INTRODUCTION
Thisbookislikeafearfulpealofthunderechoingoutofthe dimhorrorsofancienttyrannyItisachapterbasedon persecutionbyAntiochus,thetyrantofSyria,whomsome calledEpiphanes,TheMadman.Romanhistoryofthefirst centuriesrecordstwosuchtyrants--theother,Caligula,the SecondBrilliantMadman
TheformofthiswritingisthatofanorationSocarefully timedaretherisingsandfallingsofthespeech;sodevastating areitsarguments;sounfalteringisitslogic;sodeepitsthrusts; socoolitsreasoning--thatittakesitsplaceasasampleofthe sheeresteloquence
Thekeynoteis--CourageThewriterbeginswithan impassionedstatementofthePhilosophyofInspiredReason WeliketothinkofthistwentiethCenturyastheAgeof ReasonandcontrastitwiththeAgeofMyths--yetawriting suchasthisisachallengetosuchanassumptionWefinda writerwhoprobablybelongedtothefirstcenturybeforethe ChristianErastatingaclear-cutphilosophyofReasonthatis justaspotenttodayasitwastwothousandyearsago
Thesettingoftheobservationsinthetorturechambersis unrelentingOnourmodernearsattunedtogentlerthingsit strikesappallingly.Thedetail'softhesuccessivetortures (suggestingtheinstrumentsoftheSpanishInquisition centurieslater)areelaboratedinawayshockingtoourtaste EventheemergenceofthestoicalcharactersoftheOldman, theSevenBrothers,andtheMother,doesnothingtosoftenthe ferocitywithwhichthisoratorconjuresCourage
TheancientFathersoftheChristianChurchcarefully preservedthisbook(wehaveitfromaSyriantranslation)asa workofhighmoralvalueandteaching,anditwas undoubtedlyfamiliartomanyoftheearlyChristianmartyrs, whowerearousedtothepitchofmartyrdombyreadingit
CHAPTER1
Anoutlineofphilosophyfromancienttimesconcerning InspiredReasonCivilizationhasneverachievedhigher thoughtAdiscussionof"Repressions"Verse48sumsupthe wholePhilosophyofmankind
1PhilosophicalinthehighestdegreeisthequestionIpropose todiscuss,namelywhethertheInspiredReasonissupreme ruleroverthepassions;andtothephilosophyofitIwould seriouslyentreatyourearnestattention
2Fornotonlyisthesubjectgenerallynecessaryasabranchof knowledge,butitincludesthepraiseofthegreatestofvirtues, wherebyImeanself-control
3Thatistosay,ifReasonisprovedtocontrolthepassions adversetotemperance,gluttonyandlust,itisalsoclearly showntobelordoverthepassions,likemalevolence,opposed tojustice,andoverthoseopposedtomanliness,namelyrage andpainandfear
4But,somemayask,iftheReasonismasterofthepassions, whydoesitnotcontrolforgetfulnessandignorance?their objectbeingtocastridicule
5TheansweristhatReasonisnotmasteroverdefects inheringintheminditself,butoverthepassionsormoral defectsthatareadversetojusticeandmanlinessand temperanceandjudgement;anditsactionintheircaseisnot toextirpatethepassions,buttoenableustoresistthem successfully
6Icouldbringbeforeyoumanyexamples,drawnfrom varioussources,whereReasonhasproveditselfmasterover thepassions,butthebestinstancebyfarthatIcangiveisthe nobleconductofthosewhodiedforthesakeofvirtue, Eleazar,andtheSevenBrethrenandtheMother
7Fortheseallbytheircontemptofpains,yea,evenunto death,provedthatReasonrisessuperiortothepassions
8Imightenlargehereinpraiseoftheirvirtues,they,themen withtheMother,dyingonthisdaywecelebratefortheloveof moralbeautyandgoodness,butratherwouldIfelicitatethem onthehonourstheyhaveattained
9Fortheadmirationfeltfortheircourageandendurance,not onlybytheworldatlargebutbytheirveryexecutioners, madethemtheauthorsofthedownfallofthetyrannyunder whichournationlay,theydefeatingthetyrantbytheir endurance,sothatthroughthemwastheircountrypurified 10ButIshallpresentlytakeopportunitytodiscussthis,after wehavebegunwiththegeneraltheory,asIaminthehabitof doing,andIwillthenproceedtotheirstory,givinggloryto theall-wiseGod
11Ourenquiry,then,iswhethertheReasonissupreme masteroverthepassions
12ButwemustdefinejustwhattheReasonisandwhat passionis,andhowmanyformsofpassionthereare,and whethertheReasonissupremeoverallofthem
13ReasonItaketobethemindpreferringwithclear deliberationthelifeofwisdom.
14WisdomItaketobetheknowledgeofthings,divineand human,andoftheircauses
15ThisItaketobethecultureacquiredundertheLaw, throughwhichwelearnwithduereverencethethingsofGod andforourworldlyprofitthethingsofman
16Nowwisdomismanifestedundertheformsofjudgement andjustice,andcourage,andtemperance
17Butjudgementorself-controlistheonethatdominates themall,forthroughit,intruth,Reasonassertsitsauthority overthepassions
18Butofthepassionstherearetwocomprehensivesources, namely,pleasureandpain,andeitherbelongsessentiallyalso tothesoulaswellastothebody
19Andwithrespectbothtopleasureandpaintherearemany caseswherethepassionshavecertainsequences
20Thuswhiledesiregoesbeforepleasure,satisfaction followsafter,andwhilefeargoesbeforepain,afterpain comessorrow
21Anger,again,ifamanwillretracethecourseofhis feelings,isapassioninwhichareblendedbothpleasureand pain
22Underpleasure,also,comesthatmoraldebasementwhich exhibitsthewidestvarietyofthepassions.
23Itmanifestsitselfinthesoulasostentation,and covetousness,andvain-glory,andcontentiousness,and backbiting,andinthebodyaseatingofstrangemeat,and gluttony,andgormandizinginsecret
24Nowpleasureandpainbeingasitweretwotrees,growing frombodyandsoul,manyoffshootsofthesepassionssprout up;andeachman'sReasonasmaster-gardener,weedingand pruningandbindingup,andturningonthewaterand directingithitherandthither,bringsthethicketofdispositions andpassionsunderdomestication
25ForwhileReasonistheguideofthevirtuesitismasterof thepassions
26Observe,now,inthefirstplace,thatReasonbecomes supremeoverthepassionsinvirtueoftheinhibitoryactionof temperance.
27Temperance,Itakeit,istherepressionofthedesires;but ofthedesiressomearementalandsomephysical,andboth kindsareclearlycontrolledbyReason;whenwearetempted towardsforbiddenmeats,howdowecometorelinquishthe pleasurestobederivedfromthem?
28IsitnotthatReasonhaspowertorepresstheappetites?In myopinionitisso
29Accordinglywhenwefeeladesiretoeatwater-animals andbirdsandbeastsandmeatsofeverydescriptionforbidden tousundertheLaw,weabstainthroughthepredominanceof Reason
30Forthepropensionsofourappetitesarecheckedand inhibitedbythetemperatemind,andallthemovementsofthe bodyobeythebridleofReason
31Andwhatistheretobesurprisedatifthenaturaldesire ofthesoultoenjoythefruitionofbeautyisquenched?
32This,certainly,iswhywepraisethevirtuousJoseph, becausebyhisReason,withamentaleffort,hecheckedthe carnalimpulseForhe,ayoungmanattheagewhenphysical desireisstrong,byhisReasonquenchedtheimpulseofhis passions.
33AndReasonisprovedtosubduetheimpulsenotonlyof sexualdesire,butofallsortsofcovetings
34FortheLawsays,'Thoushaltnotcovetthyneighbour's wife,noranythingthatisthyneighbour's' 35Verily,whentheLawordersusnottocovet,itshould,I think,confirmstronglytheargumentthattheReasonis capableofcontrollingcovetousdesires,evenasitdoesthe passionsthatmilitateagainstjustice
36Howelse,canaman,naturallygormandizingandgreedy anddrunken,betaughttochangehisnature,iftheReasonbe notmanifestlythemasterofthepassions?
37Certainly,assoonasamanordershislifeaccordingtothe Law,ifheismiserlyheactscontrarytohisnature,andlends moneytotheneedywithoutinterest,andattheseventh-year periodscancelsthedebt
38Andifheisparsimonious,heisoverruledbytheLaw throughtheactionofReason,andrefrainsfromgleaninghis stubblesorpickingthelastgrapesfromhisvineyards
39Andwithregardtoalltherestwecanrecognizethat Reasonisinthepositionofmasteroverthepassionsor affections
40FortheLawranksaboveaffectionforparents,sothata manmaynotfortheirsakessurrenderhisvirtue,andit overridesloveforawife,sothatifshetransgressaman shouldrebukeher,anditgovernsloveforchildren,sothatif theyarenaughtyamanshouldpunishthem,anditcontrols theclaimsoffriendship,sothatamanshouldreprovehis friendsiftheydoevil
41AnddonotthinkitaparadoxicalthingwhenReason throughtheLawisabletoovercomeevenhatred,sothata manrefrainsfromcuttingdowntheenemy'sorchards,and protectsthepropertyoftheenemyfromthespoilers,and gathersuptheirgoodsthathavebeenscattered
42AndtheruleofReasonislikewiseprovedtoextend throughthemoreaggressivepassionsorvices,ambition, vanity,ostentation,pride,andbackbiting
43Forthetemperatemindrepelsallthesedebasedpassions, evenasitdoesanger,foritconquerseventhis.
44Yea,MoseswhenhewasangeredagainstDathanand Abiramdidnotgivefreecoursetohiswrath,butgovernedhis angerbyhisReason
45Forthetemperatemindisable,asIsaid,towinthevictory overthepassions,modifyingsome,whilecrushingothers absolutely.
46WhyelsedidourwisefatherJacobblamethehousesof SimeonandLevifortheirunreasoningslaughterofthetribe oftheShechemites,saying,'Accursedbetheiranger!'
47ForhadnotReasonpossessedthepowertorestraintheir angerhewouldnothavespokenthus
48ForinthedaywhenGodcreatedman,heimplantedinhim hispassionsandinclinations,andalso,attheverysametime, setthemindonathroneamidstthesensestobehissacred guideinallthings;andtothemindhegavetheLaw,bythe whichifamanorderhimself,heshallreignoverakingdom thatistemperate,andjust,andvirtuous,andbrave
CHAPTER2
TherulingofDesireandAnger.ThestoryofDavid'sthirst. StirringchaptersofancienthistorySavageattemptstomake theJewseatswineInterestingreferencestoanancientbank (Verse21.)
1Wellthen,someonemayask,ifReasonismasterofthe passionswhyisitnotmasterofforgetfulnessandignorance?
2Buttheargumentissupremelyridiculous.ForReasonisnot showntobemasteroverpassionsordefectsinitself,butover thoseofthebody
3Forexample,noneofyouisabletoextirpateournatural desire,buttheReasoncanenablehimtoescapebeingmadea slavebydesire
4Noneofyouisabletoextirpateangerfromthesoul,butitis possiblefortheReasontocometohisaidagainstanger
5Noneofyoucanextirpateamalevolentdisposition,but Reasoncanbehispowerfulallyagainstbeingswayedby malevolence
6Reasonisnottheextirpateofthepassions,buttheir antagonist.
7ThecaseofthethirstofKingDavidmayserveatleastto makethisclearer.
8ForwhenDavidhadfoughtthelive-longdayagainstthe Philistines,andbythehelpofourcountry'swarriorshadslain manyofthem,hecameateventide,allfordonewithsweatand toil,totheroyaltent,aroundwhichwasencampedthewhole armyofourancestors
9Soallthehostfelltotheireveningmeal;buttheking,being consumedwithanintensethirst,thoughhehadabundanceof water,wasunabletoslakeit
10Instead,anirrationaldesireforthewaterthatwasinthe possessionoftheenemywithgrowingintensityburnedhim upandunmannedandconsumedhim
11Thenwhenhisbody-guardmurmuredagainstthecraving oftheking,twoyouths,mightywarriors,ashamedthattheir kingshouldlackhisdesire,putonalltheirarmour,andtooka water-vessel,andscaledtheenemy'sramparts;andstealing undetectedpasttheguardsatthegate,theysearchedthrough alltheenemy'scamp
12Andtheybravelyfoundthespring,anddrewfromita draughtfortheking
13ButDavid,thoughstillburningwiththethirst,considered thatsuchadraught,reckonedasequivalenttoblood,wasa grievousdangertohissoul
14Therefore,opposinghisReasontohisdesire,hepouredout thewaterasanofferingtoGod.
15Forthetemperatemindisabletoconquerthedictatesof thepassions,andtoquenchthefiresofdesire,andtowrestle victoriouslywiththepangsofourbodiesthoughtheybe exceedingstrong,andbythemoralbeautyandgoodnessof Reasontodefywithscornallthedominationofthepassions 16Andnowtheoccasioncallsustosetforththestoryofthe self-controlledReason
17Atatimewhenourfathersenjoyedgreatpeacethroughthe dueobservanceoftheLaw,andwereinhappycase,sothat SeleucusNicanor,thekingofAsia,sanctionedthetaxforthe temple-service,andrecognizedourpolity,preciselythen, certainmen,actingfactiouslyagainstthegeneralconcord, involvedusinmanyandvariouscalamities.
18Onias,amanofthehighestcharacter,beingthenhigh priestandhavingtheofficeforhislife,acertainSimonraised afactionagainsthim,butsincedespiteeverykindofslander hefailedtoinjurehimonaccountofthepeople,hefled abroadwithintenttobetrayhiscountry
19SohecametoApollonius,thegovernorofSyriaand PhoeniciaandCilicia,andsaid,'Beingloyaltotheking,Iam heretoinformyouthatinthetreasuriesofJerusalemare storedmanythousandsofprivatedeposits,notbelongingto thetempleaccount,andrightfullythepropertyofKing Seleucus'
20Apolloniushavingmadeinquiryintothedetailsofthe matter,praisedSimonforhisloyalservicetotheking,and hasteningtothecourtofSeleucus,disclosedtohimthe valuabletreasure;then,afterreceivingauthoritytodealwith thematter,hepromptlymarchedintoourcountry, accompaniedbytheaccursedSimonandaverypowerful army,andannouncedthathewastherebytheking'scommand totakepossessionoftheprivatedepositsinthetreasury
21Ourpeopleweredeeplyangeredbythisannouncement, andprotestedstrongly,consideringit,anoutrageousthingfor thosewhohadentrustedtheirdepositstothetempletreasury toberobbedofthem,andtheythrewallpossibleobstaclesin hisway
22Apollonius,however,withthreats,madehiswayintothe temple
23Thenthepriestsinthetempleandthewomenandchildren besoughtGodtocometotherescueofhisHolyPlacethatwas beingviolated;andwhenApolloniuswithhisarmedhost marchedintoseizethemoneys,thereappearedfromheaven angels,ridinguponhorses,withlightningflashingfromtheir arms,andcastgreatfearandtremblinguponthem
24AndApolloniusfelldownhalf-deadintheCourtofthe Gentiles,andstretchedouthishandstoheaven,andwithtears heentreatedtheHebrewsthattheywouldmakeintercession forhimandstaythewrathoftheheavenlyhost
25Forhesaidthathehadsinnedandwasworthyevenof death,andthatifheweregivenhislifehewouldlaudtoall mentheblessednessoftheHolyPlace
26Movedbythesewords,Onias,thehigh-priest,although mostscrupulousinothercases,madeintercessionforhimlest kingSeleucusshouldpossiblythinkthatApolloniushadbeen overthrownbyahumandeviceandnotbydivinejustice
27Apollonius,accordingly,afterhisastonishingdeliverance departedtoreporttothekingthethingsthathadbefallenhim 28ButSeleucusdying,hissuccessoronthethronewashis sonAntiochusEpiphanes,anoverweeningterribleman;who dismissedOniasfromhissacredoffice,andmadehisbrother Jasonhigh-priestinstead,theconditionbeingthatinreturnfor theappointmentJasonshouldpayhimthreethousandsix hundredandsixtytalentsyearly
29SoheappointedJasonhigh-priestandmadehimchiefruler overthepeople.
30Andhe(Jason)introducedtoourpeopleanewwayoflife andanewconstitutioninutterdefianceoftheLaw;sothatnot onlydidhelayoutagymnasiumontheMountofourfathers, butheactuallyabolishedtheserviceofthetemple
31Whereforethedivinejusticewaskindledtoangerand broughtAntiochushimselfasanenemyagainstus.
32ForwhenbewascarryingonwarwithPtolemyinEgypt andheardthatthepeopleofJerusalemhadrejoiced exceedinglyoverareportofhisdeath,heimmediately marchedbackagainstthem
33Andwhenhehadplunderedthecityhemadeadecree denouncingthepenaltyofdeathuponanywhoshouldbeseen toliveafterthelawofourfathers
34Buthefoundallhisdecreesofnoavailtobreakdownthe constancyofourpeopletotheLaw,andhebeheldallhis threatsandpenaltiesutterlydespised,sothatevenwomenfor circumcisingtheirsons,thoughtheyknewbeforehandwhat wouldbetheirfate,wereflung,togetherwiththeiroffspring, headlongfromtherocks
35Whenthereforehisdecreescontinuedtobecontemnedby themassofthepeople,hepersonallytriedtoforcebytortures eachmanseparatelytoeatuncleanmeatsandthusabjurethe Jewishreligion
36Accordingly,thetyrantAntiochus,accompaniedbyhis councillors,satinjudgementonacertainhighplacewithhis troopsdrawnuparoundhiminfullarmour,andheorderedhis guardstodragthereeverysinglemanoftheHebrewsand compelthemtoeatswine'sfleshandthingsofferedtoidols; butifanyshouldrefusetodefilethemselveswiththeunclean things,theyweretohetorturedandputtodeath.
37Andwhenmanyhadbeentakenbyforce,onemanfirst fromamongthecompanywasbroughtbeforeAntiochus,a HebrewwhosenamewasEleazar,apriestbybirth,trainedin knowledgeofthelaw,amanadvancedinyearsandwell knowntomanyofthetyrant'scourtforhisphilosophy
38AndAntiochus,lookingonhim,said:'BeforeIallowthe torturestobeginforyou,Ovenerableman,Iwouldgiveyou thiscounsel,thatyoushouldeatofthefleshoftheswineand saveyourlife;forIrespectyourageandyourgreyhairs, althoughtohavewornthemsolongatime,andstilltocling totheJewishreligion,makesmethinkyounophilosopher.
39FormostexcellentisthemeatofthisanimalwhichNature hasgraciouslybestoweduponus,andwhyshouldyou abominateit?Trulyitisfollynottoenjoyinnocentpleasures, anditiswrongtorejectNature'sfavours
40Butitwillbestillgreaterfolly,Ithink,onyourpartifwith idlevapouringabouttruthyoushallproceedtodefyevenme toyourownpunishment
41Willyounotawakefromyourpreposterousphilosophy? Willyounotflingasidethenonsenseofyourcalculationsand, adoptinganotherframeofmindbefittingyourmatureyears, learnthetruephilosophyofexpediency,andhowtomy charitablecounsel,andhavepityonyourownvenerableage?
42Forconsiderthis,too,thateveniftherebesomePower whoseeyeisuponthisreligionofyours,hewillalways pardonyouforatransgressiondoneundercompulsion.'
43busurgedbythetyranttotheunlawfuleatingofunclean meat,Eleazaraskedpermissiontospeak;andreceivingit,he beganhisspeechbeforethecourtasfollows:
44'We,OAntiochus,havingacceptedtheDivineLawasthe Lawofourcountry,donotbelieveanystrongernecessityis laiduponusthanthatofourobediencetotheLaw.
45Thereforewedosurelydeemitrightnotinanyway whatsoevertotransgresstheLaw
46Andyet,wereourLaw,asyousuggest,nottrulydivine, whilewevainlybelievedittobedivine,notevensowouldit berightforustodestroyourreputationforpiety
47Thinkitnot,then,asmallsinforustoeattheunclean thing,forthetransgressionoftheLaw,beitinsmallthingsor ingreat,isequallyheinous;forineithercaseequallytheLaw isdespised.
48Andyouscoffatourphilosophy,asifunderitwewere livinginamannercontrarytoreason
49Notso,fortheLawteachesusself-control,sothatweare mastersofallourpleasuresanddesiresandarethoroughly trainedinmanlinesssoastoendureallpainwithreadiness; anditteachesjustice,sothatwithallourvariousdispositions weactfairly,anditteachesrighteousness,sothatwithdue reverenceweworshiponlytheGodwhois
50Thereforedoweeatnouncleanmeat;forbelievingour LawtobegivenbyGod,weknowalsothattheCreatorofthe world,asaLawgiver,feelsforusaccordingtoournature
51Hehascommandedustoeatthethingsthatwillbe convenientforoursouls,andhehasforbiddenustoeatmeats thatwouldbethecontrary
52Butitistheactofatyrantthatyoushouldcompelusnot onlytotransgresstheLaw,butshouldalsomakeuseatin suchmannerthatyoumaymockat'thisdefilementsoutterly abominabletous.
53Butyoushallnotmockatmethus,neitherwillIbreakthe sacredoathsofmyancestorstokeeptheLaw,noteventhough youtearoutmineeyesandbumoutmineentrails.
54Iamnotsounmannedbyoldagebutthatwhen righteousnessisatstakethestrengthofyouthreturnstomy Reason.
55SotwisthardyourracksandblowyourfurnacehotterIdo notsopitymineoldageastobreaktheLawofmyfathersin mineownperson.
56Iwillnotbeliethee,OLawthatwastmyteacher;Iwillnot desertthee,Obelovedself-control;Iwillnotputtheeto shame,Owisdom-lovingReason,norwillIdenyye,O veneratedpriesthoodandknowledgeoftheLaw
57Neithershaltthousullythepuremouthofmineoldage andmylifelongconstancytotheLaw.Cleanshallmyfathers receiveme,unafraidofthytormentseventothedeath
58Forthouindeedmayestbetyrantoverunrighteousmen, butthoushaltnotlorditovermyresolutioninthematterof righteousnesseitherbythywordsorthroughthydeeds'
CHAPTER3
Eleazar,thegentlespiritedoldman,showssuchfortitudethat evenaswereadthesewords2000yearslater,theyseemlike aninextinguishablefire
1ButwhenEleazarrepliedthuseloquentlytotheexhortations ofthetyrants,theguardsaroundhimdraggedhimroughlyto thetorturingplace
2Andfirsttheyunclothedtheoldman,whowasadornedwith thebeautyofholiness
3Thenbindinghisarmsoneithersidetheyscourgedhim,a heraldstandingandshoutingoutoveragainsthim,'Obeythe ordersoftheking!'
4Butthegreat-souledandnobleman,anEleazarinverytruth, wasnomoremovedinhismindthanifhewerebeing tormentedinadream;yea,theoldmankeepinghiseyes steadfastlyraisedtoheavensufferedhisfleshtobetombythe scourgestillhewasbathedinbloodandhissidesbecamea massofwounds;andevenwhenhefelltothegroundbecause hisbodycouldnolongersupportthepainhestillkepthis Reasonerectandinflexible.
5Withhisfootthenoneofthecruetguardsashefellkicked himsavagelyinthesidetomakehimgetup
6Butheenduredtheanguish,anddespisedthecompulsion, andboreupunderthetorments,andlikeabraveathletetaking punishment,theoldmanoutworehistormentors
7Thesweatstoodonhisbrow,andhedrewhisbreathinhard gasps,tillhisnobilityofsoulextortedtheadmirationofhis tormentorsthemselves.
8Hereupon,partlyinpityforhisoldage,partlyinsympathy fortheirfriend,partlyinadmirationofhiscourage,someof thecourtiersofthekingwenttiptohimandsaid:
9'Why,OEleazar,dostthoumadlydestroythyselfinthis misery?Wewillbringtotheeoftheseethedmeats,butdo thoufeignonlytopartakeoftheswine'sflesh,andsosave thyself'
10AndEleazar,asiftheircounseldidbutaddtohistortures, criedloudly:'No.MaywesonsofAbrahamneverhavesoevil athoughtaswithfainthearttocounterfeitapartunseemlyto us
11ContrarytoReason,indeed,wereitforus,afterlivingunto thetruthtilloldage,andguardinginlawfulguisetherepute ofsoliving,nowtochangeandbecomeinourownpersonsa patterntotheyoungofimpiety,totheendthatweshould encouragethemtoeatuncleanmeat
12Shamewereitifweshouldliveonalittlelonger,during thatlittlebeingmockedofallmenforcowardice,andwhile despisedbythetyrantasunmanlyshouldfailtodefendthe DivineLawuntothedeath
13Therefore,OsonsofAbraham,doyedienoblyfor righteousness'sake;butasforyou,Ominionsofthetyrant, whypauseyeinyourwork?'
14Sothey,seeinghimthustriumphantoverthetorturesand unmovedevenbythepityofhisexecutioners,draggedhimto thefire
15Theretheycasthimonit,burninghimwithcruelly cunningdevices,andtheypouredbrothofevilodourintohis nostrils
16Butwhenthefirealreadyreachedtohisbonesandhewas abouttogiveuptheghost,helifteduphiseyestoGodand said:
17'Thou,OGod,knowestthatthoughImightsavemyselfI amdyingbyfierytormentsforthyLawBemercifuluntothy people,andletourpunishmentbeasatisfactionintheirbehalf Makemybloodtheirpurification,andtakemysoultoransom theirsouls,,
18Andwiththesewordstheholymannoblyyieldeduphis spiritunderthetortureIandforthesakeoftheLawheldout byhisReasonevenagainstthetormentsuntodeath 19Beyondquestion,then,theInspiredReasonismasterover thepassions;forifhispassionsorsufferingshadprevailed overhisReasonweshouldhavecreditedthemwiththis evidenceoftheirsuperiorpower.
20ButnowhisReasonhavingconqueredhispassions,we properlyattributetoitthepowerofcommandingthem 21Anditisrightthatweshouldadmitthatthemasterylies withReason,incasesatleastwhereitconquerspainsthat comefromoutsideourselves;foritwereridiculoustodenyit 22AndmyproofcoversnotonlythesuperiorityofReasonto pains,butitssuperioritytopleasuresalso;neitherdoesit surrendertothem
CHAPTER4
Thissocalled"AgeofReason"mayinthischapterreadthat thePhilosophyofReasonis2000yearsoldThestoryofseven sonsandtheirmother
1FortheReasonofourfatherEleazar,likeafinesteersman steeringtheshipofsanctityontheseaofthepassions,though buffetedbythethreatsofthetyrantandsweptbytheswelling wavesofthetortures,nevershiftedforonemomentthehelm ofsanctityuntilhesailedintothehavenofvictoryoverdeath
2Nocitybesiegedwithmanyandcunningenginesever defendeditselfsowellasdidthatholymanwhenhissacred soulwasattackedwithscourgeandrackandflame,andhe movedthemwhowerelayingsiegetohissoulthroughhis Reasonthatwastheshieldofsanctity
3ForourfatherEleazar,settinghismindfilmasabeetling sea-cliff,brokethemadonsetofthesurgesofthepassions
4Opriestworthyofthypriesthood,thoudidstnotdefilethy holyteeth,nordidstthoubefoulwithuncleanmeatthybelly thathadroomonlyforpietyandpurity
5OconfessoroftheLawandphilosopheroftheDivinelife! SuchshouldthosebewhoseofficeistoservetheLawand defenditwiththeirownbloodandhonourablesweatinthe faceofsufferingstothedeath
6Thou,Ofather,didstfortifyourfidelitytotheLawthrough thysteadfastnessuntoglory;andhavingspokeninhonourof holinessthoudidstnotbeliethyspeech,anddidstconfirmthe wordsofdivinephilosophybythydeeds,Oagedmanthat wastmoreforcefulthanthetortures
7Oreverendelderthatwasttenser-strungthantheflame,thou greatkingoverthepassions,Eleazar.
8ForasourfatherAaron,armedwiththecenser,ranthrough themassedcongregationagainstthefieryangelandovercame him,sothesonofAaron,Eleazar,beingconsumedbythe meltingheatofthefire,remainedunshakeninhisReason
9Andyetmostwonderfulofall,he,beinganoldman,with thesinewsofhisbodyunstrungandhismusclesrelaxedand hisnervesweakened,grewayoungmanagaininthespiritof hisReasonandwithIsaac-likeReasonturnedthehydraheadedtorturetoimpotence
10Oblessedage,Oreverendgreyhead,Olifefaithfultothe Lawandperfectedbythesealofdeath!
11Assuredly,then,ifanoldmandespisedthetormentsunto deathforrighteousness'sakeitmustbeadmittedthatthe InspiredReasonisabletoguidethepassions.
12Butsomeperhapsmayanswerthatnotallmenaremasters ofthepassionsbecausenotallmenhavetheirReason enlightened
13Butasmanyaswiththeirwholeheartmakerighteousness theirfirstthought,thesealoneareabletomastertheweakness oftheflesh,believingthatuntoGodtheydienot,asour patriarchs,AbrahamandIsaacandJacob,diednot,butthat theyliveuntoGod
14Thereforethereis-nothingcontradictoryincertainpersons appearingtobeslavestopassioninconsequenceofthe weaknessoftheirReason
15Forwhoistherethatbeingaphilosopherfollowing righteouslythewholeruleofphilosophy,andhavingputhis trustinGod,andknowingthatitisablessedthingtoendure allhardnessforthesakeofvirtue,wouldnotconquerhis passionsforthesakeofrighteousness?
16Forthewiseandself-controlledmanaloneisthebrave rulerofthepassions.
17Yea,bythismeansevenyoungboys,beingphilosophers byvirtueoftheReasonwhichisaccordingtorighteousness, havetriumphedoveryetmoregrievoustortures.
18Forwhenthetyrantfoundhimselfnotablydefeatedinhis firstattempt,andimpotenttocompelanoldmantoeat uncleanmeat,thentrulyinviolentrageheorderedtheguards tobringothersoftheyoungmenoftheHebrews,andifthey wouldeatuncleanmeattoreleasethemaftereatingit,butif theyrefused,totorturethemyetmoresavagely
19Andundertheseordersofthetyrantsevenbrethren togetherwiththeiragedmotherwerebroughtprisonersbefore him,allhandsome,andmodest,andwell-born,--andgenerally attractive
20Andwhenthetyrantsawthemthere,standingasifthey wereafestalchoirwiththeirmotherinthemidst,hetook noticeofthem,andstruckbytheirnobleanddistinguished bearinghesmiledatthem,andcallingthemnearersaid:
21'Oyoungmen,Iwishwelltoeachoneofyou,andadmire yourbeauty,andhonourhighlysolargeabandofbrothers;so notonlydoIadviseyounottopersistinthemadnessofthat oldmanwhohasalreadysuffered,butIevenentreatofyouto yieldtomeandbecomepartakersinmyfriendship.
22For,asIamabletopunishthosewhodisobeymyorders, soamIabletoadvancethosewhodoobeyme
23Beassuredthenthatyoushallbegivenpositionsof importanceandauthorityinmyserviceifyouwillrejectthe ancestrallawofyourpolity
24ShareintheHelleniclife,andwalkinanewway,andtake somepleasureinyouryouth;forifyoudrivemetoangerwith yourdisobedienceyouwillcompelmetoresorttoterrible penaltiesandputeverysingleoneofyoutodeathbytorture.
25Havepitythenonyourselves,whomevenI,youropponent, pityforyouryouthandyourbeauty
26Willyounotconsiderwithyourselvesthisthing,thatif youdisobeymethereisnothingbeforeyoubutdeathin torments?'
27Withthesewordsheorderedtheinstrumentsoftortureto bebroughtforwardinordertopersuadethembyfeartoeat uncleanmeat
28Butwhentheguardshadproducedwheels,andjointdislocators,andracks,andbone-crushers,andcatapults,and cauldrons,andbraziers,andthumb-screws,andironclaws, andwedges,andbrandingirons,thetyrantspokeagainand said:
29'Youhadbetterfeelfear,mylads,andthejusticeyou worshipwillpardonyourunwillingtransgression.'
30Butthey,hearinghispersuasions,andseeinghisdreadful engines,notonlyshowednofearbutactuallyarrayedtheir philosophyinoppositiontothetyrant,andbytheirright Reasondidabasehistyranny
31Andyetconsider;supposingsomeamongstthemtohave beenfaint-heartedandcowardly,whatsortoflanguagewould theyhaveused?woulditnothavebeentothiseffect?
32'Alas!miserablecreaturesthatweareandfoolishabove measure!Whenthekinginvitesusandappealstousonterms ofkindtreatmentshallwenotobeyhim?
33Whydoweencourageourselveswithvaindesiresanddare adisobediencethatistocostusourlives?Shallwenot,O menmybrothers,fearthedreadinstrumentsandweighwell histhreatsofthetortures,andabandontheseemptyvaunts andthisfatalbragging?
34Letustakepityonourownyouthandhavecompassionon ourmother'sage;andletuslaytoheartthatifwedisobeywe shalldie
35Andeventhedivinejusticewillhavemercyonus,if compelledbynecessityweyieldtothekinginfear.Why shouldwecastawayfromusthisdearlifeandrobourselves ofthissweetworld?
36Letusnotstriveagainstnecessitynorwithvainconfidence inviteourtorture
37EventheLawitselfdoesnotwillinglycondemnustodeath, webeinginterroroftheinstrumentsoftorture.
38Whydoessuchcontentiousnessinflameusandafatal obstinacyfindfavourwithus,whenwemighthaveapeaceful lifebyobeyingtheking?'
39Butnosuchwordsescapedtheseyoungmenatthe prospectofthetorture,nordidsuchthoughtsenterintotheir minds.
40Fortheyweredespisersofthepassionsandmastersover pain
CHAPTER5
Achapterofhorrorandtorturerevealingancienttyrannyat itsutmostsavageryVerse26isprofoundtruth
1Andthusnosoonerdidthetyrantconcludehisurgingof themtoeatuncleanmeatthanallwithonevoicetogether,and aswithonesoul,saidtohim:
2'Whydostthoudelay,Otyrant?Wearereadytodierather thantransgressthecommandmentsofourfathers.
3Forweshouldbeputtingourancestorsalsotoshame,ifwe didnotwalkinobediencetotheLawandtakeMosesasour counsellor.
4OtyrantthatcounsellestustotransgresstheLaw,donot, hatingus,pityusbeyondourselves
5Forweesteemthymercy,giving.usourlifeinreturnfora breachoftheLaw,athinghardertobearthandeathitself
6Thouwouldstterrifyuswiththythreatsofdeathunder torture,asifalittlewhileagothouhadstlearnednothingfrom Eleazar
7ButiftheoldmenoftheHebrewsenduredthetorturesfor righteousness'sake,yea,untiltheydied,morebefittinglywill weyoungmendiedespisingthetormentsofthycompulsion, overwhichheouragedteacheralsotriumphed
8Maketrialtherefore,Otyrant.Andifthoutakestourlives forthesakeofrighteousness,thinknotthatthouhurtestus withthytortures
9Forwethroughthisourevilentreatmentandourendurance ofitshallwintheprizeofvirtue;butthouforourcruel murdershaltsufferatthehandsofdivinejusticesufficient tormentbyfireforever.'
10Thesewordsoftheyouthsredoubledthewrathofthe tyrant,notattheirdisobedienceonlybutatwhathe consideredtheiringratitude
11Sobyhisordersthescourgersbroughtforwardtheeldest ofthemandstrippedhimofhisgarmentandboundhishands andarmsoneithersidewiththongs
12Butwhentheyhadscourgedhimtilltheywereweary,and gainednothingthereby,theycasthimuponthewheel.
13Andonitthenobleyouthwasrackedtillhisboneswere outofjointAndasjointafterjointgaveway,hedenounced thetyrantinthesewords:
14'Othoumostabominabletyrant,thouenemyofthejustice ofheavenandbloody-minded,thoudosttormentmeinthis fashionnotformanslayingnorforimpietybutfordefending theLawofGod'
15Andwhentheguardssaidtohim,'Consenttoeat,thatso youmaybereleasedfromyourtortures,'hesaidtothem, 'Yourmethod,Omiserableminions,isnotstrongenoughto leadcaptivemyReasonCutoffmylimbs,andburnmyflesh, andtwistmyjoints;throughallthetormentsIwillshowyou thatinbehalfofvirtuethesonsoftheHebrewsaloneare unconquerable'
16Ashethusspaketheysethotcoalsuponhimbesides,and intensifyingthetorturestrainedhimyettighteronthewheel 17Andallthewheelwasbesmearedwithhisblood,andthe heapedcoalswerequenchedbythehumoursofhisbody droppingdown,andtherentfleshranroundtheaxlesofthe machine
18Andwithhisbodilyframealreadyindissolutionthisgreatsouledyouth,likeatruesonofAbraham,groanednotatall; butasifheweresufferingachangebyfiretoincorruption,he noblyenduredthetorment,saying:
19'Followmyexample,ObrothersDonotforeverdesertme, andforswearnotourbrotherhoodinnobilityofsoul 20Waraholyandhonourablewarfareonbehalfof righteousness,throughwhichmaythejustProvidencethat watchedoverourfathersbecomemercifuluntohispeopleand takevengeanceontheaccursedtyrant.'
21Andwiththesewordstheholyyouthyieldeduptheghost 22Butwhileallwerewonderingathisconstancyofsoul,the guardsbroughtforwardthesecondinageofthe.sons,and grapplinghimwithsharp-clawedhandsofirontheyfastened himtotheenginesandthecatapult
23Butwhentheyheardhisnobleresolveinanswertotheir question,'Wouldheeatratherthanhetortured?'thesepantherlikebeaststoreathissinewswithclawsofiron,andrentaway allthefleshfromhischeeks,andtoreofftheskinfromhis head
24Buthesteadfastlyenduringthisagonysaid,'Howsweetis everyformofdeathforthesakeoftherighteousnessofour fathers!'
25Andtothetyranthesaid,'Omostruthlessoftyrants,doth notitseemtotheethatatthismomentthouthyselfsufferest torturesworsethanmineinseeingthytyranny'sarrogant intentionovercomebymyenduranceforrighteousness'sake?
26ForIamsupportedunderpainbythejoysthatcome throughvirtue,whereasthouartintormentwhilstgloryingin thyimpiety;neithershaltthouescape,Omostabominable tyrant,thepenaltiesofthedivinewrath.'
27Andwhenhehadbravelymethisgloriousdeath,thethird sonwasbroughtforwardandwasearnestlyentreatedbymany totasteandsotosavehimself
28Butheansweredinaloudvoice,'Areyeignorantthatthe samefatherbegatmeandmybrothersthataredead,andthe samemothergaveusbirth,andinthesamedoctrineswasI broughtup?
29Idonotforswearthenoblebondofbrotherhood.
30Thereforeifyehaveanyengineoftorment,applyittothis bodyofmine;formysoulyecannotreach,notifyewould' 31Buttheyweregreatlyangeredattheboldspeechofthe man,andtheydislocatedhishandsandhisfeetwiththeir dislocatingengines,andwrenchedhislimbsoutoftheir sockets,andunstrungthem;andtheytwistedroundhisfingers, andhisarms,andhislegs,andhiselbow-joints
32Andinnowisebeingabletostranglehisspiritthey strippedoffhisskin,takingthepointsofthefingerswithit, andtoreinScythianfashionthescalpfromhishead,and straightwaybroughthimtothewheel
33Andonthistheytwistedhisspinetillhesawhisownflesh hanginginstripsandgreatgoutsofbloodpouringdownfrom hisentrails
34Andatthepointofdeathhesaid,'We,Omostabominable tyrant,sufferthusforourupbringingandourvirtuethatareof God;butthouforthyimpietyandthycrueltyshallendure tormentswithoutend.'
35Andwhen'thismanhaddiedworthilyofhisbrothers,they broughtupthefourth,andsaidtohim,'Benotthoualsomad withthesamemadnessasthybrethren,butobeythekingand savethyself'
36Buthesaiduntothem,'Formeyehavenofireso exceedinghotastomakemeacoward.
37Bytheblesseddeathofmybrethren,bytheeternaldoom ofthetyrant,andbythegloriouslifeoftherighteous,Iwill notdenymynoblebrotherhood
38Inventtortures,Otyrant,inorderthatthoumayestlearn therebythatIambrotherofthosewhohavebeenalready tortured.'
39Whenheheardthisthebloodthirsty,murderous,and utterlyabominableAntiochusbadethemcutouthistongue 40Buthesaid,'Evenifthoudostremovemyorganofspeech, Godisaheareralsoofthespeechless
41Lo,Iputoutmytongueready:cutitout,forthoushaltnot therebysilencemyReason.
42Gladlydowegiveourbodilymemberstobemutilatedfor thecauseofGod
43ButGodwillspeedilypursueafterthee;forthoucuttestout thetonguethatsangsongsofpraiseuntohim'
44Butwhenthismanalsowasputtoadeathofagonywith thetortures,thefifthsprangforwardsaying,'Ishrinknot,O tyrant,fromdemandingthetortureforvirtue'ssake
45Yea,ofmyselfIcomeforward,inorderthat,slayingme also,thoumayestbyyetmoremisdeedsincreasethepenalty thouowesttothejusticeofHeaven
46Oenemyofvirtueandenemyofman,forwhatcrimedost thoudestroyusinthisway?
47DothitseemeviltotheethatweworshiptheCreatorofall andliveaccordingtohisvirtuousLaw?
48Butthesethingsareworthyofhonoursnotoftortures,if thoudidstunderstandhumanaspirationsandhadsthopeof salvationbeforeGod
49Lo,nowthouartGod'senemyandmakestwaronthose thatworshipGod'
50Ashespakethustheguardsboundhimandbroughthim beforethecatapult;andtheytiedhimtheretoonhisknees,and, fasteningthemtherewithironclamps,theywrenchedhisloins overtherolling'wedge'sothathewascompletelycurledback likeascorpionandeveryjointwasdisjointed
51Andthusingrievousstraitforbreathandanguishofbody heexclaimed,'Glorious,Otyrant,gloriousagainstthywillare theboonsthatthoubestowestonme,enablingmetoshowmy fidelitytotheLawthroughyetmorehonourabletortures'
52Andwhenthismanalsowasdead,thesixthwasbrought,a mereboy,whoinanswertothetyrant'sinquirywhetherhe waswillingtoeatandbereleased,said:
53'Iamnotsooldinyearsasmybrethren,butIamasoldin mindForwewerebornandrearedforthesamepurposeand areequallyboundalsotodieforthesamecause;soifthou choosethtotortureusfornoteatinguncleanmeat,torture.'
54Ashespakethesewordstheybroughthimtothewheel, andwithcaretheystretchedhimoutanddislocatedthebones ofhisbackandsetfireunderhim.
55Andtheymadesharpskewersred-hotandranthemintohis back,andpiercingthroughhissidestheyburnedawayhis entrailsalso.
56Butheinthemidstofhistorturesexclaimed,'Ocontest worthyofsaints,whereinsomanyofusbrethren,inthecause ofrighteousness,havebeenenteredforacompetitionin torments,andhavenotbeenconquered!
57Fortherighteousunderstanding,Otyrant,is unconquerable.
58InthearmourofvirtueIgotojoinmybrothersindeath, andtoaddinmyselfonestrongavengermoretopunishthee, Odeviserofthetorturesandenemyofthetrulyrighteous.
59Wesixyouthshaveoverthrownthytyranny'Forisnot thineimpotencetoalterourReasonorforceustoeatunclean meatanoverthrowforthee?
60Thyfireiscoolforus,thyenginesoftorturetormentnot, andthyviolenceisimpotent
61Fortheguardshavebeenofficersforus,notofatyrant,but oftheDivineLaw;andthereforehaveweourReasonyet unconquered'
CHAPTER6
Brotherlybondsandamother'slove
1Andwhenthisonealsodiedablesseddeath,beingcastinto thecauldron,theseventhson,theyoungestofthemall,came forward.
2Butthetyrant,althoughfiercelyexasperatedbyhisbrethren, feltpityfortheboy,andseeinghimtherealreadyboundhe hadhimbroughtnear,andsoughttopersuadehim,saying: 'Thouseesttheendofthefollyofthybrethren;forthrough theirdisobediencetheyhavebeenrackedtodeathThou,too, ifthoudostnotobey,wiltthyselfalsobemiserablytortured andputtodeathbeforethytime;butifthoudostobeythou shaltbemyfriend,andthoushaltbeadvancedtohighoffice inthebusinessofthekingdom.'
4Andwhilethusappealingtohimhesentfortheboy's mother,inorderthatinhersorrowforthelossofsomany sonsshemighturgethesurvivortoobeyandbesaved.
5Butthemother,speakingintheHebrewtongue,asIshall telllateron,encouragedtheboy,andhesaidtotheguards, 'Looseme,thatImayspeaktothekingandtoallhisfriends withhim'
6Andthey,rejoicingattheboy'srequest,madehastetoloose him.
7Andrunninguptothered-hotbrazier,'Oimpioustyrant,'he cried,'andmostungodlyofallsinners,artthounotashamed totakethyblessingsandthykingshipatthehandsofGod,and toslayhisservantsandtorturethefollowersofrighteousness?
8Forwhichthingsthedivinejusticedeliverstheeuntoamore rapidandaneternalfireandtormentswhichshallnotleave holdontheetoalleternity
9Artthounotashamed,beingaman,Owretchwiththeheart ofawildbeast,totakemenoflikefeelingswiththyself,made fromthesameelements,andtearouttheirtongues,and scourgeandtorturetheminthismanner?
10Butwhiletheyhavefulfilledtheirrighteousnesstowards Godintheirnobledeaths,thoushaltmiserablycry"Woeis met"forthyunjustslayingofthechampionsofvirtue'
11Andthenstandingonthebrinkofdeathhesaid,'Iamno renegadetothewitnessbornebymybrethren
12AndIcallupontheGodofmyfatherstobemercifulunto mynation
13AndtheewillhePunishbothinthispresentlifeandafter thatthouartdead.'
14Andwiththisprayerhecasthimselfintothered-hot brazier,andsogaveuptheghost
15Ifthereforethesevenbrethrendespisedthetorturesevento thedeath,itisuniversallyprovedthattheInspiredReasonis supremelordoverthepassions
16Foriftheyhadyieldedtotheirpassionsorsufferingsand eatenuncleanmeatweshouldhavesaidthattheyhadbeen conqueredthereby
17Butinthiscamitwasnotso;onthecontrarybytheir Reason,whichwascommendedinthesightofGod,theyrose superiortotheirpassions
18Anditisimpossibletodenythesupremacyofthemind; fortheywonthevictoryovertheirpassionsandtheirpains
19HowcanwedootherwisethanadmitrightReason's masteryoverpassionwiththesemenwhoshranknotbefore theagoniesofburning?
20Forevenastowersonharbour-molesrepulsetheassaults ofthewavesandofferacalmentrancetothoseenteringthe haven,sotheseven-toweredrightReasonoftheyouths defendedthehavenofrighteousnessandrepulsedthe tempestuousnessofthepassions.
21Theyformedaholychoirofrighteousnessastheycheered oneanotheron,saying:
22'Letusdielikebrothers,Obrethren,fortheLaw.
23LetusimitatetheThreeChildrenattheAssyriancourtwho despisedthissameordealofthefurnace
24Letusnotturncravensbeforetheproofofrighteousness.'
25Andonesaid,'Brother,beofgoodcheer,'andanother, 'Bearitoutnobly';andanotherrecallingthepast,'Remember ofwhatstockyeare,andatwhosefatherlyhandIsaacfor righteousness'sakeyieldedhimselftobeasacrifice'
26Andeachandallofthemtogether,lookingateachother brightlyandveryboldly,said,'Withawholeheartwillwe consecrateourselvesuntoGodwhogaveusoursouls,andlet uslendourbodiestothekeepingoftheLaw
27Letusnotfearhimwhothinkethhekills;foragreat struggleandperilofthesoulawaitsineternaltormentthose whotransgresstheordinanceofGod
28LetusthenarmourselveswithdivineReason'smasteryof thepassions
29Afterthisourpassion,Abraham,Isaac,andJacobshall receiveus,andallourforefathersshallpraiseus.'
30Andtoeachseparateoneofthebrothers,astheywere draggedoff,thosewhoseturnwasyettocomesaid,'Donot disgraceus,brother,norbefalsetoourbrethrenalreadydead.'
31Youarenotignorantoftheloveofbrethren,whereofthe divineandall-wiseProvidencehasgivenaninheritanceto thosewhoarebegottenthoughtheirfathers,implantingitin themeventhroughthemother'swomb;whereinbrethrendo dwellthelikeperiod,andtaketheirformduringthesametime, andarenourishedfromthesameblood,andarequickened withthesamesoul,andarebroughtintotheworldafterthe samespace,andtheydrawmilkfromthesamefounts, wherebytheirfraternalsoulsarenursedtogetherinarmsatthe breast;andtheyareknityetcloserthroughacommonnurture anddailycompanionshipandothereducation,andthroughour disciplineundertheLawofGod
32Thefeelingofbrotherlylovebeingthusnaturallystrong, thesevenbrethrenhadtheirmutualconcordmadeyetstronger FortrainedinthesameLaw,anddisciplinedinthesame virtues,andbroughtuptogetherintheuprightlife,theyloved oneanotherthemoreabundantly.Theircommonzealfor moralbeautyandgoodnessheightenedtheirmutualconcord, forinconjunctionwiththeirpietyitrenderedtheirbrotherly lovemorefervent.
33Butthoughnature,companionship,andtheirvirtuous dispositionincreasedtheardouroftheirbrotherlylove, neverthelessthesurvivingsonsthroughtheirreligion supportedthesightoftheirbrethren,whowereontherack, beingtorturedtodeath;naymore,theyevenencouragedthem tofacetheagony,soasnotonlytodespisetheirowntortures, butalsotoconquertheirpassionofbrotherlyaffectionfor theirbrethren
34OReasoningminds,morekinglythankings,thanfreemen morefree,oftheharmonyofthesevenbrethren,holyandwell attunedtothekeynoteofpiety!
35Noneofthesevenyouthsturnedcoward,noneshrunkin thefaceofdeath,butallhastenedtothedeathbytortureasif runningtheroadtoimmortality
36Forashandsandfeetmoveinharmonywiththe promptingsofthesoul,sothoseholyyouths,asifprompted bytheimmortalsoulofreligion,wentinharmonytodeathfor itssake
37Oall-holysevenfoldcompanionshipofbrethrenin harmony!
38Forasthesevendaysofthecreationoftheworlddoenring religion,sodidtheyouthschoir-likeenringtheirsevenfold
companionship,andmadetheterrorofthetorturesofno account
39Wenowshudderwhenwehearofthesufferingofthose youths;butthey,notonlyseeingitwiththeireyes,normerely hearingthespoken,imminentthreat,butactuallyfeelingthe pang,endureditthrough;andthatinthetorturebyfire,than whichwhatgreateragonycanbefound?
40Forsharpandstringentisthepoweroffire,andswiftlydid itbringtheirbodiestodissolution.
41AndthinkitnotwonderfulifwiththosemenReason triumphedoverthetortures,whenevenawoman'ssoul despisedayetgreaterdiversityofpains;forthemotherofthe sevenyouthsenduredthetormentsinflictedoneachseveral oneofherchildren
42Butconsiderhowmanifoldaretheyearningsofamother's heart,sothatherfeelingforheroffspringbecomesthecentre ofherwholeworld;andindeed,
here,eventheirrationalanimalshavefortheiryoungan affectionandlovesimilartomen's
43Forexample,amongthebirds,thetameonessheltering underourroofsdefendtheirnestlings;andthosethatnest uponthemountaintops,andintherockclefts,andinthe holesoftrees,andinthebranches,andhatchtheiryoungthere, doalsodriveawaytheintruder.
44Andthen,iftheybeunabletodrivehimaway,theyflutter aroundthenestlingsinapassionoflove,callingtothemin theirownspeech,andtheygivesuccourtotheiryoungonesin whateverfashiontheycan
45Andwhatneedhaveweofexamplesoftheloveof offspringamongirrationalanimals,wheneventhebees,about theseasonofthemakingofthecomb,fendoffintruders,and stabwiththeirsting,aswithasword,thosewhoapproach theirbrood,anddobattleagainstthemeventothedeath?
46Butshe,themotherofthoseyoungmen,withasoullike Abraham,wasnotmovedfromherpurposebyheraffection forherchildren
CHAPTER7
Acomparisonofamother'sandfather'saffections,inthis chapteraresomemountainpeaksofeloquence
1Reasonofthesons,lordoverthepassions!Oreligion,that wastdearertothemotherthanherchildren!
2Themother,havingtwochoicesbeforeher,religionandthe presentsavingaliveofhersevensonsaccordingtothetyrant's promise,lovedratherreligion,whichsavethuntoeternallife accordingtoGod.
3OhowmayIexpressthepassionateloveofparentsfor children?Westampamarvellouslikenessofoursoulandof ourshapeonthetendernatureofthechild,andmostofall throughthemother'ssympathywithherchildrenbeingdeeper thanthefather's
4Forwomenaresofterofsoulthanmen,andthemore childrentheybearthemoredotheyaboundinloveforthem 5But,ofallmothers,sheofthesevensonsaboundedinlove beyondtherest,seeingthat,havinginsevenchild-bearings feltmaternaltendernessforthefruitofherwomb,andhaving beenconstrainedbecauseofthemanypangsinwhichshe boreeachtoacloseaffection,sheneverthelessthroughthe fearofGodrejectedthepresentsafetyofherchildren 6Ay,andmorethanthat,throughthemoralbeautyand goodnessofhersonsandtheirobediencetotheLaw,her maternalloveforthemwasmadestronger
7Fortheywerejust,andtemperate,andbraveandgreatsouled,andloversofeachotherandoftheirmotherinsuch
mannerthattheyobeyedherinthekeepingoftheLaweven untodeath
8Butnevertheless,thoughshehadsomanytemptationsto yieldtohermaternalinstincts,innosingleinstancedidthe dreadfulvarietyoftortureshavepowertoalterherReason; butthemotherurgedeachsonseparately,andalltogether,to diefortheirreligion
9Oholynature,andparentallove,andyearningofparentsfor offspring,andwagesofnursing,andunconquerableaffection ofmothers!
10Themother,seeingthemonebyonerackedandburned, remainedunshakeninsoulforreligion'ssake.
11Shesawthefleshofhersonsbeingconsumedinthefire, andtheextremitiesoftheirhandsandfeetscatteredonthe ground,andtheflesh-covering,tornofffromtheirheadsright totheircheeks,strewnaboutlikemasks
12Omother,whonowknewsharperpangsthanthepangsof labour!Owoman,aloneamongwomen,thefruitofwhose wombwasperfectreligion!
13Thyfirstborn,givinguptheghost,didnotalterthy resolution,northysecond,lookingwitheyesofpityonthee underhistortures,northythird,breathingouthisspirit
14Neitherdidstthouweepwhenthoubeheldesttheeyesof eachamidthetormentslookingboldlyonthesameanguish, andsawestintheirquiveringnostrilsthesignsofapproaching death
15Whenthousawestthefleshofonesonbeingseveredafter thefleshofanother,andhandafterhandbeingcutoff,and headafterheadbeingflayed,andcorpsecastuponcorpse,and theplacecrowdedwithspectatorsonaccountofthetorturesof thychildren,thousheddestnotatear
16Notthemelodiesofthesirensnorthesongsofswanswith sweetsounddosocharmthehearer'sears,assoundedthe voicesofthesons,speakingtothemotherfromamidthe torments.
17Howmanyandhowgreatwerethetortureswithwhichthe motherwastormentedwhilehersonswerebeingtorturedwith tormentsofrackandfire!
18ButInspiredReasonlentherheartaman'sstrengthunder herpassionofsuffering,andexaltedhertomakenoaccount ofthepresentyearningsofmother-love.
19Andalthoughshesawthedestructionofhersevenchildren andthemanyandvariedformsoftheirtorments,thenoble motherwillinglysurrenderedthemthroughfaithinGod.
20Forshebeheldinherownmind,evenasithadbeen cunningadvocatesinacouncil-chamber,nature,and parenthood,andmother-love,andherchildrenontherack, anditwasasifshe,themother,havingthechoicebetween twovotesinthecaseofherchildren,onefortheirdeathand onetosavethemalive,thereuponregardednotthesavingof hersevensonsforalittletime,but,asatruedaughterof Abraham,calledtomindhisGod-fearingcourage
21Omotheroftherace,vindicatorofourLaw,defenderof ourreligion,andwinneroftheprizeinthestrugglewithin thyself!
22Owoman,noblertoresistthanmen,andbraverthan warriorstoendure!
23ForastheArkofNoah,withthewholelivingworldforher burdenintheworld-whelmingDeluge,didwithstandthe mightysurges,sothou,thekeeperoftheLaw,beatenupon everysidebythesurgingwavesofthepassions,andstrained aswithstrongblastsbythetorturesofthysons,didstnobly weatherthestormsthatassailedtheeforreligion'ssake 24Thusthen,ifonebothawomanandadvancedinyears,and themotherofsevensons,enduredthesightofherchildren
beingtorturedtodeath,theInspiredReasonmustconfessedly besupremeruleroverthepassions
25Ihaveproved,accordingly,thatnotonlyhavemen triumphedovertheirsufferings,butthatawomanalsohas despisedthemostdreadfultortures
26AndnotsofiercewerethelionsaroundDaniel,notsohot wastheburningfieryfurnaceofMishael,asburnedinherthe instinctofmotherhoodatthesightofhersevensonsbeing tortured.
27Butbyherreligion-guidedReasonthemotherquenched herpassions,manyandstrongastheywere
28Forthereisthisalsotoconsider,thathadthewomanbeen weakofspirit,despitehermotherhood,shemighthavewept overthem,andperchancespokenthus:
29'Ah,thricewretchedme,andmorethanthricewretched! SevenchildrenhaveIborneandamleftchildless!
30InvainwasIseventimeswithchild,andtonoprofitwas mytenmonths'burdenseventimesborne,andfruitlesshave beenmynursings,andsorrowfulmysucklings
31Invainforyou,Omysons,didIendurethemanypangsof labour,andthemoredifficultcaresofyourupbringing.
32Alas,formysons,thatsomewereyetunwed,andthose thatwereweddedhadbegottennochildren;Ishallneversee childrenofyours,norshallIbecalledbythenameof grandparent
33Ahme,thathadmanybeautifulchildren,andamawidow anddesolateinmywoe!Neitherwilltherebeanysontobury mewhenIamdead!'
34ButtheholyandGod-fearingmotherwailednotwiththis lamentationoveranyoneofthem,neitherbesoughtsheanyto escapedeath,norlamentedoverthemasdyingmen;but,as thoughshehadasoulofadamantandwerebringingforththe numberofhersons,forasecondtime,intoimmortallife,she besoughtratherandentreatedofthemthattheyshoulddiefor religion'ssake.
35Omother,warriorofGodinthecauseofreligion,oldand awoman,thoudidstbothdefeatthetyrantbythyendurance, andwastfoundstrongerthanaman,indeedsaswellaswords
36Forverilywhenthouwastputinbondswiththysons,thou stoodestthereseeingEleazarbeingtortured,andthouspakest tothysonsintheHebrewtongue:
37'Mysons,nobleisthefight;anddoye,beingcalledthereto tobearwitnessforournation,fightthereinzealouslyon behalfoftheLawofourfathers.
38Foritwouldbeshamefulif,whilethisagedmanendured theagonyforreligion'ssake,youthatareyoungmenshrank beforethepain.
39RememberthatforthesakeofGodyehavecomeintothe world,andhaveenjoyedlife,andthatthereforeyeoweitto Godtoendureallpainforhissake;forwhomalsoourfather AbrahammadehastetosacrificehissonIsaac,theancestorof ournation;andIsaac,seeinghisfather'shandliftingtheknife againsthim,didnotshrink.
40AndDaniel,thejustman,wascasttothelions,and Ananias,Azarias,andMishaelwereflungintothefurnaceof fire,andtheyenduredforGod'ssake.
41Andyealso,havingthesamefaithuntoGod,benot troubled;foritwereagainstReasonthatye,knowing righteousness,shouldnotwithstandthepains.'
42Withthesewordsthemotherofthesevenencouraged everysingleoneofhersonstodieratherthantransgressthe ordinanceofGod;theythemselvesalsoknowingwellthat mendyingforGodliveuntoGod,asliveAbraham,andIsaac, andJacob,andallthepatriarchs
CHAPTER8
Thefamous"AthletesofRighteousness"Hereendsthestory ofcouragecalledtheFourthBookofMaccabees
1Someoftheguardsdeclaredthatwhenshealsowasaboutto beseizedandputtodeath,shecastherselfonthepyreinorder thatnomanmighttouchherbody
2Omother,thattogetherwiththysevensonsdidstbreakthe tyrant'sforce,andbringtonoughthisevildevices,andgavest anexampleofthenoblenessoffaith
3Thouwertnoblysetasaroofuponthysonsaspillars,and theearthquakeofthetormentsshooktheenotatall.
4Rejoicetherefore,pure-souledmother,havingthehopeof thyendurancecertainatthehandofGod
5Notsomajesticstandsthemoonamidthestarsinheavenas thou,havinglitthepathofthysevenstarlikesonsunto righteousness,standestinhonourwithGod;andthouartsetin heavenwiththem.
6Forthychild-bearingwasfromthesonofAbraham
7Andhaditbeenlawfulforustopaint,asmightsomeartist, thetaleofthypiety,wouldnotthespectatorshaveshuddered atthemotherofsevensonssufferingforrighteousness'sake multitudinoustorturesevenuntodeath?
8Andindeeditwerefittingtoinscribethesewordsovertheir resting-place,speakingforamemorialtofuturegenerationsof ourpeople:
HERELIEANAGEDPRIEST ANDAWOMANFULLOFYEARS
ANDHERSEVENSONS
THROUGHTHEVIOLENCEOFATYRANT
DESIRINGTODESTROYTHEHEBREWNATION THEYVINDICATEDTHERIGHTSOFOURPEOPLE LOOKINGUNTOGODANDENDURING THETORMENTSEVENUNTO DEATH.
9FortrulyitwasaholywarwhichwasfoughtbythemFor onthatdayvirtue,provingthemthroughendurance,setbefore themtheprizeofvictoryinincorruptionineverlastinglife
10ButthefirstinthefightwasEleazar,andthemotherofthe sevensonsplayedherpart,andthebrethrenfought
11Thetyrantwastheiradversaryandtheworldandthelifeof manwerethespectators
12Andrighteousnesswonthevictorandgavethecrownto herathletes.WhobutwonderedattheathletesofthetrueLaw?
13Whowerenotamazedatthem?Thetyranthimselfandhis wholecounciladmiredtheirendurance,wherebytheynowdo bothStandbesidethethroneofGodandlivetheblessedage.
14ForMosessays,'Allalsowhohavesanctifiedthemselves areunderthyhands'
15Andthesemen,therefore,havingsanctifiedthemselvesfor God'ssake,notonlyhavereceivedthishonour,butalsothe honourthatthroughthemtheenemyhadnomorepowerover ourpeople,andthetyrantsufferedpunishment,andour countrywaspurified,theyhavingasitwerebecomearansom forournation'ssin;andthroughthebloodoftheserighteous menandthepropitiationoftheirdeath,thedivineProvidence deliveredIsraelthatbeforewasevilentreated
16ForwhenthetyrantAntiochussawtheheroismoftheir virtue,andtheirenduranceunderthetortures,hepubliclyheld uptheirendurancetohissoldiersasanexample;andhethus inspiredhismenwithasenseofhonourandheroismonthe fieldofbattleandinthelaboursofbesieging,sothathe plunderedandoverthrewallhisenemies
17OIsraelites,childrenbornoftheseedofAbraham,obey thisLaw,andberighteousinallways,recognizingthat InspiredReasonislordoverthepassions,andoverpains,not
onlyfromwithin,butfromwithoutourselves;bywhich meansthosemen,deliveringuptheirbodiestothetorturefor righteousness'sake,notonlywontheadmirationofmankind, butweredeemedworthyofadivineinheritance
18Andthroughthemthenationobtainedpeaceandrestoring theobservanceoftheLawinourcountryhathcapturedthe cityfromtheenemy
19AndvengeancehathpursuedthetyrantAntiochusupon earth,andindeathhesufferspunishment.
20Forwhenhefailedutterlytoconstrainthepeopleof JerusalemtolivelikeGentilesandabandonthecustomsof ourfathers,hethereuponleftJerusalemandmarchedaway againstthePersians
21Nowthesearethewordsthatthemotherofthesevensons, therighteouswoman,spaketoherchildren:
22'Iwasapuremaiden,andIstrayednotfrommyfather's house,andIkeptguardovertheribthatwasbuildedintoEve 23Noseducerofthedesert,nodeceiverinthefield,corrupted me;nordidthefalse,beguilingSerpentsullythepurityofmy maidenhood;Ilivedwithmyhusbandallthedaysofmy youth;butwhenthesemysonsweregrownup,theirfather died
24Happywashe;forhelivedalifeblessedwithchildren,and heneverknewthepainoftheirloss.
25Who,whilehewasyetwithus,taughtyoutheLawandthe prophetsHereadtousofAbelwhowasslainbyCain,andof Isaacwhowasofferedasaburnt-offering,andofJosephin theprison
26AndhespaketousofPhineas,thezealouspriest,andhe taughtyouthesongofAnanias,Azarias,andMishaelinthe fire
27AndheglorifiedalsoDanielinthedenoflions,and blessedhim;andhecalledtoyourmindsthesayingofIsaiah, 28"Yeaeventhoughthoupassthroughthefire,theflame shallnothurtthee."
29HesangtousthewordsofDavidthepsalmist,"Manyare theafflictionsofthejust"
30HequotedtoustheproverbofSolomon,"Heisatreeof lifetoallthemthatdohiswill"
31HeconfirmedthewordsofEzekiel,"Shallthesedrybones live?"ForheforgatnotthesongthatMosestaught,which teaches,"IwillslayandIwillmakealiveThisisyourlifeand theblessednessofyourdays"'
32Ah,cruelwastheday,andyetnotcruel,whenthecruel tyrantoftheGreekssetthefireblazingforhisbarbarous braziers,andwithhispassionsboilingbroughttothecatapult andbackagaintohistorturesthesevensonsofthedaughter ofAbraham,andblindedtheeyeballsoftheireyes,andcut outtheirtongues,andslewthemwithmanykindsoftorment 33ForwhichcausethejudgementofGodpursued,andshall pursue,theaccursedwretch
34ButthesonsofAbraham,withtheirvictoriousmother,are gatheredtogetheruntotheplaceoftheirancestors,having receivedpureandimmortalsoulsfromGod,towhombeglory foreverandever