I my self a
trespasser. But I thorow the law am dead to the law, that I might live
unto God. I am crucified with Christ. I live verily, yet now not I, but
Christ liveth in me. The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by
the faith of the son of God, which loved me, and gave himself for me. I
despise not the grace of God: For if righteousness come of the law,
then is Christ dead in vain.
The .iij. Chapter.
O foolish Galatians: who hath bewitched you, that ye should not believe
the truth? to whom Iesus Christ was described before the eyes, and
among you crucified? This only would I learn of you, received ye the
spirit by the deeds of the law? or else by preaching of the faith? Are
ye so unwise, that after ye have begun in the spirit, ye would now end
in the flesh? So many things ye have suffered in vain. If it be so that
ye have suffered in vain. Which ministered to you the spirit, and
worketh miracles among you doth he it thorow the deeds of the law? or
by preaching of the faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was
ascribed to him for righteousness. Understand therefore, that they
which are of faith, are the children of Abraham.
The scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen thorow
faith, and shewed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: In thee shall
all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith, are blessed
with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law,
are under malediction. For it is written: cursed is every man that
continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
to fulfil them. That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God
is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith:
but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live
in them. Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was
made a cursed for us (for it is written: Cursed is everyone that
hangeth on tree) that the blessing of Abraham might come on the
gentiles thorow Iesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the
spirit thorow faith.
Brethren I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's
testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth any thing thereto when it
is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He
saith not, in thy seeds as in many: But in thy seed, as in one, which
is Christ. This I say that the law which began afterward, beyond iiij.
C. and xxx. years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed
of God unto Christward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the
inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it
unto Abraham by promise.
Wherefore then serveth the law? The law was added because of
transgression (till the seed came to which the promise was made) and it
was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. A mediator is not a
mediator of one. But God is one. Is the law then against the promise of
God? God forbid. If there had been a law given which could have given
life: then no doubt righteousness should have come by the law: but the
scripture concluded all things under sin, that the promise by the faith
of Iesus Christ, should be given unto them that believe. Before that
faith came, we were kept and shut up under the law, unto the faith
which should afterward be declared.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto the time of Christ, that we
might be made righteous by faith. But after that faith is come, now are
we no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the sons of God, by
the faith which is in Christ Iesus. For all ye that are baptised, have
put Christ on you. Now is there no Iewe, neither greek: there is
neither bond, neither free: there is neither man, neither woman: for
all are one thing in Christ Iesu. If ye be Christe's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs by promise.
The .iiij. Chapter.
And I say that the heir as long as he is a child differeth not from a
servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors,
until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, as long as we were
children, were in bondage under the ordinances of the world: But when
the time was full come, God sent his son born of a woman, and made bond
unto the law, to redeem them which were under the law: that we thorow
election should receive the inheritance that belongeth unto the natural
sons. Because ye are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son into our
hearts, which crieth Abba father. Wherefore now art thou not a servant,
but a son. If thou be the son, thou art also the heir of God thorow
Christ.
Notwithstanding, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which
by nature were no goddes: But now seeing ye know God (yee rather are
known of God) how is it that ye turn again unto the weak and beggarly
ceremonies, whereunto again ye desire afresh to be in bondage? Ye
observe the days, and months, and times, and years. I fear of you, lest
I have bestowed on you labour in vain.
Brethren I beseech you, be ye as I am: for I am as ye are. Ye have not
hurt me. Ye know well how that thorow infirmity of the flesh, I
preached the gospell unto you at the first: and my temptation which I
suffered by reason of my flesh, ye despised not, neither abhorred: but
received me as an Angel of God: yee as Christ Iesus. How happy were ye
then? for I bear you record that if it had been possible, ye would have
digged out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I so greatly
become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
They are jealous over you amiss. Yee they intend to exclude you that ye
should be fervent to themward. It is good always to be fervent, so it
be in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
My little children (of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be
fashioned in you) I would I were with you now, and could change my
voice, for I stand in a doubt of you. Tell me ye that desire to be
under the law: have ye not heard of the law? For it is written that
Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman.
Yee and he which was of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh: but he
which was of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken
mystery. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount
Sina, which gendreth unto bondage, which is Agar. (For mount Sinai is
called Agar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now
Ierusalem) and is in bondage with her children.
But Ierusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all.
For it is written: rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break
forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many
more children, than she which hath an husband. Brethren we are after
the manner of Isaac children of promise: But as then he that was born
carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually, Even so is it now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture: Cast a way the bondwoman and her
son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the
free woman. So then brethren we are not children of the bondwoman: but
of the freewoman.
The .v. Chapter.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and wrap not yourselves again in the yoke of bondage. Be hold I Paul
say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you
nothing at all. I testify again to every man which is circumcised that
he is bound to keep the whole law. Ye are gone quite from Christ as
many as are justified by the law, and are fallen from grace. We look
for and hope to be justified by the spirit which commeth of faith. For
in Iesu Christ, neither is circumcision anything worth, neither yet
uncircumcision, but faith which by love is mighty in operation. Ye did
run well. Who was a lett unto you, that ye should not obey the truth?
Even that counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven
doth leaven the whole lump of dough.
I have trust toward you in God, that ye will be none otherwise minded.
He that troubleth you shall bear his judgement, whatsoever he be.
Brethren if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet suffer
persecution? For then had the offense which the cross giveth ceased. I
would to God they were sundered from you which trouble you. Brethren ye
were called into liberty, only let not your liberty be an occasion unto
the flesh but in love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled
in one word, which is this: Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself.
If ye bite and devour one another: take heed lest ye be consumed one of
another.
I say walk in the spirit, and fulfil not the lusts of the flesh. For
the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to
the flesh. These are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot do
that which ye would. But and if ye be led of the spirit, then are ye
not under the law. The deeds of the flesh are manifest, which are
these, advoutry, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, lawyinge, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, parte
takings, envying, murder, drunkenness, gluttony, and such like: of the
which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they
which commit such things shall not be inheritors the kingdom of God:
but the fruit of [the] spirit is, love, joy, peace, longsuffering
gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperancy: Against such
there is no law. They that are Christi's, have crucified the flesh with
the appetites and lusts. If we live in the spirit let us walk in the
spirit. Let us not be vain glorious, provoking one another, and envying
one another.
The .vj. Chapter.
Brethren, if any man be fallen by chance into any fault: ye which are
spiritual, help to amend him, in the spirit of meekness: considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burden: and
so fulfil the law of Christ. If a man seem to himself that he is
somewhat when indeed he is nothing, the same deceiveth himself in his
imagination. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have
rejoicing in his own self, and not in another. For every man shall bear
his own burden.
Let him that is taught in the word, minister unto him that teacheth him
in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he reap. He that soweth in his flesh, shall of
the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth in the spirit shall, of
the spirit reap life everlasting. Let us do good, and let us not faint.
For when the time is come we shall reap without weariness. While we
have therefore time let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto
them which are of the household of faith.
Behold how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
As many as desire with utward appearance to please carnally, they
constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer
persecution with the cross of Christ. For they them selves which are
circumcised keep not the law: but desire to have you circumcised that
they might rejoice in your flesh. God forbid that I should rejoice but
in the cross of our lord Iesu Christ, whereby the world is crucified as
touching me, and I as concerning the world. For in Christ Iesu nether
circumcision availeth any thing at all nor uncircumcision: but a new
creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them,
and mercy, and upon Israhel that pertaineth to God. From hence forth,
let no man put me to business. For I bear in my body the marks of the
lord Iesu. Brethren the grace of our lord Iesu Christe be with your
spirit, Amen.
Unto the Galathyans written from Rome.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Ephesians.
The first Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesu Christ, by the will of God.
To the saints at Ephesus, and to them which believe on Iesus Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus Christ, which hath blessed
us with all manner of spiritual blessings in heavenly things by Christ,
according as he had chosen us in him thorow love, before the foundation
of the world was laid, that we should be saints, and without blame in
his sight. And ordained us before unto him self that we should be
chosen to heirs thorow Iesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his
will, to the praise of his glorious grace, where with he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
By whom we have redemption thorow his blood, that is to say the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, which grace
he shed on us abundantly in all wisdom, and prudency. And hath opened
unto us the mystery of his will according to his pleasure, and purposed
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come,
that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the
things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ:
that is to say in him in whom we are made heirs, and were thereto
predestinate according to the purpose of him which worketh all things
after the purpose of his own will: that we should be unto the praise of
his glory, which before hoped in Christ.
In whom also ye (after that ye heard the word of truth, I mean the
gospell of your health, wherein ye believed) were sealed with the holy
spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem
the possession purchased unto the laud of his glory.
Wherefore even I (after that I heard of the faith which ye have in the
lord Iesu, and love unto all the saints) cease not to give thanks for
you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our lord
Iesus Christ, and the father of glory, might give unto you the spirit
of wisdom, and open to you the knowledge of himself, and lighten the
eyes of your minds, that ye might know what thing that hope is,
whereunto he hath called you, and how glorious the riches of his
inheritance is upon the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of
his power to usward, which believe according to the working of that his
mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from
death, and set him on his right hand in heavenly things, above all
rule, power, and might, and domination, and above all names that are
named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come. And hath
put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things, the
head of the congregation, which is his body, and fullness of him, that
filleth all in all things.
The .ij. Chapter.
And hath quickened you also that were dead in trespass and sin, in the
which in time passed ye walked, according to the course of this world,
and after the governor, that ruleth in the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of unbelief, among which we also had our
conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the
will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of
wrath, even as well as other.
But God which is rich in mercy thorow his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened us with Christ (For
by grace are ye saved) and with him hath raised us up, and with him
hath made us sit in heavenly things, thorow Iesus Christ, For to shew
in times to come the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to
usward, thorow Christ Iesus. For by grace are ye made safe thorow
faith, and that not of your selves: For it is the gift of God, and
cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Iesu unto good works, unto the which God
ordained us before, that we should walk in them.
Wherefore remember that ye being in time past gentiles in the flesh,
and were called uncircumcision of them which are called circumcision in
the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember I say, that ye
were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from the
common wealth of Israhel, and were fremed from the testaments of
promise, and had no hope, and were without God in this world. But now
in Christ Iesu, ye which a while ago were far off, are made nigh by the
blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken down
the wall in the midst, that was a stop between us, and hath also put
away thorow his flesh, the cause of hatred (that is to say, the law of
commandments contained in the law written,) for to make of twain one
new man in himself, so making peace: and to reconcile both unto God in
one body thorow his cross, and slew hatred thereby: and came and
preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For thorow him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the
father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners: but citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Iesus Christ being the head
cornerstone, in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto an
holy temple in the lord, in whom ye also are built together, and made
an habitation for God in the spirit.
The .iij. Chapter.
For this cause I Paul the servant of Iesus am in bonds, For your sakes
which are gentiles. If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace
of God which is given me to youward: For by revelation shewed he this
mystery unto me, as I wrote above in few words, whereby, when ye read
ye may know mine understanding in the ministry of Christ, which mystery
in times passed was not opened unto the sons of men as it is now
declared unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit: that the
gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers
of his promise that is in Christ, by the means of the gospell, whereof
I am made a minister, by the gift of the grace of God given unto me,
after the working of his power.
Unto me the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should
preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to
give light to all men, that they might know what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God
which made all things thorow Iesus Christ, to the intent, that now unto
the rulers and powers in heaven might be known by the congregation the
manyfold wisdom of God, according to that eternal purpose, which he
purposed in Christ Iesu our lord, by whom we are bold to draw nigh in
that trust, which we have by faith on him. Wherefore I desire, that ye
faint not because of mine tribulations which I suffer for you: which is
your praise.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the father of our lord Iesus Christ,
which is father over all that is called father In heaven and in earth,
that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, that ye
may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man, that
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and
grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints, what is
that breadth and length, depth and height: and to know what is the love
of Christ, which love passeth knowledge: that ye might be fulfilled
with all manner of fullness which cometh of God.
Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us, be praise in the
congregation by Iesus Christ, thorow out all generations from time to
time. Amen.
The .iiij. Chapter.
I therefore which am in bonds for the lord's sake exhort you, that ye
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all humbleness
of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another
thorow love, and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in
the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling. Let there be but one lord, one
faith, one baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all,
thorow all, and in us all.
Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith: He is gone up on high, and hath led
captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. That he ascended:
what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowest parts
of the earth? He that descended, is even the same also that ascended
up, even above all heavens, to fulfil all things.
And the very same, made some Apostles, some prophets, some Evangelists,
some Shepherds, some Teachers: that the saints might have all things
necessary to work and minister withall, to the edifying of the body of
Christ, till we everyeachone (in the unity of faith, and knowledge of
the son of God) grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age
which is in the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more
children wavering and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the
wiliness of men and craftiness, whereby they lay a wait for us to
deceive us.
But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things grow in him
which is the head, that is to say Christ, in whom all the body is
coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to
another (according to the operation as every part hath his measure) and
increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say herefore, and testify in the lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other gentiles walk, in vanities of their mind, blinded in their
understanding, being strangers from the life which is in God, thorow
the ignorancy that is in them, because of the blindness of their
hearts: which being past repentance have given themselves unto
wantonness, to work all manner of uncleanness even with greediness. But
ye have not so learned Christ, If so be ye have heard of him, and are
taught in him, even as the truth is in Iesu: so then as concerning the
conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt
thorow the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed in the spirit of your
minds, and put on that new man, which after a godly wise, is shapen in
righteousness, and true holiness. Wherefore put away lying, and speak
every man truth unto his neighbor, for as much as we are members one of
another. Be angry, but sin not: let not the son go down upon your
wrath, give no place unto the backbiter, let him that stole steal no
more, but let him rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he
may have to give unto him that needeth.
Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouths: but that which
is good to edify withall, when need is: that it may have favour with
the hearers. And grieve not the holy spirit of God, by whom ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, fierceness and
wrath, roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all
maliciousness. Be ye courteous one to another, be merciful forgiving
one another, even as God for Christe's sake forgave you.
The .v. Chapter.
Be ye followers of God as dear children, and walk in love even as
Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice
of a sweet savour to God. So that fornication, and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, be not once, named among you, as it becometh saints:
neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jestings, which
are not comely: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person (which is the
worshipper of images) hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ,
and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For thorow such things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be not therefore
companions with them. Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the
lord.
Walk as children of light. For the fruit of the spirit is, in all
goodness, righteousness, and truth. Accept that which is pleasing to
the lord: and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness:
but rather rebuke them. For it is shame even to name those things which
are done of them in secret: but all things, when they are rebuked of
the light, are manifest. For whatsoever is manifest, that same is
light. Wherefore he saith: awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from
death, and Christ shall give thee light.
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly: not as fools: but as
wise, redeeming the time: for the days are evil: wherefore, be ye not
unwise, but understand what the will of the lord is, and be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the spirit,
speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the lord in your hearts, giving thanks allways
for all things in the name of our lord Iesu Christ to God the father:
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Women submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the lord. For
the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the
congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the
congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the wives be in
subjection to their husbands in all things. Husbands love your wives,
even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to
sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water thorow the word,
to make it unto himself, a glorious congregation without spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without
blame.
So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet, hated his own flesh: But
nourisheth, and cherisheth it: even as the lord doth the congregation:
for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For
this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall continue with
his wife, and two shall be made one flesh. This is a great secret, but
I speak between Christ and the congregation. Nevertheless do ye so that
every one of you love his wife truly even as himself: And let the wife
see that she fear her husband.
The .vj. Chapter.
Children obey your fathers and mothers in the lord: for so is it right.
Honour father and mother, that is the first commandment that hath any
promise, that thou mayst be in good estate, and live long on the earth.
Fathers, move not your children to wrath: but bring them up with the
nurture and information of the lord. Servants be obedient unto your
carnal masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts,
as unto Christ: not with service in the eye sight, as men pleasers: but
as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with
good will, even as though ye served the lord, and not men. And remember
that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, that shall he receive again
of the lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye masters, do even the
same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that
even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of
person with him.
Finally, my brethren be strong in the lord, and in the power of his
might. Put on the armour of God, that ye may stand steadfast against
the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood: but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly
things.
For this cause take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to
resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things.
Stand therefore and your loins gird about with verity, having on the
breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes prepared by the
gospell of peace. Above all take to you the shield of faith, wherewith
ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
health, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and pray
always with all manner prayer and supplication: and that in the spirit:
and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints,
and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my
mought boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospell, whereof I am a
messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me
to speak.
But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do,
Tichicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the lord, shall shew
you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye
might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Peace be with the brethren, and love with faith from God the father,
and from the lord Iesu Christ. Grace be with all them which love our
lord Iesus Christ in pureness, Amen.
Sent from Rome unto the Ephesyans by Tichicus.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Philippians
The first Chapter.
Paul and Timotheus the servants of Iesu Christ. To all the saints in
Christ Iesu which are at Philippos, with the bishops and deacons.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christe.
I thank my God with all remembrance of you, always in all my prayers
for you all, and pray with gladness, because of the fellowship which ye
have in the gospell from the first day unto now, and am surely
certified of this, that he which began a good work in you shall perform
it until the day of Iesus Christ, as it becometh me so to judge of you
all, because I have you in my heart, and have you also every one
companions of grace with me, even in my bonds as I defend, and stablish
the gospell.
God beareth me record how greatly I long after you all from the very
heart root in Iesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may
increase more and more in knowledge, and in all fealing, that ye might
accept things most excellent, that ye might be pure and such as should
hurt no man's conscience, until the day of Christ, filled with the
fruits of righteousness, which fruits come by Iesus Christ unto the
glory and laud of God.
I would ye understood brethren that my business is happened unto the
greater furthering of the gospell. So that my bonds in Christ are
manifest thorow out all the judgement hall: and in all other places, In
so much that many of the brethren in the lord are boldened thorow my
bonds, and dare more largely speak the word without fear. Some there
are which preach Christ of envy and strife, and some of goodwill. The
one part preacheth Christ of strife, and not purely, supposing to add
more adversity to my bonds. The other part of love, because they see
that I am set to defend to Gospell.
What thing is this? Notwithstanding by all manner ways, whether it be
by occasion or of truth, yet Christ is preached: and therefore I joy.
Yee and will joy. For I know that this shall be for my health, thorow
your prayer, and ministering of the spirit of Iesu Christ, as I
heartily look for and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed: but
that with all confidence, as always in times past, even so now Christ
shall be magnified in my body, whether it be thorow life, or else
death. For Christ is to me life, and death is to me advantage.
If it chance me to live in the flesh, that is to me fruitful for to
work, and what to choose I wot not. I am constrained of two things: I
desire to be lowsed, and to be with Christ, which thing is best of all:
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And this am
I sure of, that I shall abide, and with you all continue, for the
furtherance and joy of your faith, that ye may more abundantly rejoice
in Iesus Christ thorow me, by my coming to you again.
Only let your conversation be, as it becometh the gospell of Christ:
that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may yet hear of
you, that ye continue in one spirit, and in one soul laboring as we do
to maintain the faith of the gospell, and in nothing fearing your
adversaries: which is to them a token of perdition, and to you a sign
of health, and that of God. For unto you it is given, that not only ye
should believe on Christ: but also suffer for his sake, and have even
the same fight which ye saw me have and now hear of me.
The .ij. Chapter.
If there be among you any consolation in Christ, if there be any
comfortable love, if there be any fellowship of the spirit, if there be
any compassion of mercy: fulfil my joy, that ye draw one way, having
one love, being of one accord, and of one mind, that nothing be done
thorow strife or vain glory, but in meekness of mind. Let every person
think every other man better than himself, so that ye consider every
man, not what is in himself: But what is in other men.
Let the same mind be in you the which was in Christ Iesu: Which being
in the shape of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God.
Nevertheless he made himself of no reputation, and took on him the
shape of a servant, and became like unto men, and was found in his
apparel as a man. He humbled himself and became obedient unto the
death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath exalted him, and
given him a name above all names: that in the name of Iesus should
every knee bow, both of things in heaven, and things in earth and
things under earth, and that all tongues should confess that Iesus
Christ is the lord unto the praise of God the father.
Wherefore my dearly beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not when I was
present only, but now much more in mine absence, even so perform your
own health with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you,
both the will and also the deed, even of good will.
Do all thinge without murmuring and disputing, that ye may be
faultless, and pure, and the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst
of a crooked, and a perverse nation, among which see that ye shine as
lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, unto my rejoicing
in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither have
laboured in vain. Yee and though I be offered up on your sacrifice and
of your serving of God in the faith: I rejoice and rejoice with you
all. For the same cause also, rejoice ye, and rejoice ye with me.
I trust in the lord Iesus for to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that
I also may be of good comfort, when I know what case ye stand in. For I
have no man that is so like minded to me, which with so pure affection
careth for your matters. For all others seek their own, and not that
which is Iesus Christe's. Ye know the proof of him, how that as a son
with the father, so with me bestowed he his labour upon the gospell.
Him I hope to send as soon as I know how it will go with me. I trust in
the lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
I supposed it necessary to send brother Epaphreditus unto you, my
companion in labour and fellowsoldier, your Apostle, and my minister at
my needs. For he longed after you, and was full of heaviness, because
that ye had heard say that he should be sick, and no doubt he was sick,
and that nigh unto death, but God had mercy on him: not on him only,
but on me also, lest I should have had sorrow upon sorrow.
I sent him therefore the diligentlier, that when ye should see him, ye
might rejoice again, and I might be the less sorrowful. Receive him
therefore in the lord with all gladness, and make much of such: because
that for the work of Christ he went so far, that he was nigh unto
death, and regarded not his life, to fulfil that service which was
lacking on your part toward me.
The .iij. Chapter.
Moreover brethren mine, rejoice in the lord. It grieveth me not to
write the very same things unto you. For to you it is a sure thing.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers. Beware of dissension: For we
are circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ
Iesu, and have no confidence in the flesh: though I have whereof I
might rejoice in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath
whereof he might trust in the flesh: much more I: circumcised the
eighth day, of the kindred of Israhell, of the tribe of Benjamin an
Hebrew born of the Hebrews: as concerning the law, a Pharisee, and as
concerning ferventness I persecuted the congregation, and as touching
the righteousness which is in the law I was such a one as no man could
complain on.
But the things that were winning unto me I counted loss for Christe's
sake. Yee I think all things but loss for that excellent knowledge's
sake of Christ Iesu my lord. For whom I have counted all thing loss,
and do judge them but dung, that I might win Christ, and might be found
in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law: But that
which springeth of the faith which is in Christ. I mean the
righteousness which cometh of God thorow faith in knowing him, and the
virtue of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his passions, that I
might be conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain
unto the resurrection from death.
Not as though I had all ready received it, either were all ready
perfect: but I follow, if that I may comprehend that, wherein I am
comprehended of Christ Iesu. Brethren I count not myself that I have
gotten it: but one thing I say: I forget that which is behind me, and
stretch myself unto that which is before me and press unto that mark
appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ
Iesu. Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus wise minded: and
if ye be other wise minded, I pray God open even this unto you.
Nevertheless in that whereunto we are come, let us proceed by one rule,
that we may be of one accord.
Brethren be followers of me, and look on them which walk even so, as
ye have us for an ensample. For many walk (of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you weeping) that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly and
glory to their shame, which are worldly minded. But our conversation
is in heaven, from whence we look for the saviour Iesus Christ, which
shall change into another fashion our vile bodies, that they may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Herefore brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so
continue beloved in the lord. I pray Euodias, and beseech Sintiches
that they be of one accord in the lord. Yee and I beseech thee faithful
yokefellow, help the women which laboured with me in the gospell, and
with Clement also, and with other my labourfellows, whose names are in
the book of life. Rejoice in the lord alway, and again I say rejoice.
Let your softness be known unto all men. The lord is even at hand. Be
not carefull: but in all things shew your petition unto God in prayer
and supplication with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which
passeth all understanding keep your hearts, and minds in Christ Iesu.
Furthermore brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things pertain to love, whatsoever things are of honest
report, if there be any virtuous thing, if there be any laudable thing,
those same have ye in your mind, which ye have both learned and
received, heard and also seen in me: those things do, and the God of
peace shall be with you. I rejoice in the lord greatly, that now at the
last ye are revived, and are waxed mindfull of me again in that wherein
ye were also mindfull, but ye lacked opportunity. I speak not because
of necessity. For I have learned in whatsoever estate I am, therewith
to be content. I can both cast down myself, I can also exceed.
Everywhere, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to
be hungry: to have plenty, and to suffer need. I can do all things
thorow the help of Christ, which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye
have well done, that ye bare part with me in my tribulation.
Ye of Philippos know that in the beginning of the gospell, when I
departed from Macedonia, no congregation bare part with me as
concerning giving and receiving but ye only. For when I was in
Thessalonica, ye sent once, and afterward again, unto my needs: not
that I desire gifts: but I desire abundant fruit on your part. I
received all, and have plenty. I was even filled after that I had
received of Epaphroditus, that which came from you, an odor that
smelleth sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God. My God fulfil
all your needs thorow his glorious riches in Iesu Christ.
Unto God and our father be praise for ever more Amen. Salute all the
saints in Christ Iesu. The brethren which are with me greet you. All
the saints salute you: and most of all they which are of the emperors
household. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be with you all Amen.
Sent from Rome by Epaphroditus.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Collossians
The first Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesu Christ by the will of God, and brother
Timotheus.
To the saints which are at Colossa, and brethren that believe in
Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord Iesu
Christ.
We give thanks to God the father of our lord Iesus Christ alway praying
for you in our prayers, since we heard of your faith which ye have in
Christ Iesu: and of the love which ye bear to all saints for the hope's
sake which is laid up in store for you in heaven, of which hope ye have
heard by the true word of the gospell, which is come unto you, even as
it is into all the world, and is fruitful as it is among you, from the
first day in the which ye heard of it, and had experience in the grace
of God in the truth, as ye learned of Epaphra our dear fellow servant,
which is for you a faithful minister in Christ, which also declared
unto us your love, which ye have in the spirit.
For this cause we also, since the day we heard of it have not ceased
praying for you, and desiring that ye might be fulfilled with the
knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that
ye might walk worthy of the lord in all things that please, being
fruitful in all good works and increasing in the knowledge of God
strengthed with all might, thorow his glorious power, unto all
patience, and long suffering, with joyfulness, giving thanks into the
father which hath made us meet to be part takers of the inheritance of
saints in light.
Which hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear son, in whom we have redemption thorow
his blood, that is to say, forgiveness of sins, which is the image of
the invisible God, first begotten before all creatures: for by him were
all things created, things that are in heaven, and things that are in
earth: things visible, and things invisible: whether they be majesty or
lordship, either rule or power. All things are created by him, and in
him, and he is before all things, and in him all things have their
being.
And he is the head of the body, that is to wit of the congregation, he
is the beginning and first begotten of the dead, that in all things he
might have the preeminence. For it pleased the father that in him
should all fullness dwell, and by him to reconcile all thinge unto
himself, and to set at peace by him thorow the blood of his cross both
things in heaven and things in earth.
And you (which were in times past strangers and enemies, because your
minds were set in evil works) hath he now reconciled in the body of his
flesh thorow death, to make you holy, and such as no man could complain
on, and without fault in his own sight, if ye continue grounded and
stablished in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospell, whereof ye have heard, how that it is preached among all
creatures, which are under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister.
Now joy I in my passions which I suffer for you, and fulfil that which
is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake,
which is the congregation, whereof am I made a minister according to
the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward, to
fulfil the word of God, that mystery hid since the world began, and
since the beginning of generations: But now is opened to his saints, to
whom God would make known the glorious riches of this mystery among the
gentiles, which riches is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we
preach warning all men, and teaching all men in all wisdom, to make all
men perfect in Christ Iesu: Wherein I also labour and strive, even as
far forth as his working worketh in me mightily.
The second Chapter.
I would ye knew what fighting I have for your sakes and for them of
Laodicia, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh, that
their hearts might be comforted and knit together in love, and in all
riches of full understanding, for to know the mystery of God the father
and of Christ in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and
knowledge. This I say lest any man should beguile you with enticing
words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I present with you
in the spirit joying and beholding the order that ye keep, and your
steadfast faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Iesu
the lord, even so walk rooted and built in him, and steadfast in the
faith, as ye have learned: and therein be plenteous in giving thanks.
Beware lest any man come and spoil you thorow philosophy and deceitful
vanity, thorow the traditions of men, and ordinances after the world,
and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the
Godhead bodily, and ye are full in him, which is the head of all rule
and power, in whom also ye are circumcised with circumcision made
without hands, by putting off the sinful body off the flesh, thorow the
circumcision that is in Christ, in that ye are buried with him thorow
baptism, in whom ye are also risen again thorow faith, that is wrought
by the operation of God which raised him from death.
And hath with him quickened you also which were dead in sin in the
uncircumcision of your flesh, and hath forgiven our trespasses, and
hath put out the obligation that was against us, made in the law
written, and that hath he taken out of the way, and hath fastened it on
his cross, and hath spoiled rule and power, and hath made a shew of
them openly, and hath triumphed over them in his own person.
Let no man therefore trouble your consciences about meat and drink: or
for a piece of an holyday, as the holyday of the new moon or of the
saboth daye, which are nothing but shadows of things to come: but the
body is in Christ. Let no man make you shoot at a wrong mark, which
after his own imagination walketh in the humbleness and holiness of
angels, things which he never saw: causeless puffed up with his fleshly
mind, and holdeth not the head, whereof all the body by joints and
couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth
with the increasing that cometh of God.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from doctrine of the world: Why as
though ye yet lived in the world, are ye led with traditions of them
that say? Touch not, Taste not, Handle not: which all perish with the
using of them, and are after the commandments, and doctrines of men:
which things have the similitude of wisdom in chosen holiness, and
humbleness, and in that they spare not the body, and do the flesh no
worship unto his need.
The .iij. Chapter.
If ye be then risen again with Christ seek those things which are
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your
affection on things that are above, and not on things which are on the
earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When
Christ which is our life shall shew himself, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
Mortify therefore your members which are on the earth, fornication,
uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness which
is worshipping of idols: for which thing's sakes the wrath of God
falleth on the children of unbelief. In which things ye walked once,
when ye lived in them.
But now put ye also away from you all things, wrath, fierceness,
maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking out of your mouths. Lie
not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
works, and have put on the new, which is renewed in knowledge, after
the image of him that made him, where is neither greek nor jewe,
circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarous or Sithian, bond or free:
But Christe is all in all things.
Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy,
kindness, humbleness of minde, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one
another, and forgiving one another (if any man have a quarrel to
another) even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye. Above all these
things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness, and the peace of
God rule in your hearts, to the which peace ye are called in one body:
and see that ye be thankful.
Let the word of God dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and
exhort your own selves, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs which
have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the lord. And all
things (whatsoever ye do in word or deed) do in the name of the lord
Iesu, giving thanks to God the father by him.
Wives submit your own selves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in
the lord. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter unto them.
Children obey your fathers and mothers, in all things, for that is well
pleasing unto the lord. Fathers rate not your children, lest they be of
a desperate mind. Servants be obedient unto your bodily masters in all
things: not with eye service as men pleasers, but in singleness of
heart fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as though ye
did it to the lord, and not unto men, remembering that of the lord ye
shall receive the reward of inheritance, for ye serve the lord Christ.
But he that doth wrong shall receive for the wrong that he hath done:
for there is no respect of persons.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Ye masters do unto your servants that which is just and egal,
remembering that ye have also a master in heaven.
Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving, praying
also for us that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may
speak the mystery of Christ (wherefore I am also in bonds) that I may
utter it, as it becometh me to speak. Walk wisely to them that are
without, and redeem the time. Let your speech alwaye have faveoure with
it and be salted, that ye may know how to answer every man.
The dear brother Tichicos shall tell you of all my business, which is a
faithful minister, and fellow servant in the lord, whom I have sent
unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might
comfort your hearts, with one Onesimus a faithful, and a beloved
brother, which is one of you. They shall shew you of all things which
are a doing here.
Aristarchus my prison fellow saluteth you, And Marcus Barnabas'
sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto
you receive him: and Iesus which is called Iustus, which are of the
circumcision. These only are my workfellows unto the kingdom of God,
which were unto my consolation. Epaphras the servant of Christ, which
is one of you, saluteth you, and always laboureth fervently for you in
prayers that ye may stand perfect, and full in all that is the will of
God. I bear him record that he hath a fervent mind toward you, and
toward them of Laodicia and them of Hierapolis. Dear Lucas the
physician greeteth you, and Demas. Salute the brethren which are of
Laodicia, and salute Nymphas, and the congregation which is in his
house. And when the pistel is read of you, make that it be read in the
congregation of the Laodicians also: and that ye likewise read the
pistel of Laodicia. And say to Archippus: Take heed to thine office
that thou hast received in the lord, that thou fulfil it. The
salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds Grace be with you,
Amen.
Sent from Rome by Tichicus, and Onesimus.
The first pistel of S. Paul unto the Tessalonians
The first Chapter.
Paul Silvanus and Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of the Thessalonians, in God the father, and in
the lord Iesus Christ. Grace be with you, and peace from God our
father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
We give God thanks alwaye for you all, making mention of you in our
prayers without ceasing, and call to remembrance your work in the
faith, and labour in love and perseverance in the hope of our lord
Iesus Christ, in the sight of God our father: because we know brethren
beloved of God, how that ye are elect. For our gospell came not unto
you in word only, but also in power, and also in the holy ghost and in
much certainty, as ye know that we behaved ourselves among you, for
your sakes.
And ye counterfeited us, and of the lord: and received the word in much
affliction, with joy of the holy ghost: so that ye were an example to
all that believe in Macedonia, and Achaia. For from you sounded out the
word of the lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith
also which ye have unto God, spread herself abroad in all quarters, so
greatly that it needeth not us to speak anything at all: for they
themselves shew of you what manner of entering in we had unto you, and
how ye turned to God from images for to serve the living and true God,
and for to look for his son from heaven, whom he raised from death: I
mean Iesus which delivereth us from wrath to come.
The .ij. Chapter.
For ye yourselves brethren know of our entrance in unto you, how that
it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before and were
shamefully entreated at Philippos (as ye well know) then were we bold
in our God to speak unto you the gospell of God, with much striving.
Our exhortation was not to bring you to error, nor yet to uncleanness,
neither was it with guile: but as we were allowed of God, that the
gospell should be committed unto us: even so we speak, not as though we
intended to please men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Neither was our conversation at any time with flattering words (as ye
well know) neither in cloaked covetousness, God is record: neither
sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor yet of any other, when we
might have been chargable, as the Apostles of Christ: but were tender
among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children, so was our
affection toward you our good will was to have dealt unto you, not the
gospell of God only: but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto
us.
Ye remember brethren our labour and travail. For we laboured day and
night, because we would not be grievous unto any of you, and preached
you the gospell of God. Ye are witnesses, and so is God, how holily and
justly (that no man could blame us) we behaved ourselves among you that
believe, as ye know how that we exhorted and comforted, and besought
every one of you, as a father his children, that ye would walk worthy
of the lord, which hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
For this cause thank we God without ceasing, because that when ye
received of us the word, wherewith God was preached, ye received it not
as the word of man: but even as it was in deed, the word of God, which
worketh in you that believe. For ye brethren did counterfeit the
congregations of God which in jewry are in Christ Iesu: for ye have
suffered like things of your kinsmen, as we our selves have suffered of
the Iewes, which as they killed the lord Iesus and their own prophets,
even so have they persecuted us, and God they please not, and are
contrary to all men: and forbid us to preach unto the gentiles, that
they might be saved, to fulfil their sins: For the wrath of God is come
on them, even to the utmost.
For as much brethren as we are kept from you for a season, as
concerning the bodily presence but not in the heart, we enforced the
more to see you personally with great desire, and therefore we would
have come unto you, I Paul once and again: but Satan withstood us. For
what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not ye it in the
presence of our lord Iesus Christ at his coming? yes ye are our glory
and joy.
The .iij. Chapter.
Wherefore since we could no longer forbear, it pleased us to remain at
Athens alone, and sent Timotheus our brother and minister of God, and
our labourfellow in the gospell of Christ, to stablish you, and to
comfort you over your faith, that no man should be moved in these
afflictions. For ye yourselves know that we are even appointed
thereunto. For verily when I was with you, I told you before that we
should suffer tribulation even as it came to pass, and as ye know. For
this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent that I might have
knowledge of your faith, lest haply the tempter had tempted you, and
that our labour had been bestowed in vain.
Now lately when Timotheus came from you unto us and declared to us your
faith, and your love, and how that ye have good remembrance of us
always, desiring to see us, as we desire to see you. Therefore brethren
had I consolation in you, in all our adversity, and necessity through
your faith. For now are we alive if ye stand steadfast in the lord. For
what thanks can we recompense to God again for you, over all the joy
that we joy for your sakes before our God, while we night and day pray
exceedingly, that we might see you presently, and might fulfil that
which is lacking in your faith.
God himself our father, and our lord Iesus Christ guide our journey
unto you: and the lord increase you, and make you flow over in love one
toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you, to
stablish your hearts that they might be without ought to be complained
on, in sanctifying {holiness} before God our father, at the coming of
our lord Iesus Christ, with all his saints.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Furthermore we beseech you brethren, and exhort you in the lord Iesus,
that ye increase more and more, even as ye have received of us, how ye
ought to walk and to please God. Ye remember what commandments we gave
you in the name of our lord Iesu. For this is the will of God, which is
your sanctifying, that ye should abstain from fornication, that every
one of you should know how to keep his vessel in holiness and honour,
and not in the lust of concupiscence, as do the heathen, which know not
God, that no man go beyond, and defraud his brother in bargaining,
because the lord is avenger of all such things: as we told you before
time, and testified unto you. For God hath not called us unto
uncleanness: but unto sanctifying. He therefore that despiseth,
despiseth not man, but God, which hath sent his holy spirit among you.
But as touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you. For
ye are taught of God to love one another. Ye and that thing verily ye
do unto all the brethren, which are thorowout all Macedonia. We beseech
you brethren that ye increase, more and more, and that ye study to be
quiet, and to meddle with your own business, and to work with your own
hands, as we commanded you: that ye may behave yourselves honestly
toward them that are without and that nothing be lacking unto you.
I would not brethren have you ignorant concerning them which are fallen
asleep, that ye sorrow not as other do which have no hope. For if we
believe that Iesus died, and rose again: even so them also which sleep
by Iesus, will God bring again with him. And this say we unto you in
the word of the lord, that we which live and are remaining in the
coming of the lord, shall not come yer they, which sleep. For the lord
himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and the voice of the
archangel, and trompe of God. And the dead in Christe shall arise
first: then shall we which live and remain, be caught up with them also
in the clouds to meet the lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with
the lord. Wherefore comfort your selves one another with these words.
The .v. Chapter.
Of the times and seasons brethren ye have no need that I write unto
you: for ye your selves know perfectly, that the day of the lord shall
come even as a thief in the night. When they shall say peace and no
danger, then cometh on them sudden destruction, as the travailing of a
woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye brethren are not in
darkness, that that day should come on you as it were a thief. Ye are
all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of
the night, neither of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep as do other: but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep, sleep in the night: and they that be drunken, are
drunken in the night. But let us which are of the day be sober, armed
with the breast plate of faith and love, and with hope of health, as an
helmet. For God hath not appointed us unto wrath: but to obtain health
by the means of our lord Iesu Christ, which died for us: that whether
we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
ye do.
We beseech you brethren, that ye know them which labour among you, and
have the oversight of you in the lord, and give you exhortation, that
ye have them the more in love: For their work's sake, and be at peace
with them. We desire you brethren warn them that are unruly, comfort
the feeble minded, forbear the weak have continual patience toward all
men. See that none recompense evil for evil unto any man: but ever
follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice ever. Pray continually. In all thing give thanks. For this is
the will of God in Christ Iesu toward you.
Quench not the spirit, despise not prophesying. Examine all things.
Reap that which is good. Abstain from all suspicious things. The very
God of peace sanctify you thorowout. And I pray God that your whole
spirit, soul, and body, be kept faultless unto the coming of our lord
Iesus Christ. Faithful is he, which called you: which will also do it.
Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I
charge you in the lord, that this pistel be read unto all the wholly
brethren. The grace of the lord Iesus Christe be with you. Amen.
The first pistle unto the Tessalonyans written from Athens.
The second pistel of S. Paul to the Tessalonians
The first Chapter.
Paul, Sylvanus and Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of the Thessalonians, which are in God our
father, and in the lord Iesus Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christ.
We are bound to thank God always for you brethren, as it is meet,
because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and every one of you
swimmeth in love toward another between yourselves, so that we
ourselves rejoice of you in the congregations of God, over your
patience and faith in all your persecutions, and tribulations that ye
suffer: which is a token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye are
counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. It is
verily a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them
that trouble you: and to you which are troubled rest with us, when the
lord Iesus shall shew himself from heaven, with his mighty angels, in
flaming fire, rendering vengeance unto them that know not God, and to
them that obey not unto the gospell of our lord Iesus Christ, which
shall be punished with everlasting damnation, from the presence of the
lord, and from the glory of his power, when he shall come to be
glorified in his saints, and to be made marvelous in all them that
believe: because our testimony that we had unto you, was believed even
the same day that we preached it. Wherefore we pray always for you that
our God make you worthy of the calling, and fulfil all delectation of
goodness, and the work of faith, with power: that the name of our lord
Iesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, thorow the grace
of our God, and of the lord Iesus Christ.
The second Chapter.
We beseech you brethren by the coming of our lord Iesu Christ, and in
that we shall assemble unto him, that ye be not suddenly moved from
your mind, and be not troubled, neither by spirit, neither by words,
nor yet by letter, which should seem to come from us, as though the day
of Christ were at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means, for the
lord cometh not, except there come a departing first, and that that
sinful man be opened, the son of perdition which is an adversary, and
is exalted above all that is called God, or that is worshipped: so that
he shall sit in the temple of God, and shew himself as God.
Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth: even that he might be uttered at his
time. For already the mystery of iniquity worketh. Only he that
holdeth, let him now hold, until it {hit} be taken out of the way, and
then shall that wicked be uttered, whom the lord shall consume with the
spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the appearance of his
coming, even him whose coming is by the working of Satan, with all
lying power, signs, and wonders: and in all deceivableness of
unrighteousness, among them that perish: because they received not the
love of the truth, that they might have been saved. And therefore God
shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies: that
all they might be damned which believed not the truth, but had pleasure
in unrighteousness.
We are bound to give thanks alwaye to God for you brethren beloved of
the lord, for because that God hath from the beginning chosen you to
health, thorow sanctifying of the spirit, And thorow believing the
truth: whereunto he called you by our gospell, to obtain the glory that
cometh of our lord Iesu Christ.
Therefore brethren stand fast and keep the ordinations, which ye have
learned: whether it were by our preaching, or by oour pistel: Our lord
Iesu Christ himself, and God our father, which hath loved us, and hath
given us everlasting consolation, and good hope thorow grace, comfort
your hearts, and establish you in all saying, and good doing.
The .iij. Chapter.
Furthermore brethren pray for us, that the word of God may have free
passage, and be glorified, as it is with you: and that we may be
delivered from unreasonable and evil men. For all men have not faith:
but the lord is faithful, which shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil. We have confidence thorow the lord to youward, that ye both do,
and will do, that which we command you. And the lord guide your hearts
unto the love of God, and patience of Christ.
We require you brethren in the name of our lord Iesu Christ, that ye
withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh inordinately, and
not after the institution which ye received of us. Ye yourselves know
how ye ought to counterfeit us: For we behaved not ourselves
inordinately among you. Neither took we bread of any man for nought:
but wrought with labour and travail night and day, because we would not
be grievous to any of you: not but that we had authority: but to make
ourselves an ensample unto you, to counterfeit us. For when we were
with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any which would not
work, that the same should not eat. We have heard say no doubt that
there are some which walk among you inordinately, and work not at all,
but are busybodies. Them that are such, we command and exhort in the
name of our lord Iesu Christ, that they work with quietness, and eat
their bread. Brethren be not weary in well doing. If any man obey not
our sayings, send us word of him by a letter: and have no company with
him, that he may be ashamed: And count him not as an enemy: but warn
him as a brother.
The very lord of peace, give you peace always, by all means. The lord
be with you all. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. This is
the token in all pistels. So I write. The grace of our lord Iesus be
with you all Amen.
Sent from Athens.
The first pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
The first Chapter.
Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour,
and of the lord Iesu Christ, which is our hope.
Unto Timothy his natural son in the faith.
Grace mercy and peace from God our father, and from the lord Iesu
Christ.
As I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus when I departed into
Macedonia, even so do that thou command some that they teach no other
wise: neither give heed to fables and genealogies, which are endless,
and breed doubts, more than Godly edifying which is by faith: for the
end of the commandment is love that cometh of a pure heart and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from the which things, some
have erred, and have turned unto vain jangling, because they would be
doctors in the scripture, and yet understand not what they speak,
neither whereof they affirm.
We know that the law is god, {good} if a man use it lawfully,
understanding this, how that the law is not given unto a righteous man,
but unto the unrighteous and disobedient, to the ungodly and to
sinners, to unholy and unclean, to murderers of fathers and murderers
of mothers, to manslayers and whoremongers: to them that defile
themselves with mankind: to menstealers: to liars and to perjured, and
so forth if there be any other thing that is contrary to wholesome
doctrine according to the glorious gospell of the holy God, which
gospel is committed unto me.
And I thank him that hath made me strong in Christ Iesu our lord: for
he counted me true, and put me in office, when before I was a
blasphemer, and a persecuter, and a tyrant. Nevertheless I obtained
mercy because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief: but the grace of our
lord was more abundant, with faith and love, which is in Christ Iesu.
This is a true saying, and by all means worthy to be received, that
Christ Iesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief:
Notwithstanding unto me was mercy given, that Iesus Christ should first
shew on me all long patience, unto the ensample of them which shall in
time to come believe on him unto eternal life. So then unto God, king
everlasting, immortal, invisible, and wise only, be honour and praise
for ever and ever Amen.
This commandment commit I unto thee son Timotheus, according to the
prophecies which in time past were prophesied of thee, that thou in
them shouldest fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience,
which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made
shipwreck. Of whose number is Himeneus, and Alexander, which I have
delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
The .ij. Chapter.
I exhort therefore that above all things prayers, supplications,
petitions, and giving of thanks, be had for all men: for kings, and for
all that are in preeminence, that we may live a quiet and a peaceable
life, in all godliness and honesty. For that is good and accepted in
the sight of god our saviour, which would have all men saved, and come
unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one god, and one mediator
between God and man, which is the man Christ Iesus, which gave himself
a ransom for all men, that it should be preached at his time, whereunto
I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle (I tell the truth in Christ
and lie not) being the teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity.
I woll therefore that the men pray every where, lifting up pure hands
without wrath, or arguing. Likewise also the women that they array
themselves in mannerly apparel with shamefastness, and honest behavior,
not with broided hair, other gold, or pearls, or costly array: but with
such as becometh women that profess the worshipping of God thorow good
works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. I suffer not
a woman to teach, neither to have authority over the man: but for to be
in silence. For Adam was first formed, and then Eve. Also Adam was not
deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was in transgression.
Notwithstanding they shall be saved thorow bearing of children, if they
continue in the faith and in love, and in sanctifying.
The .iij. Chapter.
This is a true saying: If a man covet the office of a bishop, he
desireth a good work. Yea and a bishop must be faultless, the husband
of one wife, sober, of honest behavior, honestly apparelled,
harbourous, apt to teach, not drunken, no fighter, not given to filthy
lucre: but gentle, abhorring fighting, abhorring covetousness, and one
that ruleth his own house honestly, having children under obedience,
with all honesty. For if a man cannot rule his own house, how shall he
care for the congregation of God. He may not be a young man, lest he
swell and fall into the judgment of the evil speaker. He must also be
well reported of among them which are without forth, lest he fall into
rebuke, and into the snare of the evil speaker.
Likewise must the deacons be honest, not double tongued, not given unto
much drinking, neither unto filthy lucre: but having the mystery of the
faith in pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let
them minister, if they be found faultless.
Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers: but sober, and
faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife and
such as rule their children well, and their own households. For they
that minister well, get themselves good degree, and great liberty in
the faith, which is in Christ Iesu.
These things write I unto thee, trusting to come shortly unto thee. And
if I come not, that thou mayst yet have knowledge how thou oughtest to
behave thyself in the house of God, which is the congregation of the
living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And without nay great is
that mystery of godliness. God was shewed in the flesh, was justified
in the spirit, was seen of angels, was preached unto the gentiles, was
believed on in earth and received up in glory.
The .iiij. Chapter.
The spirit speaketh evidently that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith, and shall give heed unto spirits of error, and
devilish doctrine of them which speak false thorow hypocrisy, and have
their consciences marked with an hot iron, forbidding to marry, and
commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received
with giving thanks, of them which believe, and know the truth, for all
the creatures of God are good: and nothing to be refused, if it be
received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God,
and prayer. If thou shalt put the brethren in remembrance of these
things, thou shalt be a good minister of Iesu Christ which hast been
nourished up in the words of the faith, and good doctrine, which
doctrine thou hast continually followed. But cast away unghostly and
old wives' fables.
Exercise thyself unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little:
But godliness is good unto all things, as a thing which hath promises
of the life that is now, and of the life to come. This is a sure
saying, and of all parties worthy to be received. For therefore we
labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which
is the saviour of all men: but specially of those that believe. Such
things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth: but be unto
them that believe, an ensample, in word, in conversation, in love, in
spirit, in faith and in pureness.
Till I come give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to
doctrine. Despise not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee
thorow prophecy, and with laying on of the hands of a senior. These
things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that all men may see how
thou profitest. Take heed unto thyself and unto learning, and continue
therein. For if thou shalt so do thou shalt save thyself, and them that
hear thee.
The .v. Chapter.
Rebuke not a senior: but exhort him as a father, and the younger men as
brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all
pureness. Honour widows which are true widows. If any widow have
children or nephews, let them learn first to rule their own houses
godly, and to recompense their elders. For that is good and acceptable
before God. She that is a very widow, and friendless, putteth her trust
in God, and continueth in supplication and prayer night and day: but
she that liveth in pleasure, is dead even yet alive. And such things
command, that they may be without fault. If there be any that provideth
not for his own, and namely for them of his household, the same denieth
the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Let no widow be chosen under threescore year old, and such a one as was
the wife of one man, and well reported of in good works: if she have
nourished children, if she have been liberal to strangers, if she have
washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in
adversity, if she were continually given unto all manner good works.
The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton, to
the dishonour of Christ, then will they marry, having damnation,
because they have despised their first faith. And also they learn to go
from house to house idle, yee not idle only, but also trifling and
busybodies, speaking things which are not comely.
I will therefore that the younger women marry and bear children, and
guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil.
For many of them are all ready turned back, and are gone after Satan.
And if any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them minister
unto them, and let not the congregation be charged: that it may have
sufficient for them that are widows in deed.
The seniors that rule well are worthy of double honour, most specially
they which labour in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith:
Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn.
And the laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an senior receive none
accusation: but under two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke
openly that other may fear.
I testify before God, and the lord Iesus Christ, and the elect angels,
that thou observe these things without hasty judgment, and do nothing
partially. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither be part taker of other
men's sins: Keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little
wine, for thy stomach's sake, and thine often diseases.
Some men's sins are open beforehand and go before unto judgement: some
men's sins follow after. Likewise also good works are manifest
beforehand, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.
The .vj. Chapter.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their masters worthy
of all honour, that the name of God, and his doctrine be not evil
spoken of. See that they which have believing masters despise them not
because they are brethren: but so much the rather do service, for as
much as they are believing and beloved and part takers of the benefite.
These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and is not
content with the wholesome words of our lord Iesu Christ, and with the
doctrine of godliness, he is puffed up and knoweth nothing: but wasteth
his brains about questions, and strife of words, whereof spring envy,
strife, railings, evil surmisings superfluous disputings in scowls of
men with corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, which think that
lucre is godliness. From such separate thyself. Godliness is great
riches, if a man be content with that he hath. For we brought nothing
into the world, and it is a plain case that we can carry nothing out.
When we have food and raiment, let us therewith be content. They that
will be rich, fall into temptation and snares, and into many foolish
and noisome lusts, which drown men in perdition, and destruction. For
covetousness is the root of all evil, which while some lusted after,
they erred from the faith, and tangled themselves with many sorrows.
But thou which art the man of God, fly such things. Follow
righteousness, godliness, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good
fight of faith. Lay hand on eternal life, whereunto thou art called,
and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
I give thee charge in the sight of God, which quickeneth all things,
and before Iesus Christ, which under Pontius Pilate witnessed a good
witnessing, that thou keep the commandment without spot, so that no man
find fault with thee, until the appearing of our lord Iesus Christ,
which appearing (when the time is come) he shall shew that is blessed
and mighty only, king of kings, and lord of lords, which only hath
immortality, and dwelleth in light that no man can obtain, whom never
man saw, neither can see: unto whom be honour and rule everlasting
Amen.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not exceeding
wise, and that they trust not in the uncertain riches, but in the
living God, which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them, and
that they do good and be rich in good works, and ready to give and to
distribute, laying up in store for themselves, a good foundation
against the time to come, that they may obtain eternal life.
O Timothy save that which is given thee to keep, and avoid unghostly
vanities of voices, and oppositions of science falsely so called, which
science, while some professed, they have erred as concerning the faith.
Grace be with thee Amen.
Sent from Laodicea, which is the chefest cite of Phrigia Pacaciana.
The second pistel of S. Paul to Timothe.
The first Chapter.
Paul an Apostle of Iesu Christ, by the will of God, to preach the
promise of life, which life is in Christ Iesu.
To Timothy his beloved son. Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the
father, and from Iesus Christ our lord.
I thank God, whom I serve from mine elders with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I make mention of thee in my prayers night and day,
desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears: so that I am filled with
joy, when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee,
which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunica:
and am assured that it dwelleth in thee also.
Wherefore I warn thee that thou stir up the gift of God which is in
thee, by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given to us the
spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of honest behavior. Be
not ashamed to testify our lord, neither be ashamed of me, which am
bound for his sake: but suffer adversity with the gospell also thorow
the power of God, which saved us, and called us with an holy calling,
not after our deeds, but for his purpose and grace, which grace was
given us thorow Christ Iesu before the world was, but is now declared
openly by the appearing of our saviour Iesu Christ, which hath put away
death, and hath brought life and immortality unto light thorow the
gospell, whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an Apostle, and a
teacher of the gentiles: for the which cause I also suffer this.
Nevertheless I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed, and am
sure that he is able keep that which I have committed to his keeping
against that day.
See thou have the example of the wholesome words which thou heardest of
me, in faith and love which is in Iesu Christ. That good thing which
was committed to thy keeping, keep in the holy ghost which dwelleth in
us. This thou knowest how that all they which are in Asia be turned
from me. Of which sort are Phigellos and Hermogenes. The lord give
mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was
not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome he sought me out very
diligently, and found me. The lord grant unto him that he may find
mercy with the lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered
unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.
The second Chapter.
Thou therefore my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Iesu.
And what things thou hast heard of me, many bearing witness, the same
deliver to faithful men, which are apt to teach other. Thou therefore
suffer affliction as a good soldier of Iesu Christ. No man that
warreth, entangleth himself with worldly business, and that because he
would please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier. And though a man
strive for a mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
The husbandman that laboureth must first receive of the fruits.
Consider what I say. The lord give thee understanding in all things.
Remember that Iesus Christ being of the seed of David, rose again from
death according to my gospell, wherein I suffer trouble as an evil
doer, even unto bonds. But the word of God was not bound. Herefore I
suffer all things, for the elects' sakes, that they might also obtain
that health which is in Christ Iesu, with eternal glory.
It is a true saying, if we be dead with him, we also shall live with
him. If we be patient, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he
also shall deny us. If we believe not, yet abideth he faithful. He
cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, and
testify before the lord, that they strive not about words, which is to
no profit, but to pervert the hearers.
Study to shew thyself laudable unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, dividing the word of truth justly. Unghostly and vain
voices pass over. For they shall increase unto greater ungodliness, and
their words shall fret even as doth a cancre: of whose number is
Hymeneos and Philetos, which as concerning the truth have erred, saying
that the resurrection is past all ready, and do destroy the faith of
diverse persons.
But the sure ground of God remaineth, and hath this seal: the lord
knoweth them that are his, and let every man that calleth on the name
of Christ, depart from iniquity. Notwithstanding in a great house are
not only vessels of gold and of silver: but also of wood and of earth:
Some for honour, and some unto dishonour. If a man purge himself from
such fellows, he shall be a vessel sanctified unto honour meet for the
lord, and prepared unto all good works.
Lusts of youth avoid, and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace,
with them that call on the lord with pure heart. Foolish and unlearned
questions put from thee, remembering that they do but make strife. But
the servant of the lord must not strive: but must be peaceable unto all
men, and ready to teach, and one that can suffer the evil in meekness,
and can inform them that resist, if that God at any time will give them
repentance for to know the truth: that they may wake out of sleep
again, out of the snare of the devil, which are now taken of him at his
will.
The .iij. Chapter.
This understand, that in the last days shall come parlous times: For
the men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
cursed speakers, disobedient to father and mother, unthankful, unholy,
churlish, stubborn, false accusers, rioters, fierce, despisers of them
which are good, traitors, heady, high minded, greedy upon
voluptuousness more than the lovers of God, having a similitude of
godly living, but have denied the power there of. Such abhor. For of
this sort are they which enter into houses, and bring into bondage
women laden with sin, which women are led of divers lusts, ever
learning, and never able to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
As Iannes and Iambres withstood Moses, even so do these resist the
truth, men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd as concerning the faith:
but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shall be uttered
unto all men as theirs was: but thou hast seen the experience of my
doctrine, ordinance, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, patience,
persecutions, and afflictions which happened unto me at Antioche, at
Iconium, and at Lystra: which persecutions I suffered patiently, And
from them all the lord delivered me. Yea and all that will live godly
in Christ Iesu, must suffer persecutions. But the evil men and
deceivers, shall wax worse and worse, while they deceive, and are
deceived themselves.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, which also
were committed unto thee seeing thou knowest of whom thou hast learned
them. and for as much also as thou hast known holy scripture of a
child, which is able to make thee wise unto health thorow faith, which
is in Christ Iesu. For all scripture given by inspiration of God, is
profitable to teach, to improve, to inform, and to instruct in
righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, and prepared unto
all good works.
The .iiij. Chapter.
I testify therefore before God, and before the lord Iesu Christ, which
shall judge quick and dead at his appearing in his kingdom, preach the
word, be fervent, be it in season, or out of season. Improve, rebuke,
exhort with all long suffering. For the time will come, when they will
not suffer wholesome doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they
(whose ears itch) get them an heap of teachers, and shall turn their
ears from the truth, and shall be given unto fables: But watch thou in
all things, and suffer adversity, and do the work of an evangelist,
fulfil thine office unto the utmost.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departing is at
hand. I have fought a good fight, and have fulfilled my course, and
have kept the faith. From henceforth is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the lord that is a righteous judge shall give me
at that day: not to me only: but unto all them that love his coming.
Make speed to come unto me at once.
For Demas hath left me, and hath loved this present world, and is
departed into Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galatia, and Titus unto
Dalmacea. Only Lucas is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee, for
he is necessary unto me for to minister. And Tychicus have I sent to
Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troada with Carpus when thou comest
bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment. Alexander
the coppersmith did me much evil, the lord reward him according to his
deeds, of whom be thou ware also. For he withstood our preaching sore.
At my first answering for myself, no man assisted me, but all forsook
me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges: notwith
standing the lord assisted me, and strengthed me, that by me the
preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost and that all the gentiles
should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the
lord shall deliver me from all evil doing, and shall keep me unto his
heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus
abode at Corinthum. Trophimos I left at Miletum sick. Make speed to
come before winter. Eubolus greeteh thee, and Pudes, and Linus, and
Claudia, and all the brethren. The lord Iesus Christ be with thy
spirit. Grace be with you Amen.
The second pistle written from Rome unto Timothy, when Paul was
presented the second time up, before the Emperor Nero.
The pistel of S. Paul to Titus
The first Chapter.
Paul the servant of God and an Apostle of Iesu Christ, to preach the
faith of God's elect, and the knowledge of that truth, which truth is
in serving God in hope of eternal life, which life God cannot lie, hath
promissed before the world began: but hath at the time appointed opened
his word by preaching, which preaching is committed unto me, by the
commandment of God our saviour.
To Titus his natural son in the common faith.
Grace mercy and peace from God the father, and from the lord Iesu
Christ our saviour.
For this cause left I thee in Creta, that thou shouldest perform that
which was lacking and shouldest ordain seniors in every city as I
appointed thee. If any be such as no man can complain on, the husband
of one wife, having faithful children, which are not sclandred of riot,
neither are disobedient. For a bishop must be such as no man can
complain on, as it be cometh the minister of God not stubborn, not
angry, no drunkard, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre: but
harbourous, one that loveth goodness, of honest behavior, righteous,
holy temperate, and such as cleaveth unto the true word of doctrine,
that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve
them that say against it.
For there are many disobedient and talkers of vanity, and deceivers of
minds, namely they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped,
which pervert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not,
because of filthy lucre. One being of themselves, which was a poet of
their own said: The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and
slowbellies. This witness is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply, that
they may be sound in the faith, and not taking heed to jewes fables,
and commandments of men, which turn from the truth. Unto the pure, are
all things pure: but unto them that are defiled, and unbelieving, is
nothing pure: but even the very minds and consciences of them are
defiled. They confess that they know God: but with deeds they deny him
and are abominable, and disobedient, and unto all good works
discommendable.
The .ij. Chapter.
But speak thou that which becometh wholesome learning: That the elder
men be sober, honest, discreet, sound in the faith, in love and in
patience. And the elder women likewise that they be in such raiment, as
becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much drinking, but
teachers of honest things, that they nurture the young women to love
their husbands, to love their children, to be of honest behaviour,
chaste, housewifely, good, and obedient unto their own husbands, that
the word of God be not evil spoken of. Young men likewise exhort that
they be of honest manners.
Above all things shew thyself an ensample of good works in the
doctrine, shew uncorruption, honesty, and the wholesome word which
cannot be rebuked, that he which withstandeth may be ashamed, having no
thing in you that he may dispraise. The servants exhort to be obedient
unto their own masters, and to please in all things, not answering
again, neither be pickers, but that they shew all good faithfulness,
that they may do worship to the doctrine of God our saviour in all
things. For the grace of God, that bringeth health unto all men, hath
appeared and teacheth us that we should deny ungodliness and worldly
lusts, and that we should live honestly, righteously, and godly in this
present world, looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of
the mighty God, and of our saviour Iesu Christ: which gave himself for
us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness, and to purge us a peculiar
people unto himself, fervently given unto good works. These things
speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all commanding. See that no man
despise thee.
The .iij. Chapter.
Warn them that they submit themselves to rule and power, to obey the
officers, that they be prompt unto all good works, that they speak evil
of no man, that they be no fighters, but soft, shewing all meekness
unto all men. For we ourselves also were in times past, unwise,
disobedient, deceived, in danger to lusts, and to divers manners of
voluptuousness, living in maliciousness and envy, full of hate, hating
one another.
But after that the kindness and love of our saviour to manward
appeared, not of the deeds of righteousness which we wrought, but of
his mercy, he saved us, by the fountain of the new birth, and with the
renewing of the holy ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, thorow
Iesus Christ our saviour, that we once justified by his grace, should
be heirs of eternal life, thorow hope. This is a true saying.
Of these things I would thou shouldest certify, that they which believe
God, might be studious to go forward in good works. These things are
good and profitable unto men. Foolish questions, and genealogies, and
brawlings and strife about the law avoid, for they are unprofitable,
and superfluous. A man that is the actor {aucthor} of sects, after the
first and the second admonition avoid, remembering that he that is
such, is perverted, and sinneth, even damned by his own judgement.
When I shall send Artemas unto thee or Tichicus be diligent to come to
me unto Nichopolis. For I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas
the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be
lacking unto them. And let ours also learn to excel in good works as
far forth as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful. All that are
with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be
with you all, Amen.
Written from Nichopolis a citie of Macedonia.
The pistel of S. Paul unto Philemon
The first Chapter.
Paul the prisoner of Iesu Christ, and brother Timotheus.
Unto Philemon the beloved, and our helper, and to the beloved Appia,
and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the congregation of thy
house.
Grace be with you and peace, from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christ.
I thank my God always making mention always of thee in my prayers, when
I hear of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the lord Iesu, and
toward all saints: so that the fellowship that thou hast in the faith
is fruitful thorow knowledge of all good things, which are in you by
Iesus Christ. And we have great joy and consolation over thy love: For
by thee brother, the saints' hearts are comforted.
Wherefore though I be bold in Christ to enjoin thee, that which
becometh thee: yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, though I be
as I am, even Paul aged, and now in bonds for Iesu Christ's sake. I
beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I begat in my bonds, which in
time passed was to thee unprofitable: but now profitable both to thee
and also to me, whom I have sent home again. Thou therefore receive
him, that is to say mine own bowels, whom I would fain have retained
with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the
bonds of the gospell. Nevertheless, without thy mind, would I do
nothing, that that good which springeth of thee should not be as it
were of necessity, but willingly.
Haply he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive
him for ever, not now as a servant: but above a servant, I mean a
brother beloved, specially to me: but how much more unto thee, both in
the flesh, and also in the lord? If thou count me a fellow, receive him
as myself. If he have hurt thee or oweth thee ought, that lay to my
charge. I Paul have written it with mine own hand. I will recompense
it. So that I do not say to thee how that thou owest unto me even thine
own self. Even so brother, let me enjoy thee in the lord. Comfort my
bowels in the lord. Trusting in thine obedience, I wrote unto thee,
knowing that thou wilt do more than I say for. Moreover prepare me
lodging: for I trust thorow the help of your prayers, I shall be given
unto you. There salute thee, Epaphras my fellow prisoner in Christe
Iesu, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my helpers. The grace of our
lord Iesu Christ be with your spirits, Amen.
Sent from Rome by Onesimus a servant.
The first pistel of S. Peter
The first Chapter.
Peter an Apostle of Iesu Christ, to them that dwell here and there as
strangers thorow out, Pontus, Galacia, Capadocia, Asia, and Bethinia,
elect by the foreknowledge of God the father, thorow the sanctifying of
the spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Iesus Christ.
Grace be with you, and peace be multiplied.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus Christ, which thorow his
abundant mercy begat us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection
of Iesus Christ from death, to enjoy an inheritance immortal, and
undefiled, and that putrifieth not, reserved in heaven for you which
are kept by the power of God thorow faith, unto health, which health is
prepared allready to be shewed in the last time, in the which time ye
shall rejoice, though now for a season (if need require) ye are in
heaviness, thorow many fold temptations, that your faith once tried
being much more precious than gold that perisheth (though it be tried
with fire) might be found unto laud, glory, and honour, when Iesus
Christ shall appear: whom ye have not seen and yet love him, in whom
even now, though ye see him not, yet ye believe, and rejoice with joy
ineffable, and glorious: receiving the end of your faith, the health of
your souls. Of which health, have the prophets enquired, and sought,
which prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching
when, or at what time the spirit of Christ which was in them should
signify, which spirit testified before, the passions that should come
unto Christ, and the glory that should follow after: unto which
prophets it was declared, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they
should minister the things which are now shewed unto you, of them which
by the holy ghost sent down from heaven, have preached unto you the
things which the angels desire to behold.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your minds, be sober, and trust
perfectly on the grace that is brought unto you, in that Iesus Christ
is opened, as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves unto your
old lusts of ignorance: But as he which called you is holy, even so be
ye holy in all manner of conversation, because it is written: Be ye
holy, for I am holy.
And if so be that ye call on the father which without respect of person
judgeth according to every man's works, see that ye pass the time of
your pilgrimage in fear. For as much as ye know how that ye were not
redeemed with corruptible gold and silver from your vain conversation,
which ye received by the traditions of the fathers: but with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot,
which was ordained before the world was made: but was declared in the
last times for your sakes, which by his means have believed on God that
raised him from death, and glorified him, that ye might have faith and
hope toward God.
And for as much as ye have purified your souls thorow the spirit, in
obeying the truth for to love brotherly without feigning, see that ye
love one another with a pure heart fervently: for ye are born a new,
not of mortal seed, but of immortal seed, by the word of God which
liveth, and lasteth for ever, because that all flesh is as grass, and
all the glory of man is as the flower of grass, the grass is withered,
and the flower is faded away, but the word of the lord endureth ever.
And this is the word which by the gospell was preached among you.
The .ij. Chapter.
Wherefore lay a side all maliciousness, and all guile, and
dissimulation, and envy, and all backbiting: and as new born babes,
desire that reasonable milk which is without corruption, that ye may be
grown therein. If so be that ye have tasted how pleasant the lord is,
to whom ye come as unto a living stone disallowed of men, but elect of
God and precious: and ye as living stones, are made a spiritual house,
and an holy priesthood, for to offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable
to God by Iesus Christ.
Wherefore it is contained in the scripture: behold, I put in Sion an
head corner stone, elect and precious: and he that believeth on him
shall not be ashamed. Unto you therefore which believe is he precious:
but unto them which believe not the same stone which the builders
refused, is made the head stone in the corner, and a stone to stumble
at, and a rock to offend them which stumble at the word, and believe
not that where on they were set. But ye are a chosen generation, a
royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people, that ye should
shew the vertues of him that called you out of darkness into his
marvelous light, which in time past were not a people, yet are now the
people of God, which were not under mercy: but now have obtained mercy.
Derly beloved I beseech you as strangers, and pilgrims, abstain from
fleshly lusts which fight against the soul, and see that ye have honest
conversation among the gentiles, that they which backbite you as evil
doers, may see your good works and praise God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves unto all manner ordinance of man for the lord's sake,
whether it be unto the King as unto the chief head: other unto rulers,
as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers:
but for the laud of them that well do. For so is the will of God, that
with well doing ye should stop the mouths of ignorant men: as free, and
not as though ye took liberty for a cloak of maliciousness: but even as
the servants of God. See that ye honour all men. Love brotherly
fellowship, fear God, honour the king.
Servants obey your masters with all fear, not only if they be good and
courteous: but also though they be froward. For it commeth of grace, if
a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For
what praise is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye take it
patiently? But and if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong and take it
patiently, then is there thanke with God.
Hereunto verily were ye called, for Christ also suffered for our sakes:
leaving us an ensample that ye should follow his steps, which did no
sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth: which when he was
reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not: but
committed the cause to him that judgeth righteously, which his own self
bare our sins in his body on the tree, that we should be delivered from
sin and should live in righteousness. By whose stripes ye were healed.
For ye were as sheep which go astray: but are now returned unto the
shepherd, and bishop of your souls.
The .iij. Chapter.
Likewise let the women be in subjection to their husbands, that even
they which believe not the word, may without the word be won by the
conversation of the wives: while they behold your pure conversation
coupled with fear. Whose apparel shall not be outward with broided
hair, and hanging on of gold, other in putting on of gorgeous apparel:
but let the hid man of the heart be uncorrupt, with a meek and a quiet
spirit, which spirit is before God a thing much set by. For after this
manner in the old time did the wholy women which trusted in God tire
themselves, and were obedient to their husbands, even as Sara obeyed
Abraham and called him lord: whose daughters ye are as long as ye do
well, and be not afraid of every shadow.
Likewise ye men dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour
unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as unto them that are
heirs also of the grace of life, that your prayers be not let.
In conclusion, be ye all of one mind, one suffer with another, love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil,
neither rebuke for rebuke: but contrariwise, bless: remembering that ye
are thereunto called, even that ye should be heirs of blessing. For
whoso listeth to love life, and to see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips, that they speak not guile: Let him
eschew evil and do good: let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes
of the lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their
prayers: but the face of the lord beholdeth them that do evil.
Moreover who is it that will harm you if ye follow that which is good?
notwithstanding happy are ye if ye suffer for righteousness' sake.
Nevertheless fear not though they seem terrible unto you, neither be
troubled: but sanctify the lord God in your hearts. Be ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that
ye have, and that with meekness and fear: having a good conscience,
that when they backbite you as evil doers, they may be ashamed, for as
much as they have falsely accused your good conversation in Christ.
It is better (if the will of God be so) that ye suffer for well doing,
than for evil doing. For as much as Christ hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, for to bring us to God, and was killed, as
pertaining to the flesh: but was quickened in the spirit.
In which spirit, he also went and preached unto the spirits that were
in prison, which were in time past disobedient, when the long suffering
of God abode exceeding patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was
a preparing, wherein few (that is to say viij. souls) were saved by
water, which signifieth baptism that now saveth us, not the putting
away of the filth of the flesh, but in that a good conscience
consenteth to God, by the resurrection of Iesus Christ, which is on the
right hand of God, and is gone into heaven, angels, power, and might,
subdued unto him.
The .iiij. Chapter.
For as much as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh
ceaseth from sin, that he henceforward should live as much time as
remaineth in the flesh, not after the lusts of men: but after the will
of God. For it is sufficient for us that we have spent the time that is
past of the life, after the will of the gentiles, walking in wantonness
lusts, drunkenness, in eating, drinking, and in abominable idolatry.
And it seemeth to them a strange thing that ye run not also with them
unto the same excess of riot, and therefore speak they evil of you,
which shall give acomptes to him that is ready to judge quick and dead.
For unto this purpose verily was the gospel preached unto the dead,
that they should be judged after the manner of men in the flesh, but
should live godly in the spirit. The end of all things is at hand.
Be ye therefore discreet, and sober, that ye may be apt to prayers. But
above all things have fervent love among you. For love covereth the
multitude of sins. Be ye harbourous, and that without grudging. As
every man hath received the gift, minister the same one to another as
good ministers of the manyfold grace of God. If any man speak, let him
talk as though he speake the words of God. If any man minister, let him
do it as of the ability which God ministreth unto him. That God in all
things may be glorified thorow Iesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and while the world standeth Amen.
Derly beloved, be not troubled in this heat, which now is come among
you to try you, as though some strange thing had happened unto you: but
rejoice in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's passions, that when
his glory appeareth, ye may be merry and glad.
Happy are ye when ye suffer rebuke for the name of Christ. For the
spirit of glory and the spirit of God resteth upon you. On their part
he is evil spoken of: but on your part he is glorified.
See that none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or an evil
doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. If any man suffer as a
Christian man, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on his
behalf. For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of
God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which
believe not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved:
where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that
suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him with
well doing, as unto a faithful creator.
The .v. Chapter.
The seniors which are among you I exhort, which am also an senior, and
a witness of the afflictions of Christ, and also a part taker of the
glory that shall be opened: see that ye feed Christe's flock, which is
among you, taking the oversight of them, not as though ye were
compelled thereto: but willingly: Not for the desire of filthy lucre:
but of a good mind. Not as though ye were lords over the parishes: but
that ye be an ensample to the flock. And when the chief shepherd shall
appear, ye shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory.
Likewise ye younger submit your selves unto the elder. Submit
yourselves every man, one to another. Knit yourselves together in
lowliness of mind. For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the
humble. Submit your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that
he may exalt you, when the time is come. Cast all your care to him: for
he careth for you.
Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the
faith, remembering that ye do but fulfil the same afflictions which are
appointed to your brethren that are in the world. The God of all grace,
which called you unto his eternal glory by Christ Iesus, shall his own
self after a little affliction make you perfect: shall settle,
strengthe, and establishe you. To him be glory and dominion for ever,
and while the world endureth Amen. By Silvanus a faithful brother unto
you (as I suppose) have I written brevely, exhorting and testifying how
that this is the true grace of God, wherein ye stand. The congregation
that is gathered together in Babylon, saluteth you, and Marcus my son.
Greet ye one another with the kiss of love. Peace be with you all which
are in Christ Iesus, Amen.
The second pistel of S. Peter
The first Chapter.
Simon Peter a servant and an Apostle of Iesus Christ, to them which
have obtained like precious faith with us in the righteousness that
cometh of our God, and of the saviour Iesus Christ.
Grace with you, and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God, and of
Iesus our lord. According as his godly power hath given unto us all
things that pertain unto life and to serve God with all, thorow the
knowledge of him that hath called us by virtue and glory, by the means
whereof, are given unto us excellent and most great promises, that by
the help of them ye should be part takers of the godly nature, in that
ye fly the corruption of worldly lust.
And hereunto give all diligence: in your faith minister virtue, and in
virtue knowledge, and in knowledge temperancy, and in temperancy
patience, in patience godliness, in godliness brotherly kindness, in
brotherly kindness love. For if these things be among you, and are
plenteous, they will make you that ye neither shall be idle nor
unfruitful unto the knowledge of the our lord Iesus Christ. He that
lacketh these things is blind and gropeth for the way with his hand,
and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore brethren give the more diligence for to make your calling and
election sure. For if ye do such things, ye shall never err. Yee and by
this means an entering in shall be ministered unto you abundantly into
the everlasting kingdom of our lord and saviour Iesus Christ.
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you allways in remembrance of
such things, though that ye know them yourselves and be also stablished
in the present truth. Notwithstanding I think it mete (as long as I am
in this tabernacle) to stir you up by putting you in remembrance, for
as much as I am sure how that the time is at hand that I must put off
this my tabernacle, even as our lord Iesus Christ hath shewed me. I
will enforce therefore, that on every side ye might have wherewith to
stir up the remembrance of these things after my departing.
For we followed not deceivable fables when we opened unto you the
power, and coming of our lord Iesus Christ: but with our eyes we saw
his majesty. Even then verily when he received of God the father honour
and glory, and when there came such a voice to him from that excellent
glory. This is my dear beloved son, in whom I have delight, this voice
we heard when it came from heaven, being with him in the holy mount.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto if ye take heed,
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, ye do well, until the day
dawn and the day star arise in your hearts. So that ye first know this,
that no prophecy in the scripture hath any private interpretation. For
the scripture came never by the will of man: but wholy men of God spake
as they were moved by the wholy ghost.
The .ij. Chapter.
There were false prophets among the people even as there shall be false
teachers among you: which privily shall bring in damnable sects, even
denying the lord that hath bought them, and bring on their own heads
swift damnation, and many shall follow their damnable ways, by which
the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and thorow covetousness shall
they with feigned words make merchandise of you, whose judgment is not
far off, and their damnation sleepeth not.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned but cast them down into
hell, and put them in chains of darkness, there to be kept unto
judgement: neither spared the old world: but saved Noah the eighte
preacher of righteousness, and brought in the flood into the world of
the ungodly, and turned the cities of Zodom and Gomor into ashes:
overthrew them, damned them, and made of them an ensample unto all that
after should live ungodly. And just Lot vexed with the uncleanly
conversation of the wicked, delivered he. For he being righteous and
dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul
from day to day with their unrighteous deeds. The lord knoweth how to
deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to reserve the unjust unto
the day of judgment for to be punished: namely them that walk after the
flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise the rulers. Presumptuous
are they, and stubborn and fear not to speak evil of them that are in
authority. When the angels which are greater both in power and might,
receive not of the lord railing judgement against them. But these as
brute beasts, naturally made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of
that they know not, and shall perish through their own destruction, and
receive the reward of unrighteousness.
They count it pleasure to live deliciously for a season. Spots they are
and filthiness: and of you they make a mockingstock feasting together
in their deceivable ways: having eyes full of advoutry, and that cannot
cease to sin, beguiling unstable souls. Hearts they have exercised with
covetousness. They are cursed children, and have forsaken the right
way, and are gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor,
which loved the reward of unrighteousness: but was rebuked of his
iniquity. The tame and dumb beast, speaking with man's voice forbade
the foolishness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, and clouds carried about of a tempest,
to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they have
spoken the swelling words of vanity, they beguile with wantonness
thorow the lusts of the flesh them that were clean escaped: but now are
wrapped in errors. They promise them liberty, and are them selves the
bondservants of corruption. For of whomsoever a man is overcome, unto
the same is he in bondage. For if they, after they have escaped from
the filthiness of the world thorow the knowledge of the lord, and of
the saviour Iesus Christ, they are yet tangled again therein and
overcome: then is the latter end worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them, not to have known the way of
righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy
commandment given unto them. It is happened unto them according to the
true proverb: The dog is turned to his vomit again, and the sow after
she is washed, is returned to her wallowing in the mire.
The .iij. Chapter.
This is the second pistel that I now write unto you, my derly beloved,
wherewith I stir up and warn your pure minds, to call to remembrance
the words which were told before of the holy prophets, and also the
commandment of us the apostles of the lord and saviour.
This first understand, that there shall come in the last days mockers,
which will walk after their own lusts and say: Where is the promise of
his coming? For since the fathers died all things continue in the same
estate wherein they were at the beginning. This they know not (and that
willingly) how that the heavens a great while ago were, and the earth
that was in the water, appeared up out of the water by the word of God:
by the which things the world that then was perished overflowen with
the flood. But the heavens verily and earth which are now, are kept by
the same word in store, and reserved unto fire, against the day of
judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
Derely beloved be not ignorant of this one thing, how that one day is
with the lord, as a thousand year, and a thousand year as one day. The
lord is not slack to fulfil his promise as some men count slackness:
but is patient to us ward and would have no man lost, but would receive
all men to repentance. Nevertheless the day of the lord will come as a
thief in the night, in the which day, the heavens shall perish with
terrible noise, and the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth
with the works that are therein shall burn.
If all these things shall perish, what manner persons ought ye to be in
holy conversation, and godliness: looking for, and hasting unto the
coming of the day of God, in which the heavens shall perish with fire,
and the elements shall be consumed with heat. Nevertheless we look for
a new heaven, and a new earth, according to his promise, wherein
dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore derly beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be
diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and
undefiled: And suppose that the long suffering of the lord is health,
even as our derely beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given
unto him, wrote to you, yee, almost in every pistel speaking of such
things: among which are many things hard to be understood, which they
that are unlearned, and unstable pervert, as they do other scriptures
unto their own destruction. Ye therefore beloved seeing ye are warned,
Beware lest ye be also plucked away with the error of the wicked, and
[fall from your] own steadfastness: but grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our lord, and saviour Iesus Christ. To whom be glory both
now and for ever, Amen.
The first pistel of S. Ihon
The first Chapter.
That which was from the beginning declare we unto you, which we have
heard which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and
our hands have handled, of the word of life. For the life appeared, and
we have seen, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life,
which was with the father, and appeared unto us. That which we have
seen and heard declare we unto you that ye may have fellowship with us,
and that our fellowship may be with the father, and his son Iesus
Christ. And this write we unto you, that our joy may be full.
And this is the tidings which we have heard of him, and declare unto
you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say
that we have fellowship with him, and yet walk in darkness, we lie, and
do not the truth: but and if we walk in light even as he is in light,
then have we fellowship with him, and the blood of Christ his son
cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and truth is not
in us. If we knowledge our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have
not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The second Chapter.
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye should not
sin: and if any man sin, yet we have an advocate with the father, Iesus
Christ, which is righteous: and he it is that obtaineth grace for our
sins: not for our sins only: but also for the sins of all the world.
And hereby we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith I know him, and keepeth not his commandments is a liar,
and the verity is not in him. Whosoever keepeth his word, in him is the
love of God perfect in deed. And thereby know we that we are in him. He
that saith he bideth in him, ought to walk even as he walked.
Brethren I write no new commandment unto you: but that old commandment
which ye heard from the beginning. The old commandment is the word
which ye heard from the beginning. Again a new commandment I write unto
you, a thing that is true in him, and also in you: for the darkness is
past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith how that he is in
the light, and yet hateth his brother, is in darkness even until this
time. He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is
none occasion of evil in him. He that hateth his brother is in
darkness, and walketh in darkness: and cannot tell whither he goeth,
because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Babes I write unto you how that your sins are forgiven you for his
name's sake. I write unto you fathers, how that ye have known him that
was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, how that ye have
overcome the wicked. I write unto you little children, how that ye have
known the father. I write unto you fathers, how that ye have known him
that was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, how that ye
are strong: and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome
that wicked.
See that ye love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him.
For all that is in the world (as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of goods) is not of the father: but of the world.
And the world vanisheth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
fulfilleth the will of God, abideth ever.
Little children it is the last time, and as ye have heard how the
antichrist shall come: even now are there many antichrists come already
whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us but
they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt
have continued with us. But that fortuned that it might appear, that
they were not of us.
And ye have an ointment of the wholy ghost, and ye know all things. I
wrote not unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as though ye
knew it, and know also that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar: but
he that denieth that Iesus is Christ? he is the antichrist that denieth
the father and the son. Whosoever denieth the son, the same hath not
the father. Let therefore abide in you that same which ye heard from
the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning shall remain
in you, ye also shall continue in the son, and in the father. And this
is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
This have I written unto you, as concerning them that deceive you. And
the anointing which ye have received of him dwelleth in you. And ye
need not that any man teach you: but as that annointing teacheth you
all things, and is true, and is no lie: and as it taught you, even so
bide therein. And now babes abide in him, that when he shall appear, we
may be bold, and not be made ashamed of him at his coming. If ye know
that he is righteous, know also that he which followeth righteousness,
is born of him.
The .iij. Chapter.
Behold what love the father hath shewed on us, that we should be called
the sons of God. For this cause the world knoweth you not because it
knoweth not him. Derely beloved, now are we the sons of God, and yet it
hath not appear what we shall be. But we know that when it shall
appear, we shall be like him. For we shall see him as he is. And every
man that hath this hope in him, purgeth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin, committeth unrighteousness also, for sin is
unrighteousness. And ye know that he appeared to take away our sins,
and in him is no sin. As many as bide in him, sin not: whosoever
sinneth hath not seen him, neither hath known him.
Babes let no man deceive you, He that doth righteousness, is righteous,
even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for
the devil sinneth since the beginning. For this purpose appeared the
son of God, to loose the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God,
sinneth not: for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because
he is born of God. In this are the children of God known, and the
children of the devil. Whosoever doth not righteousness, is not of God,
neither he that loveth not his brother.
For this is the tidings, that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another: not as Cain which was of the wicked and slew
his brother. And wherefore slew he him? because his own works were
evil, and his brother's good. Marvel not my brethren if the world hate
you. We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we
love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother, is a man slayer. And ye know that no man
slayer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Hereby perceive we love: that he gave his life for us: And we ought
also to give our lives for the brethren. Whosoever hath this world's
goods and seeth his brother in necessity, and shutteth up his
compassion from him: how dwelleth the love of God in him? My babes, let
us not love in word, neither in tongue: but with deed, and in verity:
And thereby we know that we are of the verity, and will before him put
our hearts out of doubt: For (if our hearts condemn us) God is greater
than our hearts, and knoweth all things. Tenderly beloved, if our
hearts condemn us not, then have we trust to God ward: and whatsoever
we ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments, and
do those things which are pleasing in his sight.
And this is his commandment, that we believe on the name of his son
Iesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave commandment. And he that
keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we
know that there abideth in us of the spirit which he gave us.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Derely beloved believe not every spirit: but prove the spirits whether
they are of God, or no: for many false prophets are gone out into the
world. Hereby shall ye know the spirit of God. Every spirit that
confesseth that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God. And every
spirit which confesseth not that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh, is
not of God. And this is that spirit of antichrist, of whom ye have
heard, how that he should come: and even now already is he in the
world.
Little children, ye are of God, and have overcome them: for greater is
he that is in you, then he that is in the world. They are of the world,
therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are
of God. He that knoweth God heareth us: He that is not of God, heareth
us not. Hereby know we the spirit of verity, and the spirit of error.
Derely beloved, let us love one another: for love cometh of God. And
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth
not, hath not known God: for God is love. In this appeared the love of
God to us ward, because that God sent his only begotten son into the
world, that we might live thorow him. Herein is love, not that we loved
God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to make agreement for our
sins.
Derely beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth
in us, and his love is perfect in us. Hereby know we, that we dwell in
him, and he in us: because he hath given us of his spirit. And we have
seen and do testify that the father sent the son, which is the saviour
of the world. Whosoever confesseth that Iesus is the son of God, in him
dwelleth God, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love
that God hath to us.
God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in
him. Herein is the love perfect in us, that we should have trust in the
day of judgment, that as he is, even so are we in this world. There is
no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out all fear, for fear hath
painfulness. He that feareth is not perfect in love.
We love him, for he loved us first. If a man say, I love God, and yet
hate his brother, he is a liar. How can he that loveth not his brother
whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment
have we of him: that he which loveth God, should love his brother also.
The .v. Chapter.
Whosoever believeth that Iesus is Christ, is born of God. And every one
that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him.
In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
keep his commandments. This is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. For all that is
born of God, overcometh the world. And this is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcometh the
world: but he which believeth that Iesus is the son of God?
This Iesus Christ is he that came by water and blood, not by water
only: but by water and blood. And it is the spirit that beareth
witness, because the spirit is truth. For there are three which bear
record in heaven, the father, the word, and the holy ghost. And these
three are one. And there are three which bear record in earth: the
spirit, and water, and blood: and these three are one. If we receive
the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the
witness of God, which he testified of his son. He that believeth on the
son of God hath the witness in himself. He that believeth not God, hath
made him a liar, because he believed not the record that God gave of
his son. And this is that record, how that God hath given unto us
eternal life, and this life is in his son. He that hath the son, hath
life: and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the
son of God, that ye may know how that ye have eternal life, and that ye
may believe on the name of the son of God. And this is the trust that
we have in him: that if we ask any thing according to his will he
heareth us. And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask, we know
that we shall have the petitions that we desire of him.
If any man see his brother sin a sin that is not unto death, let him
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There
is a sin unto death, for which say I not that a man should pray. All
unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not unto death.
We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not: but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked twicheth him not. We
know that we are of God, and that the world is altogether set on
wickedness. We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us a
mind to know him which is true: and we are in him that is true, through
his son Iesu Christ. This same is very God, and eternal life. Babes
keep yourselves from images. Amen.
The second pistel of S. Ihon
The first Chapter.
The senior to the elect lady and her children which I love in the
truth: And not I only, but also all that have known the truth, for the
truth's sake, which remaineth in us, and shall be in us for ever.
With you be grace, mercy, and peace from God the father, and from the
lord Iesus Christ the son of the father, in truth and love.
I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in trough, as
we have received a commandment of the father. And now beseech I thee
lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that same,
which we had from the beginning, that we should love one another. And
this is the love, that we should walk after his commandments.
This commandment is (that as ye have heard from the beginning) ye
should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, which
confess not that Iesus Christ is como in the flesh. This is a deceiver
and an antichrist. Look on yourselves, that we loose not that we have
wrought: but that we may have a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth
and bideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that
endureth in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the father, and the son.
If there come any unto you and bring not this learning, him receive not
to house: neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed,
is part taker of his evil deeds. I had many things to write unto you,
nevertheless I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come
unto you, and speak with you mought to mouth, that our joy may be full.
The sons of thy elect sister greet thee Amen.
The third pistel of S. Ihon
The first Chapter.
The senior unto the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Wellbeloved I wish in all things that thou prosperedest and faredest
well, even as thy soul prospereth. I rejoiced greatly when the brethren
came and testified of the truth that is in thee, how thou in troth
walkest. I have no greater joy than for to hear how that my sons walk
in verity.
Derely beloved thou dost faithfully what soever thou doest to the
brethren, and to strangers, which bare witness of thy love before all
the congregation. Which brethren when thou bringest forwards on their
journey (as it beseemeth God) thou shalt do well: because that for his
name's sake they went forth, and took nothing of the gentiles. We
therefore ought to receive such, that we also might be helpers to the
truth.
I wrote unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to have the
preeminence among them, receiveth us not, wherefore if I come I will
declare his deeds which he doeth jesting on us with malicious words,
neither is therewith content. Not only he himself receiveth not the
brethren: but also he forbiddeth them that would, and thrusteth them
out of the congregation.
Derely beloved counterfeit not that which is evil, but that which is
good: He that doeth well is of God: but he that doeth evil seeth not
God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth. Yee and
we ourselves also bear record, and ye know that our record is true. I
have many things to write: But I will not with pen and ink write unto
thee. For I trust I shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The
lovers salute thee. Greet the lovers by name.
The pistel unto the Ebrues
The first Chapter.
God in time past diversely and many ways, spake unto the fathers by
prophets: but in these last days he hath spoken unto us by his son,
whom he hath made heir of all things: by whom also he made the world.
Which son being the brightness of his glory, and very image of his
substance, bearing up all things with the word of his power, hath in
his own person purged our sins, and is sitten on the right hand of the
majesty on high, and is more excellent then the angels, in as much as
he hath by inheritance obtained an excellenter name than have they.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time: Thou art my son, this
day begat I thee? And again: I will be his father, and he shall be my
son. And again when he bringeth in the first begotten son in the world,
he saith: And all the angels of God shall worship him. And unto {of}
the angels he saith: He maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers
flames of fire. But unto the son he saith: God thy seat shall be for
ever, and ever. The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou
hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity: Wherefore hath God, which
is thy God, anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
And thou lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth:
And the heavens are the works of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou
shalt endure. They all shall wax old as doth a garment: and as a
vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art
the same, and thy years shall not fail. Unto which of the angels said
he at any time? Sit on my right hand till I make thine enemies thy
footstool. Are they not all spirits to do service, sent for to minister
for their sakes, which shall be heirs of health?
The .ij. Chapter.
Wherefore we ought much more to attend unto those things which we have
heard, lest we perish. For if the word which was spoken by angels was
steadfast: and every transgression and disobedience received a just
recompense to reward: how shall we escape if we despise so great
health? which at the first began to be preached of the lord himself,
and after ward was confirmed unto usward, by them that heard it, God
bearing witness thereto, both with signs and wonders also, and with
divers miracles, and gifts of the holy ghost, according to his own
will.
He hath not unto the angels put in subjection the world to come,
whereof we speak: but one in a certain place witnessed, saying. What is
man, that thou art mindful of him: other the son of man, that thou
visitest him? After thou hadst for a season made him lower than the
angels: thou crownedst him with honour and glory, and hast set him
above the works of thy hands. Thou hast put all things in subjection
under his feet. In that he put all things under him, he left nothing
that is not put under him. Nevertheless we yet see not all things
subdued unto him: but that Iesus which for a season was made less than
the angels, we see thorow the punishment of death crowned with glory
and honour: that he by the grace of God, should taste of death for all
men.
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
after that he had brought many sons unto glory, that he should make the
lord of their health perfect thorow afflictions: For as much as he
which sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of one. For
which cause's sake he is not ashamed to call them brethren saying: I
will declare thy name unto my brethren, and in the midst of the
congregation will I praise thee. And again: I will put my trust in him.
And again: behold here am I and the children which God hath given me.
For as much then as the children were part takers of flesh and blood,
he also himself like wise took part with them, for to put down thorow
death him that had lordship over death that is to say the devil. And
that he might deliver them which thorow fear of death all their life
time were in danger of bondage. For he in no place taketh on him the
angels: but the seed of Abraham taketh he on him. Wherefore in all
things it became him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might
be merciful, and a faithful high priest in things concerning God, for
to purge the people's sins. For in that he himself suffered, and was
tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
The .iij. Chapter.
Wherefore wholy brethren, partakers of the celestial callinge, consider
the ambassador and high priest of our profession Christ Iesus, being
faithful to him that sent him, even as was Moses in all his house. And
this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses: Inasmuch as he
which hath prepared the house, hath most honour in the house. Every
house is prepared of some man. But he that ordained all things is God.
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a minister, to bear
witness of those things which should be spoken afterward. But Christ as
a son hath rule over the house, whose house we are, if we keep stedfast
confidence and rejoicing in the faith unto the end.
Wherefore as the holy ghost saith: today if ye shall hear his voice,
harden not your hearts, as when ye provoked in time of temptation in
the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my
works xl. years long. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation and
said: They ever err in their hearts: they verily have not known my
ways, so that I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my
rest. Take heed brethren that there be in none of you an evil heart, in
unbelief, that he should depart from the living God: but exhort one
another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you wax hard
hearted, and be deceived with sin.
We are partakers of Christ, so that we keep sure unto the end the
beginning of the substance, so long as it is said: today if ye hear his
voice, harden not your hearts, as when ye provoked. For some, when they
heard, provoked: but not all that came out of Egypt under Moses. But
with whom was he displeased xl. years? was he not displeased with them
that sinned: whose bodies were overthrown in the desert? To whom sware
he that they should not enter into his rest: but unto them that
believed not? And we see that they could not enter in, because of
unbelief.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Let us fear therefore lest any of us forsaking the promise of entering
into his rest, should seem to come behind. For unto us was it declared,
as well as unto them. But it profited not them that they heard the
word, because they which heard it coupled it not with faith. We which
have believed, do enter into his rest, as contrary wise he said to the
other: as I have sworn in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest.
And that spake he verily long after that the works were made, from the
foundation of the world laid. For he spake in a certain place of the
seventh day, on this wise: And God did rest the seventh day from all
his works. And in this place again: They shall not come into my rest.
Seeing therefore it followeth that some must enter thereinto, and they
to whom it was first preached, entered not therein for unbelief's sake.
Again he appointeth in David a certain present day after so long a
time, saying as it is rehearsed: this day if ye hear his voice, be not
hard hearted. For if Iosue had given them rest, then would he not
afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore yet a
rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest doth
cease from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us study therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall into
such an ensample of unbelief: for the word of God is quick, and mighty
in operation, and sharper than any two edged sword: and entereth
through, even unto the dividing a sunder of the soul and the spirit and
of the joints, and the mary: and judgeth the thoughts and the intents
of the heart. Neither is there any creature invisible in the sight of
it: but all things are naked and bare unto the eyes of him, of whom we
speak.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest which is entered into
heaven (I mean Iesus the son of God) let us keep our profession. For we
have not an high priest, which cannot have compassion on our
infirmities: but was in all points tempted, in like manner: but yet
without sin. Let us therefore go boldly unto the seat of grace, that we
may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The .v. Chapter.
For every high priest that is taken from among men, is ordained for
men, in things pertaining to God: to offer gifts and sacrifices for
sins: which can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are
out of the high way, because that he himself also is compassed with
infirmity: For the which infirmity's sake, he is bound to offer for
sins, as well for his own part, as for the peoples. No man taketh
honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Even so likewise Christ honored not himself, that he might be the high
priest: but he glorified him that said unto him: thou art my son, this
day begat I thee. As he also in another place speaketh: Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech. Which in the days of
his flesh, did offer up prayers and supplications, with strong crying
and tears unto him that was able to save him from death: and was also
heard, because he had God in reverence. And though he were God's son,
yet learned he obedience, by those things which he suffered, and was
made perfect, and the cause of eternal health unto all them that obey
him: and is called of God the high priest, after the order of
Melchisedech.
Whereof we have many things to say which are hard to be uttered:
because ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye
ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you the
first principles of the word of God: and are become such as have need
of milk, and not of strong meat: For every man that is fed with milk is
inexpert in the word of righteousness: For he is but a babe. But strong
meat belongeth to them that are perfect, which thorow custom have their
wits exercised, to judge both good and evil also.
The .vj. Chapter.
Wherefore let us leave the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a
Christian man, and let us go unto perfection, and now no more lay the
foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of
baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection
from death, and of eternal judgement. And so will we do, if God permit.
For it is not possible that they, which were once lighted, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become parttakers of the holy
ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the
world to come: if they fall, should be renewed again unto repentance:
For as much as they have (as concerning them selves) crucified the son
of God afresh, making a mock of him.
For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it,
and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth
blessing of God: but that ground, which beareth thorns and briars, is
reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned.
Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you, and things
which accompany health, though we thus speak. For God is not
unrighteous that he should forget your work, and labour that proceedeth
of love, which love shewed in his name, which have ministered unto the
saints, and yet minister. Yee, and we desire that every one of you shew
the same diligence, to the increase of the faith, even unto the end:
that ye faint not, but counterfeit them, which thorow faith and
patience inherit the promises.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing
to swear by, he sware by himself, saying: Surely I will bless thee, and
multiply thee in deed. And so after that he had tarried a long time, he
enjoyed the promises. Men verily swear by him that is greater than
themselves, And an oath to confirm the thing, is among them an end of
all strife. So God willing very abundantly to shew unto the heirs of
promise, the stableness of his counsel, he added an oath, that by two
immutable things (in which it was unpossible that God should lie) we
might have perfect consolation, which have fled, for to hold fast the
hope that is set before our faces, which hope we have as an anchor of
the soul, both sure and stedfast. Which hope also entereth in, into
those things which are within the veil, whither the forerunner is for
us entered in, I mean Iesus that is made an high priest for ever, after
the order of Melchisedech.
The .vij. Chapter.
This Melchisedech king of Salem (which being priest of the most high
God, met Abraham, as he returned again from the slaughter of the kings,
and blessed him: to whom also Abraham gave tithes of all things) first
is by interpretation king of righteousness, after that he is king of
Salem, that is to say king of peace, without father, without mother,
without kin, and hath neither beginning of his time, neither yet end of
his life: but is likened unto the son of God, and remaineth a priest
for ever.
Consider what a man this was, unto whom the patriarch Abraham gave
tithes of the spoils. And verily those children of Levi, which receive
the office of the priests, have a commandment to take according to the
law, tithes of the people, that is to say, of their brethren, yee
though they sprung out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose kindred is
not counted among them, received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him
that had the promises. And no man denyeth but that which is less,
receiveth blessing of that which is greater. And here men that die
receive tithes. But there he receiveth tithes of whom it is witnessed,
that he liveth. And to say the truth, Levi him self also which
receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins
of his father Abraham, when Melchisedech met him. If now therefore
perfection came by the priesthood of the levites (for under that
priesthood the people received the law) what needed it furthermore that
another priest should rise, after the order of Melchisedech, and not
after the order of Aaron? Now no doubt, if the priesthood be
translated, then of necessity must the law be translated also.
For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth unto another tribe,
of which, never man served at the altar. For it is evident that our
lord sprung of the tribe of Iuda, of which tribe spake Moses nothing
concerning priesthood.
And it is yet a more evident thing, if after the similitude of
Melchisedech there arise another priest, which is not made after the
law of the carnal commandment: but after the power of the endless life.
For he testifieth: Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of
Melchisedech. Then the commandment that went afore, is disannulled,
because of his weakness and unprofitableness. For the law made no thing
perfect: but was an introduction of a better hope, by which hope, we
draw nigh unto God.
And for this cause it is a better hope, that it was not promised
without an oath. Those priests were made without an oath: but this
priest with an oath, by him that said unto him: The lord sware, and
will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedech: And for that cause was Iesus a stablisher of a better
testament.
And among them many were made priests, because they were not suffered
to endure by the reason of death. But this man, because he endureth
ever, hath an everlasting priesthood: Wherefore he is able also ever to
save them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth, to make
intercession for us.
Such an high priest it becommeth us to have, which is wholy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than heaven. Which
needeth not daily (as yonder high priests) to offer up sacrifice, first
for his own sins, and then for the people's sins. For that did he at
once for all, when he offered up himself: For the law maketh men
priests, which have infirmity: but the word of the oath that came since
the law, maketh the son priest, which is perfect for evermore.
The .viij. Chapter.
Of the things which we have spoken, this is the pith: that we have such
an high priest that is sitten on the right hand of the seat of majesty
in heaven, and is a minister of wholy things, and of the very
tabernacle, which God pyght, and not man. For every high priest is
ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity,
that this man have some what also to offer. For he were not a priest,
if he were on the earth where are priests that according to the law
offer gifts, which priests serve unto the ensample and shadow of
heavenly things: even as the answer of God was given unto Moses when he
was about to finish the tabernacle: For take heed (said he) that thou
make all things according to the patrone shewed to thee in the mount.
Now hath he obtained a more excellent office, in as much as he is the
mediator of a better testament, which was made for better promises. For
if that first testament had been such a one that no man could have
found fault with it: then should no place have been sought for the
second. For in rebuking them he saith: Behold the days will come (saith
the lord) and I will finish upon the house of Israhel, and upon the
house of Iudah, a new testament: not like the testament that I made
with their fathers at that time, when I took them by the hands, to lead
them out of the land of Egypt, for they continued not in my testament,
and I regarded them not saith the lord.
For this is the testament that I will make with the house of Israhell:
After those days (saith the lord:) I will put my laws in their minds,
and in their hearts, I will write them, and I will be their God, and
they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, every man his
neighbor, and every man his brother, saying: know the lord: For they
shall know me, from the least to the most of them: For I will be
merciful over their iniquities: and on their sins and on their
unrighteousness, will I not think any more. In that he saith a new
testament, he hath abrogate the old. Now that which is disannulled and
waxed old, is ready to vanish away.
The .ix. Chapter.
That first tabernacle verily had justifyings, and servings of God, and
worldly holiness. For that first tabernacle was made, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread, which is called wholy.
Within the second veil was the tabernacle, which is called holiest of
all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the testament overlaid
round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot with Manna, and
Aaron's rod that sprung, and the tables of the testament. Over the ark
were the cherubims of glory shadowing the seat of grace. Of which
things, we will not now speak particularly.
When these things were thus ordained, the priests went allways into the
first tabernacle and executed the service of God: Into the second went
the high priest alone, once every year: but not without blood, which he
offered for himself, and for the ignorance of the people: The holy
ghost this signifying, that the way of holy things was not yet opened,
while as yet the first tabernacle was standing, which was a similitude
of {for} this present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered,
which can not make them that minister perfect, as pertaining to the
conscience, with meats only and drinks, and divers washings, and
justifyings of the flesh, which were ordained until the time of
reformation.
But Christ being an high priest of good things to come, came by a
greater, and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands: that is to
say, not of this manner building, neither by the blood of goats, and
calves: but by his own blood, he entered once for all into the wholy
place, and found eternal redemption. For if the blood of oxen, and of
goats, and the ashes of an heifer, when it was sprinkled, purified the
unclean, as touching the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall
the blood of Christ (which thorow the eternal spirit, offered himself
without spot to God) purge our {your} consciences from dead works, for
to serve the living God?
And for this cause is he the mediator of the new testament, that as
sone (as his death was fulfilled for the redemption of those
transgressions that were in the first testament) they which were
called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For
wheresoever is a testament, there must also be the death of him that
maketh the testament. For the testament taketh authority when men are
dead: For it is of no value as long as he that made it is alive. For
which cause also, neither that first testament was ordained without
blood. For when all the commandments were read of Moses unto all the
people, he took the blood of calves, and of goats, with water and
purple wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the
people, saying this is the blood of the testament, which God hath
appointed unto you. Moreover, he sprinkled the tabernacle with blood
also, and all the ministering vessels. And almost all things, according
to the law, are cleansed with blood, and without effusion of blood, is
no remission.
It is then need that the similitudes of heavenly things, be purified
with such things: but the heavenly things themselves are purified with
better sacrifices than are these. For Christ is not entered into the
holy places, that are made with hands, which are but similitudes of
true things: but is entered into very heaven, for to appear now in the
sight of God for us. Not to offer himself often, as the high priest
entereth into the holy place every year with strange blood: for then
must he have often suffered since the world began: But now in the end
of the world, hath he appeared once for all, to put sin to flight, by
the offering up of himself. And as it is appointed unto men that they
shall once die, and then cometh the judgment, even so Christ was once
offered to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him,
shall he appear again, without sin unto their health.
The .x. Chapter.
For the law which hath but the shadow of good things to come, and not
the things in their own fashion, can never with the sacrifices which
they offer year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For would not then those sacrifices have ceased to have been offered?
because that the offerers once purged, should have had no more
consciences of sins. Nevertheless in those sacrifices is there mention
made of sins every year. For it is unpossible that the blood of oxen,
and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith: Sacrifice and
offering thou wouldest not have: but a body hast thou ordained me,
holocaustes and sacrifice for sin thou hast not allowed. Then I said:
Lo I come, In the beginning of the book it is written of me, that I
should do thy will, o God. Above when he sayeth sacrifice, and
offering, and holocaustes, and sacrifice for sin, thou wouldest not
have, neither hast allowed (which are offered by the law) then he said:
Lo I am ready do thy will o God: he taketh away the first to stablish
the latter. By the which will we are sanctified, by the offering of the
body of Iesu Christ once for all.
And every priest is ready daily ministering, and often times offereth
one manner of offering, which can never take away sins: but this man
after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat him down for ever on
the right hand of God, and from henceforth tarrieth till his foes be
made his footstool. For with one offering hath he made perfect for ever
them that are sanctified. And the holy ghost also beareth us record of
this, even when he told before: This is the testament that I will make
unto them after those days saith the lord. And I will put my laws in
their hearts, and in their minds I will write them, and their sins and
iniquities will I remember no more. And where remission of these things
is, there is no more offering for sin.
Seeing brethren that by the means of the blood of Iesu, we may be bold
to enter into that holy place, by the new and living way, which he hath
prepared for us, through the veil, that is to say by his flesh. And
seeing also that we have an high priest which is ruler over the house
of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full faith sprinkled in
our hearts, from an evil conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure
water, and let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering
(for he is faithful that promised) and let us consider one another to
provoke unto love, and to good works: and let us not forsake the
fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but
let us exhort one another, and that so much the more, because ye see
that the day draweth nigh.
For if we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of
the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins: but a fearful
looking for judgment, and violent fire, which shall devour the
adversaries. He that despiseth Moses' law, dieth without mercy under
two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall
he be counted worthy, which treadeth under foot the son of God: and
counteth the blood of the testament as an unholy thing, wherewith he
was sanctified, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. For we know
him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense
saith the lord. And again: the lord shall judge his people. It is a
fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Call to remembrance the days that are passed in the which, after ye
had received light, ye abode a great fight in adversities, partly
while all men wondered and gazed at you for the shame and tribulation
that was done unto you, and partly while ye became companions of them
which so passed their time. For ye suffered also with my bonds, and
took a worth the spoiling of your goods, and that with gladness,
remembering in yourselves how that ye had in heaven a better, and an
enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which
hath great reward to recompense. For ye have need of patience, that
after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For
yet a very little while, and he that shall come will come, and will
not tarry: But the just shall live by faith. And if he withdraw
himself, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. We are not which
withdraw ourselves unto damnation, but pertain to faith, for to the
win our souls.
The .xj. Chapter.
Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a
certainty of things which are not seen. By it the elders were well
reported of. Thorow faith we understand that the world was ordained, by
the word of God: That by the means of things which appear, things which
are invisible might be known. By faith Abel offered unto God a more
plenteous sacrifice than Cain: by which, he obtained witness that he
was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: by which also he being
dead, yet speaketh.
By faith was Enoch translated that he should not see death: neither was
he found: for God had taken him away. Before he was taken away, he
obtained record, that he had pleased God: but without faith it is
unpossible to please him. For he that cometh to God, must believe that
God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him.
By faith Noah honoured God, after that he was warned of things which
were not seen, and prepared the ark to the saving of his household,
thorow the which ark he condemned the world, and became heir of the
righteousness which cometh by faith.
By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed to go out into a place,
which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not
knowing whither he should go.
By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a
strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Iacob,
heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a
foundation, whose builder and maker is God.
Thorow faith Sara also received strength to be with child, and was
delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him
faithful which had promised.
And therefore sprang there of one (and of one which was as good as
dead) so many in multitude, as the stars of the sky, and as the sand of
the sea shore which is innumerable.
And they all died in faith, and received not the promises: but saw them
afar off, and believed them, and saluted them: and confessed that they
were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They that say such things,
declare that they seek a country. Also if they had been mindful of that
country, from whence they came, they had leisure to have returned
again. But now they desire a better, that is to say a celestial.
Wherefore God is not ashamed of them, even to be called their God: for
he hath prepared for them a city.
In faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered
him being his only son, in whom he had received the promises: Of whom
it was said, in Isaac shall thy seed be called: for he considered, that
God was able to raise up again from death. Wherefore received he him,
as an ensample of the resurrection. In faith Isaac blessed Iacob and
Esau, as concerning things to come.
By faith Iacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Ioseph,
and worshipped on the top of his sceptre.
By faith Ioseph when he died, remembered the departing of the children
of Israhel, and gave commandment of his bones.
By faith Moses when he was born, was hid three months of his father and
mother, because they saw he was a proper child: neither feared they the
king's commandment.
By faith Moses when he was of a great age, refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter, and chose rather to suffer adversity with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and
esteemed the rebuke of Christ greater riches, than the treasure of
Egypt. For he had a respect unto the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, and feared not the fierceness of the king.
For he endured, even as he had seen him which is invisible. Thorow
faith he ordained the ester lamb, and the effusion of blood, lest he
that destroyed the first born should touch them.
By faith they passed thorow the reed sea as by dry land, which when the
egyptians had assayed to do, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Iericho fell down after they were compassed
about, seven days.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not,
after she had received the spies to lodging peaceably.
And what shall I more say, the time would be too short for me to tell
of Gideon, of Barach, and of Samson, and of Iephthae. Also of David and
Samuel, and of the prophets, which thorow faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained the promises, stopped the mouths of
lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, of
weak were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of the aliens. The women received their dead raised to life
again.
Other were racked, and would not be delivered, that they might receive
a better resurrection. Other tasted of mockings, and scourgings,
moreover of bonds and prisonment: were stoned, were hewn asunder, were
tempted, were slain with swords, walked up and down in sheep skins, in
goat skins, in need, tribulation, and vexation, which the world was not
worthy of: They wandered in wilderness, in mountains, in dens and caves
of the earth.
And these all thorow faith obtained good report, and received not the
promise, God providing a better thing for us, that they without us
should not be made perfect.
The .xij. Chapter.
Wherefore let us also (seeing that we are compassed with so great a
multitude of witnesses) lay away all that presseth down, and the sin
that hangeth on us, and let us run with patience, unto the battle that
is set before us, looking unto Iesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, which for the joy that was set before him, abode the cross, and
despised the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of
God. Consider therefore how that he endured such speaking against him
of sinners, lest ye should be wearied and faint in your minds. For ye
have not yet resisted unto bloodshedding, striving against sin. And ye
have forgotten the consolation which speaketh unto you, as unto
children: My son despise not the chastening of the lord, neither faint
when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the lord loveth, him he
chasteneth: yee, and he scourgeth every son that he receiveth.
If ye shall endure chastening, God offereth himself unto you, as unto
sons. What son is that whom the father chasteneth not? If ye be not
under correction (where of all are part takers) then are ye bastards
and not sons. Moreover seeing we had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall not we much rather be
in subjection unto the father of spiritual gifts that we might live?
And they verily for a few days, nurtured us after their own pleasure:
but he learneth us unto that which is profitable, that we might receive
of his holiness. No manner learning for the present time seemeth to be
joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it bringeth the quiet
fruit of righteousness unto them which are therein exercised.
Stretch forth therefore again the hands which were let down, and the
weak knees, and see that ye have straight steps unto your feet, lest
any halting turn out of the way: yee, let it rather be healed. Embrace
peace with all men, and wholiness: without the which, no man shall see
the lord. And see that no man be destitute of the grace of God, lest
any root of bitterness spring up and trouble: and thereby many be
defiled. That there be no fornicator, or unclean person, as Esau, which
for one breakfast sold his right that belonged unto him, in that he was
the eldest brother. Ye know how that afterward when that he would have
inherited the blessing, he was put by. His repentance found no grace,
no though he desired that blessing with tears.
For ye are not come unto the mount that is touched, and unto burning
fire, nor yet to mist and darkness and tempest of weather, neither unto
the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words: which voice they that
heard it, wished away, that the communication should not be spoken to
them. For they were not able to abide that which was spoken. If a beast
had touched the mountain, it must have been stoned, or thrust thorow
with a dart: even so terrible was the sight which appeared. Moses said
I fear and quake. But ye are come unto the mount Sion, and to the city
of the living God, the celestial Ierusalem: and to an innumerable sight
of angels, and unto the congregation of the first born sons, which are
written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of
Just and perfect men, and to Iesus the mediator of the new testament,
and to the sprinkling of blood that speaketh better than the blood of
Abel.
See that ye despise not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not
which refused him that spake on earth: Much more shall we not escape,
if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then
shook the earth, and now declareth saying: yet once more will I shake,
not the earth only, but also heaven. No doubt the same that he sayeth,
yet once more, signifieth the removing a way of those things which are
shaken, as of things which have ended their course: that the things
which are not shaken may remain. Wherefore if we receive a kingdom
which is not moved, we have grace, whereby we may serve God and please
him with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to be kind to strangers.
For thereby have divers received angels into their houses unawares.
Remember them that are in bonds, even as though ye were bound with
them. Be mindful of them which are in adversity, as ye which are yet in
your bodies. Let wedlock be had in price in all points, and let the
chamber be undefiled: for whore keepers and advoutrers God will judge.
Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with that
ye have already. For he verily said: I will not fail thee, neither
forsake thee: that we may boldly say: The lord is my helper, and I will
not fear what man doeth unto me. Remember them which have the oversight
of you, which have declared unto you the word of God: consider the
conversation of their living, and counterfeit their faith.
Iesus Christ yesterday and today, and the same continueth for ever. Be
not carried thither with divers and strange learning. For it is a good
thing that the heart be stablished with grace, and not with meats,
which have not profited them that have had their pastime in them. We
have an altar whereof they may not eat which serve in the tabernacle.
For the bodies of those beasts (whose blood is brought into the holy
place by the high priest to purge sin) are burnt without the tents.
Therefore Iesus, to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered
with out the gate. Let us go forth therefore out of the tents, and
suffer rebuke with him. For here have we no continuing city: but we
seek a city to come.
For by him offer we the sacrifice of laud always to God: that is to say
the fruit of those lips, which confess his name. To do good, and to
distribute forget not, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey
them that have the oversight of you, and submit yourselves to them, for
they watch for your souls, even as they should give accounts for them:
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an
unprofitable thing for you. Pray for us. We have confidence because we
have a good conscience in all things, and desire to live honestly. I
desire you therefore somewhat the more abundantly, that ye so do, that
I may be restored to you quickly.
The God of peace that brought again from death our lord Iesus Christ,
the great shepherd of the sheep, thorow the blood of the everlasting
testament, make you perfect in all works, to do his will, and bring to
pass, that whatsoever ye do, may be accepted in his sight, by the means
of Iesus Christ. To whom be praise for ever while the world endureth
Amen.
I beseech you brethren, suffer the words of exhortation: For we have
written unto you in few words. Know the brother Timothy, whom we have
sent from us, with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. Salute
them that have the oversight of you, and all the saints. They of Italy,
salute you. Grace be with you all Amen.
Sent from Italy by Timotheous.
The pistel of S. Iames
The first Chapter.
Iames the servant of God, and of the lord Iesus Christ, sendeth
greeting to the xij. tribes which are scattered here and there. My
brethren, count it exceeding joy when ye fall into diverse temptations,
remembering how that the trying of your faith bringeth patience: and
let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and sound,
that nothing be lacking unto you.
If any that is among you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (which giveth
to all men without doubleness, and casteth no man in the teeth:) and it
shall be given him: but let him ask in faith, and waver not. For he
that doubteth is like the waves of the sea, tossed of the wind, and
carried with violence. Neither let that man think that he shall receive
any thing of God. A wavering minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, and the
rich in that he is made low. For even as the flower of the grass shall
he vanish away. The son riseth with heat, and the grass is withered,
and his flower fallen away, and the beauty of the fashion of it is
perished: even so shall the rich man perish in his abundance.
Happy is the man that endureth in temptation, for when he is tried he
shall receive the crown of life, which the lord hath promised to them
that love him.
Let no man say when he is tempted that he is tempted of God: for God
tempteth not unto evil: he tempteth no man: But every man is tempted
drawn away, and enticed of his own concupiscence. Then when lust hath
conceived, she bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth
forth death.
Erre not my dear brethren. Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is
from above and cometh down from the father of light, with whom is no
variableness, neither is he changed unto darkness.
Of his own will begat he us with the word of life, that we should be
the first [fruits] of his creatures.
Wherefore dear brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,
and slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not that which is
righteous before God.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, all superfluity of maliciousness,
and receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, which is
able to save your souls: And see that ye be doers of the word and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves [with sophistry]. For if any
hear the word, and do it not, he is like unto a man that beholdeth his
bodily face in a glass. For as soon as he hath looked on himself, he
goeth his way, and hath immediately forgotten what his fashion was: but
whosoever looketh in the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein
(if he be not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work) he shall be
happy in his deed.
If any man among you seem devout, and refrain not his tongue: but
deceive his own heart, this man's devotion is in vain. Pure devotion
and undefiled before God the father, is this: To visit the friendless,
{fatherless} and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself
unspotted from {of} the world.
The .ij. Chapter.
Brethren have not the faith of our lord Iesus Christ the lord of glory
in respect of persons. If there come into your company a man with a
golden ring, and in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in
vile raiment, and ye have a respect to him that weareth the gay
clothing and say unto him: Sit thou here in a good place: and say unto
the poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not
even partial in yourselves, and have judged after evil thoughts?
Hearken my dear beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this
world, which are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he
promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Are not
the rich they which oppress you: and they which draw you before judges?
Do not they speak evil of that good name that is called on over you?
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture which saith: Thou
shalt love thine neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye regard one
person more than another, ye commit sin, and are rebuked of the law as
transgressors. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet fail in one
point, he is guilty in all. For he that said: Thou shalt not commit
fornication, said also: thou shalt not kill. Though thou shalt do no
fornication, yet if thou kill, thou art a transgressor of the law. So
speak ye, and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For there shall be judgement merciless to him that sheweth no mercy,
and mercy rejoiceth against judgement: What availeth it my brethren,
though a man say he hath faith, when he hath no deeds? Can faith save
him? If a brother or a sister be naked or destitute of daily food, and
one of you say unto them: Depart in peace, God send you warmness and
food: notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful
to the body: what helpeth it them? Even so faith, if it have no deeds
is dead in itself.
But one shall say: Thou hast faith, and I have deeds: Shew me thy faith
by thy deeds: and I will shew thee my faith by my deeds. Believest thou
that there is one God? Thou doest well. The devils also believe and
tremble.
Wilt thou understand o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified of his deeds when he offered Isaac
his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought with in his
deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the
scripture was fulfilled which saith: Abraham believed God, and it was
reputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of
God. Ye see then how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith
only. Likewise also was not Raab the harlot justified when she received
the messengers, and sent them out another way? For as the body, without
the spirit is dead, even so faith without deeds is dead.
The .iij. Chapter.
My brethren, be not every man a master, Remembering how that we shall
receive the more damnation. For in many things we sin all. If a man sin
not in word, he is a perfect man and able to tame all the body. Behold
we put bits into the horses' mouths that they should obey us, and we
turn about all the body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so
great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a
very small helm, whithersoever the violence of the governor will: even
so the tongue is little member and boasteth great things.
Behold how great a thing a little fire kindleth, and the tongue is
fire, and a world of wickedness. So is the tongue set among our
members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth a fire all that
we have of nature, and is itself set afire, even of hell.
All the natures of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and things of
the sea, are meeked and tamed of the nature of man. But the tongue can
no man tame. It is an unruly evil full of deadly poison. Therewith
bless we God the father, and therewith curse we men which are made
after the similitude of God. Out of one mought proceedeth blessing and
cursing. My brethren these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain
send forth at one place sweet water, and bitter also? Can the fig tree,
my brethren, bear olive berries: other a vine bear figs? So can no
fountain give both salt water and fresh also. Who is wise and endued
with learning among you? Let him shew the works of his good
conversation in meekness that is coupled with wisdom. But if ye have
bitter envying and strife in your hearts, rejoice not: neither be liars
against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above: but is
earthy, and natural, and devilish: For where envying and strife is,
there is unstableness, and all manner of evil works: but the wisdom
that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, and
without simulation: yee, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in
peace, of them that keep peace.
The .iiij. Chapter.
From whence cometh war, and fighting among you? come they not here
hence? even of your voluptuousness that raineth in your members. Ye
lust, and have not. Ye envy and have indignation, and cannot come by
it. Ye fight and war, and have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask and have
not, because ye ask amiss, for to consume it upon your voluptuousness.
Ye advoutrers, and women that break matrimony: know ye not how that the
friendship of the world is enmity to godward? Whosoever will be friend
of the world, is made the enemy of God. Do ye suppose that the
scripture saith in vain: The spirit that dwelleth in you, lusteth even
contrary to envy: but giveth more grace.
Submit yourselves to God, and resist the devil, and he will flye from
you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands
ye sinners, and purge your hearts ye wavering minded. Suffer
afflictions: sorrow ye and weep. Let your laughter be turned to
mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Cast down yourselves before the
lord, and he shall lift you up. Backbite not one another, brethren. He
that backbiteth his brother, and he that judgeth his brother,
backbiteth the law, and judgeth the law: but and if thou judge the law,
thou art not an observer of the law: but a judge. There is one law
giver, which is able to save and to destroy. What art thou that judgest
another man?
Go to now ye that say: today and tomorrow let us go into such a city
and continue there a year and buy, and sell, and win: and yet cannot
tell what shall happen tomorrow. For what thing is your life? it is
even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away:
For that ye ought to say: if the lord will and if we live, let us do
this or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings. All such rejoicing
is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth how to do good, and doth it not,
it is sin.
The .v. Chapter.
Go to now ye rich men. Weep, and howl on your wretchedness that shall
come upon you. Your riches is corrupt, your garments are motheaten.
Your gold and your silver are cankered, and the rust of them shall be a
witness unto you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have
heaped treasure together in your last days: Behold the hire of the
laborers which have reaped down your fields (which hire is of you kept
back by fraud) crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped, are
entered into the ears of the lord Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on
the earth and in wantonness. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day
of slaughter. Ye have condemned and have killed the just, and he hath
not resisted you.
Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the lord. Behold the
husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience there upon, until he receive the early and the latter rain. Be
ye also patient therefore, and settle your hearts, for the coming of
the lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another brethren, lest ye
be dampned. Behold the judge standeth before the door. Take (my
brethren) the prophets for an ensample of suffering adversity, and of
long patience, which spake in the name of the lord. Behold we count
them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Iob, and have
known what end the lord made. For the lord is very pitiful, and
merciful.
But above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither
by earth, neither by any other oath. Let your saying be yee yee, and
nay nay: lest ye fall into hypocrisy. Is there any among of you that is
evil vexed? let him pray. Is there any among you that is merry? let him
sing psalms. Is there any man diseased among you? Let him call for the
seniors of the congregation, and let them pray over him, and anoint him
with oil in the name of the lord: and the prayer of faith shall save
the sick, and the lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed
sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Knowledge your faults one to another: and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much, if it be
fervent. Helias was a man in danger to tribulation as we are, and he
prayed in his prayer, that it might not rain: and it rained not on the
earth by the space of three years and six months. And again he prayed,
and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Brethren if any of you err from the truth, and another convert him, let
the same know, that he which converted the sinner from going astray out
of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the multitude
of sins.
The end of the pistle of Saynct Iames.
The pistel of sanct Iudas
The first Chapter.
Iudas the servant of Iesus Christ, the brother of Iames. To them which
are called and sanctified in God the father, and preserved in Christ
Iesus. Mercy unto you, and peace and love be multiplied.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common
health: it was needful for me to write unto you, to exhort you, that ye
should continually labour in the faith, which was once given unto the
saints. For there are certain craftily crept in, of which it was
written aforetime unto such judgement. They are ungodly, and turn the
grace of our lord God unto wantonness, And deny God the only lord, and
our lord Iesus Christ.
My mind is therefore to put you in remembrance, for as much as ye once
know this, how that the lord (after that he had delivered the people
out of Egypt) destroyed them which afterward believed not: The angels
also, which kept not their first estate: but left their own habitation,
he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment
of the great day: even as Zodom, and Gomor, and the cities about them
(which in like manner defiled themselves, with fornication, and
followed strange flesh) are set forth for an example, and suffer the
vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise these dreamers defile the flesh,
despise rulers, and speak evil of them that are in authority.
Yet Michael the archangel (when he strove against the devil, and
disputed the body of Moses) durst not give railing sentence, but said:
The lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they
know not. In those things which they know naturally (as beasts which
are without reason) they corrupt themselves. Woe be unto them, for they
have followed the way of Cain, and are spilt in the error of Balaam for
lucre's sake, and are cast away in the treason of Core.
These are spots which of your kindness feast together, without fear,
feeding themselves. Clouds they are without water, carried about of
winds: Trees rotten in autumn, unfruitfull, twice dead, and plucked up
by the roots. They are raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own
shame. They are wandering stars, to whom is reserved the mist of
darkness for ever.
Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied before of such saying. Behold,
the lord shall come with thousands of saints, to give judgement against
all men, and to rebuke all that are ungodly among them, of all their
ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their
cruel speakings, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, whose
mouths speak proud things. They have men in great reverence because of
advantage. But ye beloved remember the words which were spoken before
of the Apostles of our lord Iesus Christ, how that they told you that
there should be beguilers in the last time, which should walk after
their own ungodly lusts. These are makers of sects, naturall, {or
fleshy, other carnal,} having no spirit.
But ye derly beloved, edify yourselves in your most wholy faith,
praying in the wholy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our lord Iesus Christ, unto eternal life. And
have compassion on some, separating them: and other save with fear,
pulling them out of the fire, and hate the filthy vesture of the flesh.
Unto him that is able to keep you, that ye faule not, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory with joy, that is to
say, to God our saviour which only is wise, be glory, majesty,
dominion, and power, now and for ever Amen.
The revelation of sanct Ihon the devine.
The first Chapter.
The revelation of Iesus Christe, which God gave unto him, for to shew
unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. And he sent
and shewed by his angel unto his servant Ihon, which bare record of the
word of God, and of the testimony of Iesus Christ, and of all things
that he saw. Happy is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of
the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein. For the
time is at hand.
Ihon to the vij. congregations in Asia. Grace be with you and peace,
from him which is and which was, and which is to come: and from the
vij. spirits which are present before his throne, and from Iesus Christ
which is a faithful witness, and first begotten of the dead: and lord
over the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from
our sins in his own blood, and made us kings and priests unto God his
father, be glory, and dominion for evermore amen. Behold he cometh with
clouds, and all eyes shall see him: and they also which pierced him.
And all kindreds of the earth shall wail. Even so amen. I am Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the lord almighty, which is
and which was and which is to come.
Ihon your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and
patience which is in Iesu Christ, was in the isle of Pathmos for the
word of God, and for the witnessing of Iesu Christ. I was in the spirit
on a son day, and heard behind me, a great voice, as it had been of a
trompe saying: I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. That thou
seest write in a book, and send it unto the congregations which are in
Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto
Thiatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicia.
And I turned back to see the voice that spake to me. And when I was
turned: I saw vij. golden candlesticks. and in the midst of the
candlesticks, one like unto the son of man clothed with a linen garment
down to the ground, and gird about the paps with a golden girdle. His
head, and his hairs were white, as white wool, and as snow: and his
eyes were as a flame of fire: and his feet like unto brass, as though
they brent in a furnace: and his voice as the sound of many waters. And
he had in his right hand vij. stars. And out of his mouth went a two
edged sword. And his face shone even as the sun in his strength. And
when I saw him, I fell at his feet, even as dead. And he laid his right
hand upon me, saying unto me: fear not. I am the first and the last,
and am alive, and was dead. And behold I am alive for evermore, and
have the keys of hell and of death. Write therefore the things which
thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be
fulfilled hereafter: and the mystery of the vij. stars which thou
sawest in my right hand, and the vij. golden candlesticks. The vij.
stars are the angels of the vij. congregations: And the vij.
candlesticks which thou sawest are the vij. congregations.
The second Chapter.
Unto the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: These things saith
he that holdeth the vij. stars in his right hand, and walketh in the
midst of the vij. golden candlesticks. I know thy works, and thy
labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are
evil: and examinedst them which say they are apostles, and are not: and
hast found them liars. And hast suffered, and hast patience: and for my
name's sake hast laboured and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have
somewhat against thee, for thou hast left thy first love. Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first
works. Or else I will come unto thee shortly, and will remove thy
candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast
because thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which deeds I also
hate. Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith unto the
congregations. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree
of life, which is in the midst {myddes} of the paradise of God.
And unto the Angel of the congregation of Smyrna write: These things
saith he that is first, and the last, which was dead and is alive. I
know thy works and tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich: And I
know the blasphemy of them which call themselves jewes and are not: but
are the congregation of sathan. Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast of you into prison, to tempt
you, and ye shall have tribulation x. days. Be faithful unto the death,
and I will give thee a crown of life. Let him that hath ears hear, what
the spirit saith to the congregations: He that overcometh shall not be
hurt of the second death.
And to the angel of the congregation in Pergamos write: This saith he
which hath the sharp sword with two edges. I know thy works and where
thou dwellest, even where Sathan's seat is, and thou keepest my name
and hast not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful
witness of mine, which was slain among you where sathan dwelleth. But I
have a few things against thee: that thou hast there, they that
maintain, the doctrine of Balaam which taught in Balak, to put occasion
of sin before the children of Israhell, that they should eat of meat
dedicated unto idols, and to commit fornication. Even so hast thou them
that maintain the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. But
repent or else I will come to thee shortly and will fight against them
with the sword of my mought. Let him that hath ears hear what the
spirit sayth unto the congregations: To him that overcometh will I give
to eat Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the
stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that
receiveth it.
And unto the angel of the congregation of Thiatira write: This sayth
the son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, whose
feet are like brass: I know thy works and thy love, service, and
faight, and thy patience, and thy deeds, which are more at the last
than at the first. Not withstanding I have a few things against thee,
that thou sufferest that woman Iesabell, which called herself a
prophetess to teach and to deceive my servants, to make them commit
fornication, and to eat meats offered up unto idols. And I gave her
space to repent of her fornication and she repented not. Behold I will
cast her into a bed, and them that commit fornication with her into
great adversity, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her
children with death. And all the congregations shall know that I am he
which searches the reins and hearts. And I will give unto everyone of
you according to your works.
Unto you I say, and unto other of them of Thiatira as many as have not
this learning, and which have not known the deepness of Satan (as they
say) I will put upon you none other burden, but that which you have
already. Hold fast till I come, and whosoever overcometh and keepeth my
works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations, and he shall
rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall he
break them to shivers. Even as I received of my father. And I will give
him the morning star. Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit says
to the congregations.
The .iij. Chapter.
And write unto the angel of the congregation of Sardis: this sayth he
that hath the spirit of God, and the vij. stars. I know thy works, thou
hast a name that you livest, and thou are dead. Be awake and strengthen
the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not found
thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received
and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If you shalt not watch, I will
come on you as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come
upon thee. Thou hast a few names in Sardis, which have not defiled
their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are
worthy. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white array, and I will
not put out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his
name before my father, and before his angels. Let him that hath ears
hear what the spirit sayth unto the congregations.
And write unto the angel of Philadelphia: This sayth he that is holy
and true, which hath the key of David: which openeth and no man
shuteth, and shuteth and no man openeth. I know your works. Behold I
have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou
hast a little strength, and hast kept my sayings: and hast not denied
my name. Behold. I make them of the congregation of Sathan, which call
themselves Iewes and are not, but do lie. Behold. I will make them that
they shall come and worship before thy feet: and shall know that I have
loved thee.
Because thou hast kept the words of my patience, I will keep thee from
the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to tempt
them that dwell upon the earth. Behold I come shortly. Hold that which
thou hast, that no man take away thy crown. Him that overcometh will I
make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. And
I will write upon him, the name of my God, and the name of the city of
my God, new Ierusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God and
I will write upon him my new name. Let him that hath ears, hear what
the spirit saith unto the congregations.
And unto the angel of the congregation which is in Laodicia write: This
saith (amen) the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the
creatures of God. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot:
I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art between both,
and nether cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mought: because
thou sayst thou art rich and increased with goods, and hast need of
nothing, and knowest not how thou art wretched and miserable, poor,
blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire,
that thou mayst be rich: and white raiment, that thou mayst be clothed,
that thy filthy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eye
salve, that thou mayst see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be fervent therefore and
repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice
and open the door, I will come in unto him and will sup with him, and
he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
seat, even as I overcame and have sitten with my father, in his seat.
Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the
congregations.
The .iiij. Chapter.
After this I looked, and behold a door was open in heaven, and the
first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me,
which said: come up hither, and I will shew the things which must be
fulfilled hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a
seat was put in heaven, and one sat on the seat. And he that sat was to
look upon like unto a jasper stone, and a sardyne stone: And there was
a rainbow about the seat, to look upon, like unto an emerald. And about
the seat were xxiiij. seats. And I saw on the seats .xxiiij. seniors
sitting clothed in white raiment, and had on their heads crowns of
gold.
And out of the seat proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices:
and there were vij. lamps of fire, burning before the seat, which are
the vij. spirits of God. And before the seat there was a sea of glass,
like unto crystal, and in the midst of the seat, and round about the
seat, were iiij. beats full of eyes before and behind. And the first
beast was like a lion, the second beast like a calf, and the third
beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying
eagle. And the iiij. beasts had each one of them vj. wings about him,
and they were full of eyes within. And they had no rest day neither
night saying: holy, holy, holy, lord God almighty, which was, and is,
and is to come.
And when those beasts gave glory and honour and thanks to him that sat
on the seat, which liveth evermore, the xxiiij. seniours {elders} fell
down before the throne, before him that sat on the throne, and
worshipped him that liveth ever, and cast their crowns before the
throne saying: thou art worthy lord to receive glory, and honour, and
power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy will's sake they
are, and were created.
The .v. Chapter.
And I saw in the right hand of him, that sat in the throne, a book
written within and on the backside, sealed with vij. seals. And I saw a
strong angel which cried with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the
book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven nor in earth
neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look
thereon. And I wept much, because, no man was found worthy to open, and
to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the seniors said unto me: weep not: Behold a lion being of
the tribe of Iuda, the root of David, hath obtained to open the book,
and to loose the vij. seals thereof. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst
of the seat, and of the iiij. beasts, and in the midst of the seniors,
stood a lamb as though he had been killed, which had vij. horns and
vij. eyes, which are the spirits of God, sent into all the world. And
he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon
the seat.
And when he had taken the book, the iiij. beasts and xxiiij. seniors
fell down before the lamb, having harps and golden vials full of
odoures, which are the prayers of saints and they sung a new song
saying: thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals
thereof, for thou wast killed, and hast redeemed us by thy blood, out
of all kindreds, and tongues, and people, and nations, and hast made us
unto our God, kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels about the throne,
and about the beasts and the seniors, and I heard thousand thousands,
saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the lamb that was killed to receive
power, and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and
blessing. And all creatures, which are in heaven, and on the earth, and
under the earth, and in the sea, and all that are in them heard I
saying: blessing, honour, glory, and power be unto him, that sitteth
upon the seat, and unto the lamb for evermore. And the iiij. beasts
said: amen. And the xxiiij. seniors fell upon their faces, and
worshipped him that liveth for evermore.
The .vj. Chapter.
And I saw when the lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard one of the
iiij. beasts say, as it were the noise of thunder, come and see. And I
saw, and behold there was a white horse, and he that sat on him had a
bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and
for to overcome. And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second
beast say: come and see. And there went out another horse that was red,
and power was given to him that sat thereon, to take peace from the
earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given unto
him a great sword.
And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say: come
and see. And I beheld, and lo, a black horse: and he that sat on him,
had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst
of the iiij. beasts say: a measure of wheat for a penny, and iij.
measures of barley for a penny: and oil and wine see thou hurt not.
And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth
beast say: come and see. And I looked. And behold a green horse, and
his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed after him, and
power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill
with sword, and with hunger, and with death, that cometh of vermin of
the earth.
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar, the souls of
them that were killed for the word of God, and for the testimony which
they had, and they cried with a loud voice saying: How long tarriest
thou lord holy and true, to judge and to avenge our blood on them that
dwell on the earth? And long white garments were given unto every one
of them. And it {hit} was said unto them that they should rest for a
little season until the number of their fellows, and brethren, and of
them that should be killed as they were, were fulfilled.
And I beheld when he opened the sixth seal, and lo there was a great
earthquake, and the sun was as black as sack cloth made of hair. And
the moon waxed even as blood: and the stars of heaven fell unto the
earth, even as a fig tree casteth from her her figs, when she is shaken
of a mighty wind. And heaven vanished away, as a scroll when it is
rolled together. And all mountains and isles, were moved out of their
places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich
men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and
every free man, hid themselves in dens, and in rocks of the hills, and
said to the hills, and rocks: fall on us, and hide us from the presence
of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the lamb, for
the great day of his wrath is come, And who can endure it.
The .vij. Chapter.
And after that I saw iiij angels stand on the iiij. corners of the
earth, holding the iiij. winds of the earth, that the winds should not
blow on the earth, neither on the sea, neither on any tree. And I saw
another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, which had the seal of
the living God, and he cried with a loud voice to the iiij. angels (to
whom power was given to hurt the earth and the sea) saying: Hurt not
the earth neither the sea, neither the trees, till I {we} have sealed
the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed, and there were sealed
an C. and xliiij.M. of all the tribes of the children of Israhell. Of
the tribe of Iuda were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Ruben were sealed
xij.M. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Asser
were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Neptalym were sealed xij.M. Of the
tribe of Manasses were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Symeon were sealed
xij M. Of the tribe of Levy were sealed xij. M. Of the tribe of Isacar
were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed xij M. Of the
tribe of Ioseph were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Beniamyn were sealed
xij M.
After this I beheld, and lo a great multitude (which noman could
number) of all nations, and people, and tongues, stood before the seat,
and before the lamb, clothed with long white garments, and palms in
their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying: Health be to him that
sitteth upon the seat of our God, and unto the lamb. And all the angels
stood in the compass of the seat, and of the seniors, and of the iiij.
beasts, and fell before the seat on their faces, and worshipped God,
saying, amen: Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanks, and honour, and
power and might, be unto our God, for evermore amen.
And one of the seniors answered, saying unto me: what are these which
are arrayed in long white garments, and whence came they? And I said
unto him: lord thou wottest. And he said unto me: these are they which
came out of great tribulation and made their garments large, and made
them white in the blood of the lamb: therefore are they in the presence
of the seat of God and serve him day and night in his temple, and he
that sitteth in the seat will dwell among them. They shall hunger no
more neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them, neither any
heat. For the lamb which is in the midst of the seat, shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto fountains of living water, and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes.
The .viij. Chapter.
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven
about the space of half an hour. And I saw angels standing before God,
and to them were given vij. trumpets. And another angel came and stood
before the altar having a golden censer, and much of odoures was given
unto him, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the
golden altar, which was before the seat. And the smoke of the odoures
which came of the prayers of all saints ascended up before God out of
the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire
of the altar and cast it into the earth, and voices were made, and
thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquake.
And the vij. angels which had the vij trumpets prepared themselves to
blow. The first angel blew, and there was made hail and fire, which
were mingled with blood, and they were cast into the earth: and the
third part of trees was burnt, and all green grass was brent. And the
second angel blew: and as it were a great mountain: burning with fire
was cast into the sea, and the third part of the sea turned to blood,
and the third part of the creatures which had life died, and the third
part of ships were destroyed.
And the third Angel blew, and there fell a great star from heaven
burning as it were a lamp, and it fell into the third part of the
rivers, and into fountains of waters, and the name of the star is
called wormwood. And the third part was turned to wormwood. A many men
died of the waters because they were made bitter. And the fourth Angel
blew, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of
the moon, and the third part of stars: so that the third part of them
was darkened. And the day was smitten that the third part of it should
not shine, and likewise the night. And I beheld and heard an angel
flying thorow the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice: Woe, Woe,
to the inhabiters of the earth because of the voices to come of the
trompe of the iij. Angels which were yet to blow.
The .ix. Chapter.
And the fifth Angel blew, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the
earth. And to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he
opened the bottomless pit, and there arose the smoke of a great
furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened by the reason of the
smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the
earth: And unto them was given power as the scorpions of the earth have
power. And it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of
the earth: neither any green thing: neither any tree: but only those
men which have not the seal in their foreheads, and to them was
commanded that they should not kill them, but that they should be vexed
v months, and their pain was as the pain that cometh of a scorpion,
when he hath stung a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and
shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shall fly from
them.
And the similitude of the locusts was like unto horses prepared unto
battle, and on their heads were as it were crowns, like unto gold: and
their faces were as it had been the faces of men. And they had hairs as
the hairs of women. And their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And
they had habergeons, as it were habergeons of iron. And the sound of
their wings, was as the sound of chariots when many horses run together
to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were
stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men v months. And
they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit,
whose name in the hebrew tongue, is Abadon: but in the greek tongue,
Apollion, that is to say a destroyer. One woe is past, and behold two
woes come after this.
And the sixth. angel blew, and I heard a voice from the iiij. corners
of the golden altar, which is before God, saying to the sixth angel
which had the trompe: Loose the iiij. angels, which are bound in the
great river Euphrates. And the iiij. Angels were loosed which were
prepared for an hour, for a day, for a month, and for a year, for to
slay the third part of men. And the number of horsemen of war, were
twenty times xM And I heard the number of them: And thus I saw the
horses in a vision and them that sat on them, having fiery habergeons
of a Iacinth colour, and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as
the heads of lions. And out of their mouths went forth fire and smoke
and brimstone. And of these iij, was the third part of men killed, that
is to say, of fire, smoke, and brimstone, which proceeded out of the
mouths of them: For their power was in their mouths and in their tails:
for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them
they did hurt: And the remnant of the men which were not killed by
these plagues repented not of the deeds of their hands, that they
should not worship devils, and images, of gold, and silver, and brass,
and stone, and of wood, which neither can see, neither hear, neither
go. Also they repented not of their murder, and of their sorcery
neither of their fornication neither of their theft.
The .x. Chapter.
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a
cloud, and the rainbow upon his head. And his face as it were the sun,
and his feet as it were pillars of fire, And he had in his hand a
little book open: and he put his right foot upon the sea, and his left
foot on the earth. And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth.
And when he had cried, seven thunders spake their voices. And when the
vij. thunders had spoken their voices, I was about to write. And I
heard a voice from heaven saying unto me mark those things which the
vij. thunders spake, and write them not.
And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea, and upon the earth,
lifted up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for
evermore, which created heaven, and the things that therein are, and
the sea, and the things which therein are: that there should be no
longer time: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he
shall begin to blow: even the mystery of God shall be fulfilled, as he
preached by his servants the prophets.
And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said:
go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel,
which standeth upon the sea, and upon the earth. And I went unto the
angel, and said to him: give me the little book, and he said unto me:
take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it
shall be in thy mouth as sweet as honey. And I took the little book out
of his hand, and ate it up, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey,
and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto
me: thou must prophesy again among the people, and nations, and
tongues, and to many kings.
The .xj. Chapter.
And then was given me a reed, like unto a rod, and it was said unto me:
Rise and meet the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship
therein, and the choir which is with in the temple cast out, and meet
it not: for it is given unto the gentiles, and the holy city shall they
tread under foot xlij. months. And I will give power unto my two
witnesses, and they shall prophesy M.ijc. and lx. days, clothed in
sackcloth. These are two olive trees, and two candlesticks, standing
before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire shall proceed out of their mouths,
and consume their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, this wise
must he be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in
the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them
to blood, and to smite the earth with all manner plagues, as often as
they will.
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that came out of
the bottomless pit shall make war against them: and shall over come,
and kill them. And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great
city, which spiritually is called Zodom and Eygpt, where our lord was
crucified. And they of the people and kindreds, and tongues, and they
of the nations, shall see their bodies iij. days and an half, and shall
not suffer their bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon
the earth, shall rejoice over them and be glad, and shall send gifts
one to another: for these two prophets vexed them that dwelt on the
earth.
And after iij. days and an half the spirit of life from God entered
into them. And they stood up upon their feet: and great fear came upon
them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying
unto them. Come up hither. And they ascended up into heaven in a cloud,
and their enemies saw them. And the same hour was there a great
earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake
were slain names of men seven M. and the remnant were feared, and gave
glory to God of heaven. The second woe is past, and behold the third
woe will come anon.
And the seventh angel blew, and there were made great voices in heaven,
saying: the kingdoms of this world are our lord's and his christe's,
and he shall reign for evermore. And the xxiiij. seniors, which sit
before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God
saying: we give thee thanks lord God omnipotent: which art and wast,
and art to come, for thou hast received thy great might, and hast
reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the
time of the dead, that thou shouldest judge them: and shouldest give
reward unto thy servants prophets and saints, and to them that fear thy
name small and great and shouldest destroy them, which destroy the
earth.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his
temple, the ark of his testament: and there followed lightnings, and
voices, and thunderings and earthquake, and much hail.
The .xij. Chapter.
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven. A woman clothed with the
sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of xij.
stars. And she was with child and cried travailing in birth, and pained
ready to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven, and
behold a great red dragon, having vij. heads, and ten horns, and seven
crowns upon his heads: and his tail drew the third part of the stars,
and cast them to the earth.
And the dragon stood before the woman, which was ready to be delivered:
for to devour her child as soon as it {hit} were born. And she brought
forth a man child, which should rule all nations with a rod of iron.
And her son was taken up unto God, and to his seat. And the woman fled
into wilderness, where she had a place, prepared of God, that they
should feed her there, M. and xxvj. days. {or M.ij.C and lx. days.}
And there was great battle in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought
with the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed
not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great
dragon, that old serpent called the devil and Sathanas, Was cast out.
Which deceiveth all the world. And he was cast into the earth, and his
angels were cast out also.
And I heard a loud voice saying: in heaven is now made health and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: For
he is cast down which accused them before God day and night: And they
overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their
testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore
rejoice heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of
the earth, and of the sea: for the devil is come down unto you which
hath great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted
the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were
given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, times,
and half a time, from the presence of the dragon. And the serpent cast
out of his mought water after the woman as it had been a river because
she should have been caught of the flood. And the earth helped the
woman, and the earth opened her mought, and swallowed up the river
which the dragon cast out of his mowth. And the dragon was wroth with
the woman: and went and made war with the remnant of her seed, which
keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Iesus Christe.
The .xiij. Chapter.
And I stood on the sea sand.
And I saw a beast rise out of the sea, having vij heads, and x horns,
and upon his horns x. crowns, and upon his head, the name of blasphemy.
And the beast which I saw, was like a cat of the mountain, and his feet
were as the feet of a bear, and his mowth as the mouth of a lion. And
the dragon gave him his power and his seat, and great authority: and I
saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound
was healed. And all the world wondered at the beast, and they
worshipped the dragon, which gave power unto the beast, and they
worshipped the beast saying: who is like unto the beast? who is able to
war with him?
And there was a mowth given unto him that spake great things, and
blasphemies, and power was given unto him, to continue xlij months. And
he opened his mowth unto blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name,
and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given
unto him to make war with the saints, and to over come them. And power
was given him over all kindred, tongue, and nation: and all that dwell
upon the earth worshipped him: whose names are not written in the book
of life of the lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity,
shall go into captivity: he that killeth with a sword, must be killed
with a sword. Here is the patience, and the faith of the saints.
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two
horns like a lamb, and he spake as did the dragon. And he did all that
the first beast could do in his presence, and he caused the earth, and
them which dwell therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly
wound was healed. And he did great wonders, so that he made fire come
down from heaven in the sight of men. And deceived them that dwelt on
the earth, by the means of those signs which he had power to do in the
sight of the beast, saying to them that dwelt on the earth: that they
should make an image unto the beast, which had the wound of a sword,
and did live.
And he had power to give a spirit unto the image of the beast, and that
the image of the beast should speak, and should cause that as many as
would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed. And he made
all men, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a
mark in their right hands, {hondes} or in their foreheads. And that no
man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the
beast, other the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath
wit count the number of the beast. For it is the number of a man, and
his number is six hundred, threescore and six.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
And I looked, and lo a lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him C.
and xliiij. thousand having his father's name written in their
foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the sound of many
waters, and as the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of
harpers harping with their harps. And they sang as it were a new song,
before the seat, and before the four beasts, and the seniors, and no
man could learn that song, but the hundred and xliiij M. which were
redeemed from the earth. These are they, which were not defiled with
women, for they are virgins. These follow the lamb whithersoever he
goeth. These were redeemed from men being the first fruits unto God and
to the lamb, and in their mouths was found no guile. For they are
without spot before the throne of God.
And I saw an angel fly in the midst of heaven having an everlasting
gospel, to preach unto them that sit and dwell on the earth, and to all
nations, kindreds, and tongues, and people, saying with a loud voice:
Fear God and give honour to him, for the hour of his judgement is come:
and worship him, that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and fountains
of water. And there followed another angel, saying: Babylon is fallen
is fallen that great city, for she made all nations drink of the wine
of her fornication.
And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice: If any man
worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead,
or on his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,
which is poured in the cup of his wrath. And he shall be punished in
fire and brimstone, before the holy Angels, and before the lamb. And
the smoke of their torment ascendeth up evermore. And they have no rest
day nor night, which worship the beast, and his image, and whosoever
receiveth the print of his name. Here is the patience of saints. Here
are they that keep the commandments and the faight of Iesu.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me: write: Blessed are the
dead, which hereafter die in the lord, even so saith the spirit: that
they may rest from their labors, but their works shall follow them. And
I looked and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sitting like
unto the son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand
a sharp sickle. And another Angel came out of the temple, crying with a
loud voice to him that sat on the cloud. Thrust in thy sickle and reap:
for the time is come to reap, for the corn of the earth is ripe. And he
that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth
was reaped.
And another Angel came out of the temple, which is in heaven, having
also a sharp sickle. And another Angel came out from the altar, which
had power over fire, and cried with a loud cry to him that had the
sharp sickle, and said: thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the
clusters of the earth: for her grapes are ripe. And the Angel thrust in
his sickle on the earth: and cut down the grapes of the vineyard of the
earth: and cast them into the great winefat of the wrath of God, and
the winefat was trodden with out the city, and blood came out of the
fat, even unto the horse bridles by the space of a thousand and iiij
score furlongs. {or a thowsande and .vj.C furlongs.}
The .xv. Chapter.
And I saw another sign in heaven great and marvellous, vij angels
having the seven last plagues, for in them is fulfilled the wrath of
God. And I saw as it were a glassy sea, mingled with fire, and them
that had gotten victory of the beast, and of his image, and of his
mark, and of the number of his name, stand on the glassy sea, having
the harps of God and they sang the song of Moses the servant of God,
and the song of the lamb, saying: Great and marvellous are thy works
lord God almighty, just and true are thy ways, king of the saints. Who
shall not fear o lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy,
and all gentiles shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements
are made manifest.
And after that I looked, and behold the temple of the tabernacle of
testimony was open in heaven, and the seven angels came out of the
temple, which had the seven plagues, clothed in pure and bright linen,
and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the
four beasts gave unto the seven angels vij golden vials, full of the
wrath of God which liveth for evermore. And the temple was full of the
smoke of the glory of God and of his power, and no man was able to
enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were
fulfilled.
The .xvj. Chapter.
And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven
angels: go your ways, pour out your vials of wrath upon the earth. And
the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell
a noisome and a sore botch upon the men, which had the mark of the
beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. And the second Angel
shed out his vial upon the sea, and it turned as it were into the blood
of a dead man, and every living thing died in the sea. And the third
angel shed out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters, and
they turned to blood. And I heard an angel say: lord which art and
wast, thou art righteous and holy, because thou hast given such
judgements, for they shed out the blood of saints, and prophets, and
therefore hast thou given them blood to drink: for they are worthy. And
I heard another out of the altar say: even so lord God almighty, true
and righteous are thy judgements.
And the fourth angel poured out his vial on the sun, and power was
given unto him to vex men with heat of fire. And the men raged in great
heat, and spake evil of the name of God which had power over those
plagues, and they repented not, to give him glory. And the fifth angel
poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast, and his kingdom waxed
dark, and they gnawed their tongues for sorrow, and blasphemed the God
of heaven for sorrow, and pain of their sores, and repented not of
their deeds.
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates,
and the water dried up, that the ways of the kings of the east should
be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the
mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the
mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils working
miracles, to go out unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,
to gather them to the battle of that great day of God almighty. Behold
I come as a thief. Happy is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments,
Lest he be found naked, and men see his filthiness. And he gathered
them together into a place called in the hebrew tongue Armagedon.
And the seventh Angel poured out his vial into the air. And there came
a voice out of heaven from the seat, saying: It is done. And there
followed voices, thunderings, and lightnings, and there was a great
earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an
earthquake and so great. And the great city was divided into the three
parts, And the cities of nations fell. And great Babylon came in
remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of wine of the
fierceness of wrath. Every isle fled away, and the mountains were not
found. And there fell a great hail, as it had been talents, out of
heaven upon the men, and the men blasphemed God, because of the plague
of the hail, for it was great and the plague of it sore.
The .xvij. Chapter.
And there came one of the seven angels, which had the seven vials, and
talked with me, saying unto me: I will shew thee the judgement of the
great whore, that sitteth upon many waters, with whom have committed
fornication the kings of the earth, so that the inhabiters of the
earth, are drunken with the wine of her fornication. And he carried me
away into the wilderness in the spirit. And I saw a woman sit upon a
rose colored beast full of names of blasphemy, which had ten horns. And
the woman was arrayed in purple and rose colour, and decked with gold,
precious stone, and pearls, and had a cup of gold in her hand, full of
abomination, and filthiness of her fornication. And in her forehead was
a name written, a mystery, great Babylon the mother of whoredom and
abominations of the earth. And I saw the wife drunken with the blood of
saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Iesu. And when I saw
her: I wondered with great marvel.
And the Angel said unto me: wherefore marvellest thou? I will shew thee
the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that beareth her, which hath
seven heads, and ten horns. The beast that thou seest, was, and is not,
and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and shall go into
perdition, and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder (whose names
are not written in the book of life from he beginning of the world)
when they behold the beast that was, and is not. And here is a mind
that hath wisdom.
The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth: they
are also seven kings. Five are fallen, and one is, and another is not
yet come. When he cometh he must continue a space. And the beast that
was, and is not, is even the eighth, and is one of the seven, and shall
go into destruction. And the ten horns which thou seest, are ten kings,
which have received no kingdom, but shall receive power as kings at one
hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power
and strength unto the beast. These shall fight with the lamb, and the
lamb shall overcome them: For he is lord of lords, and king of kings:
and they that are on his side, are called, and chosen, and faithful.
And he said unto me: the waters which thou sawest, where the whore
sitteth, are people, and folk, and nations, and tongues. And the ten
horns, which thou sawest upon the beast, are they that shall hate the
whore, and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh,
and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts, to fulfil his
will, and to do with one consent, for to give her kingdom unto the
beast, until the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman thou sawest,
is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
The .xviij. Chapter.
And after that I saw another angel come from heaven, having great
power, and the earth was lightened with his brightness. And he cried
mightily with a strong voice saying: Great Babylon is fallen is fallen,
and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of all foul
spirits, and a cage of all unclean and hateful birds, for all nations
have drunken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the kings
of the earth have committed fornication with her, and her merchants are
waxed rich of the abundance of her pleasures.
And I heard another voice from heaven say: come away from her my
people, that ye be not part takers in her sins, that ye receive not of
her plagues. For her sins are gone up to heaven, and God hath
remembered her wickedness. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and
give her double according to her works. And pour in double to her in
the same cup which she filled unto you. And as much as she glorified
herself and lived wantonly, so much pour ye in for her of punishment,
and sorrow, for she said in her heart: I sit being a queen and am no
widow and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come at one
day, death, and sorrow, and hunger, and she shall be brent with fire:
for strong is the lord God which judgeth her.
And the kings of the earth shall beweep her and wail over her, which
have committed fornication with her, and have lived wantonly with her,
when they shall see the smoke of her burning, and shall stand afar off,
for fear of her punishment, saying: Alas, Alas, that great city
Babylon, that mighty city: For at one hour is her judgment come. And
the merchants of the earth shall weep and wail in themselves, for no
man will buy their ware any more, the ware of gold and silver, and
precious stones, neither of pearl, and raynes, and purple, and scarlet,
and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner
vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and of iron, and cinnamon,
and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine
flour, and wheat, beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and
bodies and souls of men.
And the apples that thy soul lusted after, are departed from thee. And
all things which were dainty, and had in price are departed from thee,
and thou shalt find them no more. The merchants of these things which
were waxed rich shall stand afar off from her, for fear of the
punishment of her, weeping and wailing, and saying: alas alas, that
great city, that was clothed in raynes, and purple, and scarlet, and
decked with gold, and precious stone, and pearls: for at one hour so
great riches is come to nought.
And every ship governor, and all they that occupied ships, and shipmen
which work in the sea, stood afar off, and cried, when they saw the
smoke of her burning, saying: what city is like unto this great city?
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried weeping, and wailing, and
said: Alas Alas that great city wherein were made rich all that had
ships in the sea, by the reason of her ware, for at one hour is she
made desolate.
Rejoice over her thou heaven, and ye holy Apostles, and prophets: for
God hath given your judgement on her. And a mighty angel took up a
stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying: with
such violence shall that great city Babylon be cast, and shall be found
no more. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and
trumpeters, shall be heard no more in thee: and no crafts man, of
whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee, and the sound
of a mill shall be heard no more in thee, and the voice of the
bridegroom and of the bride, shall be heard no more in thee: for thy
merchants were the great men of the earth. And with thine enchantment
were deceived all nations: and in her was found the blood of the
prophets, and of the saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
The .xix. Chapter.
And after that, I heard the voice of much people in heaven saying:
Alleluia. Health and glory and honour, and power be unto our lord God,
for true and righteous are his judgements, for he hath judged the great
whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath
avenged the blood of his servants of her hand. And again they said:
Alleluya. And smoke rose up for evermore. And the xxiiij. seniors, and
the iiij. beasts fell down, and worshipped God that sat on the seat
saying: Amen Alleluya. And a voice came out of the seat, saying: praise
our lord God all ye that are his servants, and ye that fear him both
small and great.
And I heard the voice of much people, even as the voice of many waters,
and as the voice of strong thunderings, saying: Alleluya, for God
omnipotent hath reigned. Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to
him: for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife made herself
ready. And to her was granted, that she should be arrayed with pure and
goodly raynes. For the raynes is the righteousness of saints. And he
said unto me: happy are they which are called unto the Lamb's supper.
And he said unto me: these are the true sayings of God. And I fell at
his feet, to worship him. And he said unto me: see thou do it not. For
I am thy fellow servant, and one of thy brethren, and of them that have
the testimony of Iesus. Worship God. For the testimony of Iesus is the
spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven open, and behold a white horse:
and he that sat upon him was faithful and true, and in righteousness
did judge and make battle. His eyes were as a flame of fire: and on his
head were many crowns: and he had a name written, that no man knew but
himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, and his
name is called the word of God. And the warriors which were in heaven,
followed him upon white horses, clothed with white and pure raynes: and
out of his mouth went out a sharp sword, that with it he should smite
the heathen. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he trod the
winefat of fierceness and wrath of almighty God. And hath on his
vesture and on his thigh: king of kings, and lord of lords.
And I saw an angel stond in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice,
saying to all the fowls that fly by the midst of heaven: come and
gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God, that ye
may eat the flesh of kings, and of high captains, and the flesh of
mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and
the flesh of all free men and bond men, and of small and great. And I
saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their warriors gathered
together to make battle against him that sat on the horse and against
his soldiers.
And the beast was taken, and with him that false prophet that wrought
miracles before him, with which he deceived them that received the
beasts mark, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast
into a pond of fire burning with brimstone: and the remnant were slain
with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded
out of his mouth, and all the fowls were fulfilled with their flesh.
The .xx. Chapter.
And I saw an Angel come down from heaven, having the key of the
bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. And he took the dragon
that old serpent, which is the devil and satanas, and he bound him a
thousand years: and cast him into the bottomless pit, and he bound him,
and set a seal on him, that he should deceive the people no more, till
the M. years were fulfilled. And after that he must be lowsed for a
little season.
And I saw seats, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto
them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of
Iesu, and for the word of God: which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image, neither had taken his mark upon their foreheads, or
on their hands: and they lived, and reigned with Christ a M. years: but
the other of the dead men lived not again, until the M. years were
finished. This is that first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that
hath part in the first resurrection. For on such shall the second death
have no power, for they shall be the priests of God and of Christ, and
shall reign with him a M. years.
And when the M. years are expired, Satan shall be lowsed out of his
prison, and shall go out to deceive the people which are in the four
quarters of the earth Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle
whose number is as the sand of the sea: and they went up on the plain
of the earth, and compassed the tents of the saints about, and the
beloved city. And fire came down from God, out of heaven, and devoured
them: and the devil that deceived them, was cast into a lake of fire
and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were and shall be
tormented day and night for ever more.
And I saw a great white seat and him that sat on it, from whose face
fled away both the earth and heaven, and their place was no more found.
And I saw the dead, both great and small stond before God: And the
books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of
life, and the dead were judged of those things which were written in
the books according to their deeds: and the sea gave up her dead, which
were in her, and death and hell delivered up the dead, which were in
them: and they were judged every man according to his deeds. And death
and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is that second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into
the lake of fire.
The .xxj. Chapter.
And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth. For the first heaven, and the
first earth, were vanished away, and there was no more sea. And I Ihon
saw that holy city new Ierusalem come down from God out of heaven
prepared as a bride garnished for her husband. And I heard a great
voice from the throne, saying: behold, the tabernacle of God is with
men, and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people, and God
himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away
all tears from their eyes. And there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the
old things are gone. And he that sat upon the seat, said: Behold I make
all things new. And he said unto me: write, for these words are
faithful and true.
And he said unto me: it is done I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning,
and the end. I will give to him that is a thirst of the well of the
water of life free. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I
will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful and
unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and
sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
And there came unto me one of the vij. angels which had the vij. vials
full of the vij. last plagues: and talked with me saying: come hither I
will shew thee the bride, the lamb's wife. And he carried me away in
the spirit to a great and an high mountain, and he shewed me the great
city, holy Ierusalem descending out of heaven from God, having the
brightness of God. And her shining was like unto a stone most precious,
even a Jasper clear as Crystal: and had walls great and high, and had
xij gates, and at the gates xij angels: and names written, which are
the xij tribes of Israell: on the east part iij gates, and on the north
side iij gates, and towards the south iij gates, and from the west iij
gates: and the wall of the city had xij foundations, and in them the
names of the lamb's .xij. Apostles.
And he that talked with me, had a golden reed to measure the city
withall and the gates thereof and the wall thereof. And the city was
built iiij. square, and the length was as large as the breadth of it,
and he measured the city with the reed xijM. furlongs: and the length,
and the breadth, and the height of it, were equal. And he measured the
wall thereof an cxliiij. cubits: the measure that the angel had was
after the measure that man useth. And the building of the wall of it
was of jasper. And the city was pure gold like unto clear glass and the
foundations of the wall of the city was garnished with all manner of
precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire,
the third a chalcedony, the fourth an emerald: the fifth sardonyx: the
sixth sardeos: the seventh chrysolite: the eighth berall: the ninth a
topas: the tenth a chrysoprasus: the eleventh a hyacinth: the twelfth
an amethyst.
The xij gates were xij pearls, every gate was of one pearl, and the
street of the city was pure gold, as thorow shining glass. And there
was no temple therein. For the lord God almighty and the lamb are the
temple of it. and the city hath no need of the sun neither of the moon
to lighten it. For the brightness of God did light it: and the lamb was
the light of it. And the people which are saved shall walk in the light
of it: and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory unto it. And
the gates of it are not shut by day. For there shall be no night there.
And there shall enter into it none unclean thing: neither whatsoever
worketh abomination: or maketh lies: but they only which are written in
the lamb's book of life.
The .xxij. Chapter.
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life pure as crystal:
proceeding out of the seat of God and of the lamb. In the midst of the
street of it, and on either side of the river was there wood of life:
which bare xij manner of fruits: and gave fruit every month: and the
leaves of the wood served to heal the people with all. And there shall
be no more curse, but the fear of God and the lamb shall be in it: and
his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face, and his name
shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no more night there and
they need no candle, neither light of the sun: for the lord God giveth
them light, and they shall reign for evermore.
And he said unto me: these sayings are faithful, and true. And the lord
God of saints and prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants,
the things which must shortly be fulfilled. Behold I come shortly.
Happy is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book. I am
Ihon, which saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and
seen, I fell down, to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed
me these things. And he said unto me: see thou do it not, for I am thy
fellow servant and the fellow servant of thy brethren the prophets and
of them which keep the sayings of this book. But worship God.
And he said unto me: seal not the sayings of prophesy of this book. For
the time is at hand. He that doth evil, let him do evil still: and he
which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let
him be more righteous: and he that is holy, let him be more holy. And
behold I come shortly, and my reward with me, to give every man
according as his deeds shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning
and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his
commandments, that their power may be in the tree of life, and may
enter in thorow the gates into the city. For with out shall be dogs and
enchanters, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and
whosoever loveth or maketh lesynges.
I Iesus sent mine angel, to testify unto you these things in the
congregations. I am the root and the generation of David, and the
bright morning star. And the spirit and the bride said come. And let
him that heareth, say also come. And let him that is a thirst come. And
let whosoever will, take of the water of life free.
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of prophecy of this
book: if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him
the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall minish
of the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part
out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from those
things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things
saith: be it, I come quickly, Amen. Even so: come lord Iesu. The grace
of our lord Iesu Christ be with you all Amen.
The end of the newe testament.
EDITOR's NOTES
Messiah Iesu the son of God commanded in John Chap. ij. :
.."make not my father's house, an house of merchandise."
If you are shopping for a new Bible, your choices are mind-boggling. At
first I said like Paul wrote:
"What thing is this? Notwithstanding by all manner ways, whether it be
by occasion or of truth, yet Christ is preached: and therefore I joy.
Yee and will joy." (Philippians j.)
Even so, thorow much research and thanks to the guidance of the spirit
of God who leads to truth, that is, His son Christ Iesu our health;
firstly asking God by prayer and fasting, for wisdom in Iesus name; it
must be said in desire of the pure Word, that one will come to the
realization that over the years there have been many divers revisions
of the Scriptures, some of which under the guise of wordily scholarship
and "the modernizing the languages" have watered down the message and
introduced errors proceeding from deviant manuscripts, from doctrines
of men, and from over simplification of the English or given language.
May the spirit of God deliver us from any strong delusion, and keep us
in the alleviating reality of the truth, specially at this Laodicean
hour.
'So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing cometh by the word of
God.'(Romans x.)
Instead of revising "forward" towards modernism and employing modern
scholarship, textual criticism, and the like; it has been my intention
to go "back" and restore the pure message from the proven root. Yea, a
root that was tried in the fire like gold and grew to immense
proportions in likeness of a great tree yielding it's fruit in due
season. For it's history of good fruit speaks for itself. Therefore, I
believe that only when we allow the witness of the spirit of truth in
our hearts to have the last word regarding translation, can we then
come to the truth or reality of the matter.
'Study to shew thyself laudable unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, dividing the word of truth justly.' Second Timothy ij.
Diligence and great reverence to God must be taken when studying the
Scriptures; like those noble of Berea in Acts xvij. 'which received the
word with all diligence of mind, and searched the scriptures daily
whether those things were even so.' And it must 'BEREAD' in mind that
even if we were to all learn the original tongue to perfection and
could obtain a flawless manuscript of the original text, there would
still be a humanly insurmountable language barrier between us and the
truth that can only be bridged by the spirit of God.
'For with thee is the fountain of life: and in thy light shall we see
light.' (Psalm xxxvj.)
I. About the translation and the translator
It is thanks to God for devout man of the word like William Tyndale,
that the Scriptures were translated from the original tongue and
printed for the first time in English.
A.) About the translation significance
Fluent in at least 7 languages, by the grace of God, William Tyndale
translated much of the Bible into English from the Hebrew and Greek
original tongue sources. In doing so he gave the English language many
of its best known phrases.
'In the beginning God created heaven and earth. The earth was void and
empty, and darkness was upon the deep, and the spirit of God moved upon
the water.
Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. And God
saw the light that it was good: and divided the light from the
darkness, and called the light day, and the darkness night: and so
of the evening and morning was made the first day.' (Genesis j.)
Through the years many English speaking believers in the Word adopted
and loved the 'Authorised' version of the New Testament, and surely it
includes Phrases of lapidary beauty that have been admired :
'heat of the day' (Matthew xvj.)
'They made light of it, and went their ways: one to his firm place,
another about his merchandise,' (Matthew xxij.)
'And he put forth a similitude unto them saying: The lands of a certain
man brought forth fruits plenteously, and he thought in himself saying:
what shall I do? because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And
he said: This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater,
and therein will I gather all my fruits, and my goods: and I will say
to my soul: Soul thou hast much goods laid up in store for many years,
take thine ease: eat, drink and be merry. But God said unto him: Thou
fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from thee. Then
whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is it with him
that gathered riches, and is not rich in God.' (Luke xij.)
'filthy lucre' (First Timothy iij.)
'in the morning: ye say, today shall be foul weather, and that because
the sky is tremulous and red. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the
fashion of the sky: and can ye not discern the signs of the times?'
(Matthew xvj.)
'scales fell from his eyes' (Acts ix.)
'The powers that be' (Romans xiij.)
'For where ij or iij are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them.' (Matthew v.)
'the salt of the earth' (Matthew v.)
'Ask and it shall be given you: Seek and ye shall find, knock and it
shall be opened unto you.' (Matthew vij.)
'clothed and in his right mind' (Luke xviij.)
'Iesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men this is unpossible,
but with God all things are possible.' (Matthew ixx.)
'For in him we live, move, and have our being' (Acts xvij.)
'Full of good works' (Acts ix.)
'A law unto themselves' (Romans ij.)
'Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life.' (First
Timothy vj.)
'Be not weary in well doing' (Second Thessalonians iij.)
'Let brotherly love continue' (Hebrews xiij.)
'Looking unto Iesus, the author and finisher of our faith' (Hebrews
xij.)
'The patience of Job' (James v.)
'Behold I stand at the door, and knock' (Revelation vij.)
'And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes' (Revelation vij.)
All these phrases, and many, (specially when it is direct, simply plain
and strong,) and many other, were taken by the King James version
translators directly from Tyndale.
B.) About the brave translator (William Tyndale 1494-1536 A.D.)
Pursuing a vision
Master Tyndale happened to be in the company of a learned man and, in
disputing with him ... the man said, "We are better to be without God's
laws than the pope's." Master Tyndale, hearing this, replied, "I defy
the pope and all his laws;" and added, "If God spare my life, ere many
years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough to know more of the
Scripture than thou dost." (Foxe, Book of Martyrs)
At that time, printing had just been invented, although translating the
Bible was considered heretical. These were dangerous times for
Scripture translations. Even still, Tyndale said, "It is impossible to
establish the lay people in any truth, except the Scriptures be laid
before their eyes, in their mother tongue." He fled to Germany in 1524,
later to Belgium. He continued his work, translating the New Testament
from the original tongue; and first began to print his first edition
with marginal notes in a quarto edition at Cologne, but he was
compelled to halt the printing and flee the city to avoid arrest. {Only
a single copy of it (as far as Matthew chapter 22) survives, now in the
British Museum.} Tyndale was forced to leave England and finish his
work in Worms, Germany, and in the year of our Lord 1526, he printed
the version (anonymously) in smaller octavo format. The shrewd
religious authorities knowing that they could not stop this version
from reaching England's shores, planned to buy up all the copies and
burn them. It backfired, as they bought these copies from merchants,
the money was given to Tyndale to print up even more copies. And
because his enemies did so much carp at it, pretending it to be full of
heresies, he wrote to John Frith, as followeth, "I call God to record
against the day we shall appear before our Lord Iesus, that I never
altered one syllable of God's Word against my conscience, nor would do
this day, if all that is in earth, whether it be honor, pleasure, or
riches, might be given me."
In 1535, Tyndale had planned to complete the translation of the Old
Testament, but was betrayed by a fellow Englishman feigning to be his
friend who was really being paid to betray him. This man enticed
Tyndale to venture into the streets of Antwerp, where he was ambushed
and taken to the prison in the castle at Vilvorde, Brussels. Trials for
heresy in the Netherlands were in the hands of special commissioners of
the self proclaimed "holy roman empire". It took 16 months for the law
to take its course. A letter from him during this time, in Latin, has
survived:
'I believe, most excellent Sir, that you are not unacquainted with the
decision reached concerning me. On which account, I beseech your
lordship, even by the Lord Iesus, that if I am to pass the winter here,
to urge upon the lord commissary, if he will deign, to send me from my
goods in his keeping a warmer cap, for I suffer greatly from cold in
the head, and am afflicted with a continual catarrh, which is much
increased in this cell. A warmer coat also, for that which I have is
very thin: also cloth for repairing my leggings; my overcoat is worn
out: the shirts also are worn out. He has a woolen shirt of mine, if he
will please send it. I have also with him leggings of heavier cloth for
overwear. He likewise has warmer nightcaps: I also ask to be allowed to
use a lamp in the evening: it is indeed weariesome sitting alone in the
dark.
But most of all I beg and beseech your clemency to be urgent with the
commissary, that he will kindly permit me to have my Hebrew Bible,
Hebrew Grammar, and Hebrew Dictionary, and that I might employ my time
with that study. Thus likewise may you obtain what you most desire,
saving that it further the salvation of your soul. But if, before the
end of winter, a different decision be reached concerning me, I shall
be patient, and submit to the will of God to the glory of the grace of
Iesus Christ my Lord, whose spirit may ever direct your heart. Amen.'
W. Tyndale
Tyndale was condemned as a heretic, degraded from the priesthood, and
delivered to the secular authorities for punishment under the laws of
the Inquisition.
T h e "C r i m e s" o f W i l l i a m T y n d a l e:
First:.... He maintains that faith alone justifies.
Second :... He maintains that to believe in the forgiveness of sins and
to embrace the mercy offered in the Gospel, is enough for salvation.
Third :.... He avers that human traditions cannot bind the conscience,
except where their neglect might occasion scandal.
Fourth :... He denies the freedom of the will.
Fifth :.... He denies that there is any purgatory.
Sixth :.... He affirms that neither the virgin nor the saints pray for
us in their own person.
Seventh :. He asserts that neither the virgin nor the saints should be
invoked by us.
.{note: According to the Scriptures Mary was only a virgin till she
conceived.
'The birth of Christ was on this wise, when his mother Mary was married
unto Ioseph, before they came to dwell together, she was found with
child by the holy ghost.' Matthew j.
Common sense would say that every generation from hence forth should
call her 'blessed' as she so said in Luke chapter j.
Mary was also blessed with many children:
"Is not this the carpenters son? is not his mother called Mary? and his
brethren be called, Iames and Ioses and Simon and Iudas? and are not
his sisters all here with us?"
Matthew xiij. & Mark vj., also see Matthew xij., Mark iij., & Luke
viij.
Howbeit some still fanatically believed and even hold today that Mary
remains a virgin; or worst that she and the saints could even be
invoked. What they are assuming and accusing Tyndale of, is the heresy
that they themselves hold; and will be justly judged so according to
the word of God. The Lord himself so loved us that he warned way in
advance:
'It is enough for the disciple to be as his master is, and that the
servant be as his lord is. If they have called the lord of the house
beelzebub: how much more shall they call them of his household so? Fear
them not therefore. There is nothing so close, that shall not be
opened, and nothing so hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in
darkness, that speak ye in light. And what ye hear in the ear that
preach ye on the house tops. And fear ye not them which kill the body,
and be not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him, which is able to
destroy both soul and body in hell.' Matthew x.
Thus far there is only a son of man that God rose from the dead, and
according to the Scriptures only HE must be invoked:
'Iesus said unto him I am the way, the verity, and life. No man cometh
unto the father, but by me.' John xiv.
Diligence in reasoning, and utmost obedidience to the word of God must
be taken very seriously, unless one finds himself zealously striving
against the faith first given to the Saints, yea, against THE MAKER,
and learn the hard lesson like king Saul according to the Old Testament
(see I Samuel chapter 28)
"Woe be unto him that chideth with his maker, the potsherd with the
potter: Sayeth the clay to the potter: What makest thou? or thy work
serveth for nothing?" Isaiah 45:9 (Coverdale's Bible)
..Therefore I say hereto that he was martyred also because he held the
word of God above and over all traditions & doctrines of men. And Lo,
the LORD asks those that accuse and persecute his children still today
the same question:
'Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God, thorow your
traditions?' Matthew xv. also see Mark vij.}.
At last, after much reasoning, when no reason would serve, although he
deserved no death, he was condemned by virtue of the emperor's decree,
made in the assembly at Augsburg. Brought forth to the place of
execution, he was tied to the stake, strangled by the hangman, and
afterwards consumed with fire, at the town of Vilvorde, (morning of 6
October) A.D. 1536; crying at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud
voice, "Lord! open the king of England's eyes."â€”Foxe's Book of Martyrs
A couple of years after Tyndale's death, Miles Coverdale's Bible was to
be used in every parish in the land. This was largely based on
Tyndale's Bible. In 1539 Tyndale's own edition of the Bible became
officially approved for printing. The Great Bible was the first Bible
ever authorized for public use.
William Tyndale's translation is the foundation of all reformed English
versions published for three centuries afterwards: Coverdale's Bible
New Testament is a revision of Tyndale 1534; Matthew's Bible is a
revision of Tyndale 1535; Taverner's Bible and the Great Bible are
revisions of Matthew's Bible; The Bishops' Bible is a revision of the
Great Bible, and also the N.T. of the "Geneva Bible" is mainly a
revision of Tyndale 1535.
(Although also unacknowledged, much of his work appears in the so
called 'Authorized' (or 'King James') version of the Bible whose
translator's were to abide by rule 1 which demanded merely a revision
of the Bishops' Bible; The version is not said to be "authorized"; yet
"appointed to be read in Churches" (not on the title page of the New
Testament) could be interpreted to mean that as successor to the
Bishops' Bible, which was thus appointed, it (the N.t.) might be
regarded as "authorized"; moreover the Bishops' Bible was the
legitimate successor of the expressly "authorized" Great Bible.)
IJ. Notes on the Restoration
A.) Divers spellings kept to best reason the integrity of the original
1.) Tyndale had a writting freestyle that used divers spelling of the
same name like: Isay, Esay (that we call Isaiah,) Hierusalem &
Ierusalem (Jerusalem;) Iury, Iewry, Iewery: (Jewry which is interpreted
as Judaea) etc.. although the reader is able to easily recognize; the
same like when we call somebody a shorten or derived form of their
name; Hence most names are also kept that way in this online edition.
2.) Most words were updated to current 'go spelling'; For ensample the
word hys=his or wyfe=wife is updated as such.
3.) The words "off" & "of" were sometimes interchanged in the original,
the same with "then" & "than".
4.) The original translation used both lower and upper case
sporadically, as an example for lower-case jewe I rendered it as jewe
and left Iewe when in upper-case; also most descriptors were kept in
the same letter case like in the original; Nonetheless the significance
of the whole original text still remains intact in this restored
edition.
B.) Further word notes on interesting T.N.T renderings you may come
across :
a.) COMO : original spelling like 1526 edition "como" and according to
the Greek word Erhomenon (participle present) it is best translated: as
coming, even returning
(that is, Iesu Christ is coming in the glorious body of resurrection.)
Found in the second letter of John :
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, which confess not that
Iesus Christ is como in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an
antichrist."
b.) ESTER : exact spelling, (other: passover, the feast of sweet bread)
ester lamb: this is the Hebrew feast of sweet bread, and this lamb was
offered at the first passover in egypt. (also pascha : or paschal lamb;
that Christ the Lord fulfilled by shedding his precious blood for us at
calvary)
c.) IESUS, IESU : "J" was not used in the original W.T. English for
words (although is used as a 1 roman numeral .j.) William Tyndale like
most early translators were very accurate in rendering the name of the
Lord from the original tongue. The name of our Lord for ensample was
kept the exact spelling shewing that the English root word came from
the latin word Iesu (pronounced Yesu) that is derived from the Greek
word Iesous and most important of all that the Greek got it from the
Hebrew word Y'shu of Yahshuah meaning G_D "Yah" will save and be our
health "shuah" (like the name Ioshua in the O.T.) that has a similar
meaning of the Name; An Angel will be able to verify the significance
in the first chapter of Matthew.
So only names starting with "I" instead of our modern "J" were kept as
the original. Like other names: Iewry, Iury : which by interpretation
is Judea.
note: Jury is an interesting rendering taking into account the gospel
and Romans chap. ix.
d.) GOSPELL : (v.) exact original spelling; (â€”as in "go" & "spell";-)
As to spell forth a good saying, glad speech; to tell the joy-full
letters thereof.
Gospel, (n.) [other: Godspell; God + spell : his letters, promises, &
true story. The glad tidings; that is, the good news of Christ the Lord
who came in the flesh and died for our sins, whom God his father rose
from the dead, and will rise all the dead at the last trompe; the soon
coming Kingdom of God, and eternal health.
e.) LOWSE, lowsed, lowsest, loosed, loose (v.) : to turn loose, let go
lowse, lose (adj.) loose
(note: from the Greek : loose, untie; release, set free; break away,
set aside; destroy, pull down; break up; or allow. "Low" from the
Hebrew is to humble.)
"And I will give unto thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatsoever thou bindest upon earth, it shall be bound in heaven: and
whatsoever thou lowsest on earth, it shall be lowsed in heaven."
Matthew chapter xvi.
f.) THOROW
1.) thorow (prep.) : by, through, be cause of, on account of
"and to give light to all men, that they might know what is the
fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath
been hid in God which made all things thorow Iesus Christ" Ephesians
chapter iij.
2.) Thorowout, Thoroughout (prep.) Quite through; from one extremity to
the other of; also, every part of; as, to search throughout the house.
3.) Thorow (adv.) thoroughly, completely
4.) Thorowout, Throughout (adv.) In every part; as, the cloth was of a
piece throughout.
g.) W.T.'s translation also uses an unique method of roman numerals for
chapters and numbers within the text, and it has been kept the same :
1 : j., 2 : ij., 3. iij., 4. iiij., 5. v., 6. vi., 7. vij., 8. viij. 9.
ix., 10. x. 11.xi.. 20. xx., 30.xxx., 40.il., 44. xliiij. 50. l. 60.
lx., 70. lxx., 80.lxxx., 90. xc., 100. C. 200. ij.C. 400. iiij. C. 500.
D., 1000. M. 12000. xij M.
IIJ. Importance of the Archaic word
Archaic words bring back the sharpness to detail and of significance.
A.) Why is "Ye" and "Thee" needed; and How are used :
1.) Thee, Thou, Thy, Thine. Alway Singular (refers to only one.)
2.) Ye, You : Always Plural (refers to more than one.)
Note: Modern English has lost this important distinction. Serious
doctrinal error can result from the consequences of changing the plural
"Ye", "You" and the singular "Thee, Thy, Thine" to: "you and your"; as
there would be no way to distinguish if the scriptural promises or
directives are addressed to a given individual or to the people of God.
B.) How important is the poetic beauty and depth of archaic verb
endings :
1.) -est or -st : Used to form the archaic second person singular
(thee, thou.. etc) of English verbs: comest thou to me?
"And he said unto Iesus: Lord remember me when thou comest into thy
kingdom." Luke Chap. 23
2.) -eth or -th : Used to form the archaic third person singular (he,
she, they, it.. etc) present indicative of verbs: leadeth.
"He that goeth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. To this
man the porter openeth the door, and the sheep hear his voice, And he
calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out, and when he hath
sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow
him: For they know his voice." John x.
"He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity: he that
killeth with a sword, must be killed with a sword. Here is the
patience, and the faith of the saints." Revelation chapter xiij.
IIIJ. A list of other interesting notes and definitions
abject : low, pitiful;
"Nevertheless he that comforteth the abject, comforted us at the coming
of Titus." 2 Cor. vij.
acomptes : accounts, accomplishments;
"which shall give acomptes to him that is ready to judge quick and
dead." I Peter iv.
advoutry, advoutrous, advouterers : adultery, or a-devouter; the prefix
"a" meaning "not" devout or "without" devotion; unfaithfulness to the
marriage, or to the truth; Christ the lord and God our father.
allayed : settled down, ceased;
"And he rose up and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea: peace and
be still. And the wind allayed, and there followed a great calm:" Mark
iv.
amen : so be it
anathema maranatha: from the marginal notes: {The same be accursed at
the coming of the lorde.}
"If any man love not the lord Iesus Christ, the same be anathema
maranatha." 1 Cor xvj.
anon - shortly, early, after a while, a little while, soon, right away,
immediately,
areed, aread : prophecy, declare, guess
assoil : solve; clear up. Matthew xxj.
astonied, astunned : (adj.) bewildered; dazed, (p.) stunned;
astonished, astounded
benevolence : compassion, kindness, good will
careful : full of cares; or cluttered with detail to the point of
anxiety
charger : a large shallow dish; a platter.
Christe: exact spelling in seven letters with the suffix -e perhaps
meaning from or belonging to Christ.
close: to come or gather around; to inclose; or enclose on all sides;
to encompass; to confine. Mat xiij. : to bring in the sides, as when
covering seed.
como : I Ihon : Iesus is coming, returning in the flesh, (that is, in
the new glorious body of resurrection.)
concord - agreement
concupiscence: strong desire as in the lust of the eyes, lust of the
flesh, and the pride of self and/or goods.
cumbrance, encumbrance : be crushed (with difficulties), syn. burden;
clog; impediment; check; hindrance
cruses : earthen vessels : jugs, pots, pitchers
dampned : dampened, damned;
"Grudge not one against another brethren, lest ye be dampned. Behold
the judge standeth before the door." James v.
debite : deputy: from the Latin meaning to keep accounts of debts.
Official listener to quarrels.
delectation : enjoyment, delight, pleasure
derely : dearly, (adv.) 1.) Loved and cherished; Highly esteemed or
regarded. 2.) in a sincere and heartfelt manner; with affection 3.) at
a great cost
devotion : plain hearted to God, being devoted to someone or something
else.
discreet : prudent; sagacious, judicious; not rash or heedless, but
thoughtful.
discreetly : wisely, sensibly, caution in speech and proper behaviour,
modestly
discretion : ability to use common sense and discernment.
dissimulation : disguised motives or intentions
draught : natural movement. Or that which is drawn; as: That which is
taken by sweeping with a net. Luke v.
durst : a past tense and a past participle of dare.
egal : equal, impartial
egalness : impartiality
eschew : to escape from, to avoid, shun
ere : before, sooner than, ever
err, erre : error, stray from the true course; to miss the thing aimed
at.
ester: exact spelling; interpreted as passover, easter, the feast of
sweet or unleavened bread
ester lamb: this is the Hebrew feast of sweet bread, and this lamb was
offered at the first passover in Egypt.
even (n) : in divers passages means : evening
faithful : (faithfull) full of faith
farthing : a Great Britain coin worth 1/4 penny, or something of very
little value.
faveour : also grace.
fealing , feal : faithful; loyal. [Obs.]
feign, feigned, feigning : to dissemble; to represent by a false
appearance; to give a mental existence to, as to something not real or
actual; to imagine; to invent; hence, to pretend; to form and relate as
if true.
"There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them
out of thine own heart."â€”Neh. vi. 8.
firkins : small barrel
fuller: one who works with cloth. Mark ix.
fremed : strange, foreign
froward, frowardly: stubbornly headstrong, contrary to love and truth.
Not willing to yield or compIy with what is required or is reasonable;
perverse; disobedient; peevish; as, a froward child.
"A froward man soweth strife."â€”Prov. xvi. 28.
grece : flight of steps. Acts xxj.
Helias : Elijah, the prophet, EliYah = My God is YHWH.
Hiericho : Jericho = place of fragrance
Hierusalem, Ierusalem : Jerusalem
Iesu, Iesus : today translated as Iesu, Iesus; in Hebrew: Y'shu (from
Yahshuah)
Ihon : John
Isay, Esay : the prophet Isaiah
Iury, Jewry: Judea
jot : gr. iota; heb. , yod : the smallest letter (10th) in the Hebrew
alphabet
"For truly I say unto you, till heaven and earth perish, one jot, or
one tittle of the law shall not scape, till all be fulfilled." Matt.
Chap.v.
loth : unwilling
lucre : gain in money or goods; profit; riches;â€”often in an ill sense.
"See that ye feed Christe's flock, which is among you, taking the
oversight of them, not as though ye were compelled thereto: but
willingly: Not for the desire of filthy lucre: but of a good mind."
First Peter chap. v.
mammon : greed-full riches; to serve for gain and filthy lucre
meet (a.) : worthy; suitable; fit; proper; appropriate; qualified;
convenient.
merciful : (mercifull) having or excercising full mercy
Messias, Christ : anointed ,
mete : what ever is used to measure or for a measure
mote : a very small particle; a speck
"The same found his brother Simon first, and said unto him: we have
found Messias, which is by interpretation anointed:" Ihon j.
nard, spikenard : an aromatic ointment used in antiquity
nay : no.
nere : were not (be not)
nought : nothing, (not ever a whit)
ought : (n.) anything whatever, any part; whit (a.) in any respect; at
all. (imp. p.) owe; to be bound in duty or by moral obligation. (v.) to
be indebted or obliged for.
pillers: those that charge others excessively, as to pillage the
people. pill: extort
pyght: plight : to promise or bind by a solemn pledge, especially to
betroth; to give or solemn pledge (as of faith, one's word or oath to
the truth, for example.) Heb. viij. (other: pitched, trothed)
posing : asking questions
phylacteries: either of two leather pouches containing scriptures, one
worn on the left arm, the other on the forehead, by these Scribes or
Pharisees
predestinate: to destine or determine in advance; foreordain. to
appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose or decree; to
pre["e]lect. Romans Chap. viij.
privy, privily : in private, hidden (also a privy place to rest and
think)
publicans - ones who worked for the Romans; collector of taxes or
tribute from the public.
quaternions : four soldiers, heavy security
raca : from the heb. means worthless
rue : aromatic plant
sophistry : a imaginable but misleading discussion, fallacious
reasoning.
succor, succour : help, to relieve in time of distress, to assist and
deliver from suffering
" For in that he himself suffered, and was tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted.â€”Heb. ii."
suffer(ed) : allow(ed), permit(ed) (even suffer)
superfluity : excess, overabundance, indulgence
superfluous : unnecessary; being beyond what is required or sufficient.
staunched : To stop the flow of blood from (a wound) Luke chap. 8
surfeiting : to overindulge, caused by excessive eating or drinking.
tittle : the "tittle" is a tiny curve at the end of some Hebrew
characters to distinguish them from others which otherwise would be
similar. The very least point. Luke xvj. :
"Sooner shall heaven and earth perish, than one tittle of the law shall
perish."
twain : two
trow : think
trough : troth, or truth; in reality of the narrow way
"I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in trough, as
we have received a commandment of the father." Second Ihon j.
thorow(e) : (prep.) by., through, be cause of, on account of
thorowout (prep.) throughout
thorow(e) adv. thoroughly, completely
unneth : uneasily, with much difficulty, scarcely
unspotted : not spotted; free from spot or stain; especially, free from
moral stain; unblemished; as, an unspotted reputation.
"Pure devotion and undefiled before God the father, is this: To visit
the fatherless, and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself
unspotted of the world." James j.
unfeigned: not made up, true, sincere, genuine
untoward: unfavorable, ungraceful, contrary, froward; perverse;
"Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts chap. ij.
wene : to ween; suppose, imagine, think
wenest : supposes, to assume
whit : smallest part, least bit
winefat : the upper vat of the winepress; emblematic of divine
judgement
whitsontide: whitsuntide; also interpreted pentecost (Jewish festival
celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Passover Feast)
wist - knew, or known well, understand
wit, (n.) Mind; intellect; understanding; sense.
"Who knew the wit of the Lord? or who was his counselor?"â€”Wyclif (Rom.
xi. 34).
wit, wettest, wot, wotteth (v.) : knew, know well
wiliness : trickery, deceit, craftiness, cunning;
"That we henceforth be no more children wavering and carried with every
wind of doctrine, by the wiliness of men and craftiness, whereby they
lay a wait for us to deceive us." Ephesians chap. iv.
wottest, wettest : to know sharply.
woe (n.) (interj.) Used to express sorrow or dismay. Grief; sorrow;
misery; disaster, heavy calamity. A curse; a malediction.
Note: Woe is used in denunciation, and in exclamations of sorrow. "Woe
is me! for I am undone."â€”Isa. vi. 5.
"Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker!"â€”Isa. xlv. 9.
wont: used to, as usual
yee, yea : yes .
yer: before
V. Some revised definitions from Webster's revised unabridged
dictionary (1913)
AMEN (interj., adv., & n.) [heb. n. certainly, truly.] An expression
used at the end of prayers, and meaning, So be it. At the end of a
creed, it is a solemn asseveration of belief.
To approve warmly; to concur in heartily or emphatically of a certainty
and it's verity.
((Revelation chapter vij.))
When it introduces a declaration, it is equivalent to truly, verily.
Note: It is used as a noun, to denote: (a) concurrence in belief, or in
a statement; assent; (b) the final word or act; (c) Christ as being one
who is true and faithful.
And let all the people say, Amen.â€”Ps. cvi. 48.
CONGREGATION :
1. The act of congregating, or bringing together, or of collecting into
one aggregate or mass.
2. An assembly of persons; a gathering; esp. an assembly of persons met
for the worship of God, and for instruction in His Word; a body of
people who habitually so meet.
4. In Ancient Jewish History it meant the whole body of the Jewish
people; (called also Congregation of the Lord;-) today the body is
composed of both Jew and Gentile believers in Christ.
ERR : error
1. To wander; to roam; to stray. [Archaic]
"What seemeth to you, if there were to a man an hundred sheep and one
of them hath erred."â€”Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 12).
2. To deviate from the true course; to miss the thing aimed at.
3. To miss intellectual truth; to fall into error; to mistake in
judgment or opinion; to be mistaken.
4. To deviate morally from the right way; to go astray, in a figurative
sense; to do wrong; to sin.
"Do they not err that devise evil?"â€”Prov. xiv. 22.
5. To offend, as by erring.
DEVOTION : plain hearted to God; Being devoted to someone or something.
1. The state of being dedicated, or solemnly set apart for a particular
purpose.
2. A solemn attention to the Supreme Being in worship; a yielding of
the heart and affections to God, with reverence, faith and piety,
particularly in prayer and meditation; devoutness.
3. The state of being devoted; eager inclination; strong attachment
love or affection; zeal; especially, feelings toward God appropriately
expressed by acts of worship and obedience to His commandments;
devoutness.
FAITHFUL \Faith"ful\,
a. 1. Full of faith, or having faith; disposed to believe, especially
in the declarations and promises of God.
2. Firm in adherence to promises, oaths, contracts, treaties, or other
engagements.
The faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love
him.â€”Deut. vii. 9.
3. True and constant in affection or allegiance to a person to whom one
is bound by a vow, be ties of love, gratitude, or honor, as to a
husband, a prince, a friend; firm in the observance of duty; loyal; of
true fidelity; as, a faithful husband or servant.
4. Worthy of confidence and belief; conformable to truth ot fact;
exact; accurate; as, a faithful narrative or representation.
Syn: Trusty; honest; upright; sincere; veracious; trustworthy.
LAUD n.
1. High commendation; praise; honor; exaltation; glory.
"Laud be to God."â€”Shak.
"So do well and thou shalt have laud of the same."â€”Tyndals.
2. A part of divine worship, consisting chiefly of praise;â€”usually in
the pl.
laud v. (celebrate, glorify, honor, exalt)
\Laud\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Lauded; p. pr. & vb. n. Lauding.]
To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to celebrate; to
extol.
With all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious
name.â€”Book of Common Prayer.
laudable - honorable, praised
\Laud"a*ble\, a. 1. Worthy of being lauded; praiseworthy; commendable;
as, laudable motives; laudable actions; laudable ambition.
2. (Med.) Healthy; salubrious; normal; having a disposition to promote
healing.
MERCIFUL
\Mer"ci*ful\, a. [Mercy + -ful.] 1. Full of mercy; having or exercising
mercy; disposed to pity and spare offenders; unwilling to punish.
The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious.â€”Ex. xxxiv. 6.
2. Unwilling to give pain; compassionate.
A merciful man will be merciful to his beast.â€”Old Proverb.
Syn: Compassionate; tender; humane; gracious; kind; mild; clement;
benignant.â€” Mer\"ci*ful*ly, adv.â€”Mer\"ci*ful*ness, n.
SHEW, v. t. [It is sometimes written shew, shewed, shewn, shewing.]
gr. to mark, perceive, hear
1. To exhibit or present to vjew; to place in sight; to display;â€”the
thing exhibited being the object, and often with an indirect object
denoting the person or thing seeing or beholding;
2. To exhibit to the mental vjew; to tell; to disclose; to reveal; to
make known; as, to show one's designs.
Shew them the way wherein they must walk.â€”Ex. xviii. 20.
3. Specifically, to make known the way to (a person); hence, to direct;
to guide; to asher; to conduct; as, to show a person into a parlor; to
show one to the door.
4. To make apparent or clear, as by evidence, testimony, or reasoning;
to prove; to explain; also, to manifest; to evince; as, to show the
truth of a statement; to show the causes of an event.
5. To bestow; to confer; to afford; as, to show favor.
Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me.â€”Ex. xx. 6.
To show forth, to manifest; to publish; to proclaim.
PITH : heart, core, center - Hebrews viij.
"Of the things which we have spoken, this is the pith: that we have
such an high priest that is sitten on the right hand of the seat of
majesty in heaven,"
1. (Bot.) The soft spongy substance in the center of the stems of many
plants and trees, especially those of the dicotyledonous or exogenous
classes. It consists of cellular tissue.
2. (a) The spongy interior substance of a feather. (b) (Anat.) The
spinal cord; the marrow.
3. Hence: The which contains the strength of life; the vital or
essential part; concentrated force; vigor; strength; importance; as,
the speech lacked pith.
nay, (a.) [a contracted word, to deny]
1. No; a word that expresses negation.
I tell you, nay: but except ye amend your lives, ye shall all likewise
perish. Luke xiij.
2. It expresses also refusal.
He that will not when he may, When he would he shall have nay.
[In these senses it is now rarely used; 'no' being substituted.]
3. Not only so; not this alone; intimating that something is to be
added by way of amplification. He requested an answer; nay, he urged
it.
4. Nay, (n.) Denial, refusal.
YEE, (also yea) adv. Ya.
1. YES; a word that expresses affirmation or assent. Will you go? Yea.
It sometimes introduces a subject, with the sense of indeed, verily,
truly, it is so.
"But your communication shall be yea, yea; nay, nay." Matthew 5.
"Yee and why judge ye not of yourselves, that which is rightwise?" Luke
12.
2. It sometimes enforces the sense of something preceding; not only so,
but more.
"Notwithstanding by all manner ways, whether it be by occasion or of
truth, yet Christ is preached: and therefore I joy. Yee and will joy."
Philippians 1.
3. Yee (n) An affirmative; In Scripture, it is used to denote
certainty, consistency, harmony, and stability.
"For all the promises of God, in him are Yee: and are in him Amen, unto
the laud of God thorow us." 2 Corinthians 1.
THOU (pron.) [SINGULAR: nom. Thou; poss. Thy or Thine; obj. Thee.]
The second personal pronoun, in the singular number, denoting the
person addressed; thyself; the pronoun which is used in addressing
persons in the solemn or poetical style.
Art thou he that shall come?â€”Matt. xi.
Thee (pron.) [Singular : the objective case of Thou]
Thine (pron.) Used to indicate the one or ones belonging to thee.
Thine (adj.) A possessive form of Thou Used instead of thy before an
initial vowel
YE : [PLURAL: nom. You; poss. Your or Yours; obj. You.]
The plural of the pronoun of the second person in the nominative case.
"But ye are washed: ye are sanctified: ye are justified by the name of
the lord Iesus: And by the spirit of our God."â€”1 Cor. vi.
{Note: In Old English "ye" was used only as a nominative, and "you"
only as a dative or objective. In the 16th century, however, ye and you
became confused and were often used interchangeably, both as
nominatives and objectives, and you has now superseded ye except in
solemn or poetic use.}
What more can be said of such (eloquently translated) New Testament
blessing?
Glory be to God the almighty,
and for his son Iesu Christ,
being faithfully and freely given
with such gracious might!
Hope Will Be a blessing to ye all.
Glory be to God for his son Iesu Christ the Lord.
Faithfully your net servant in Him,
Mario Valente
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