CHAPTER1
1Loverighteousness,yethatbe judgesoftheearth:thinkoftheLord withagood(heart,)andinsimplicity ofheartseekhim.
2Forhewillbefoundofthemthat tempthimnot;andshewethhimself untosuchasdonotdistrusthim.
3Forfrowardthoughtsseparatefrom God:andhispower,whenitistried, reproveththeunwise.
4Forintoamalicioussoulwisdom shallnotenter;nordwellinthebody thatissubjectuntosin.
5Fortheholyspiritofdisciplinewill fleedeceit,andremovefromthoughts thatarewithoutunderstanding,and willnotabidewhenunrighteousness comethin.
6Forwisdomisalovingspirit;and willnotacquitablasphemerofhis words:forGodiswitnessofhisreins, andatruebeholderofhisheart,anda hearerofhistongue.
7FortheSpiritoftheLordfilleththe world:andthatwhichcontainethall thingshathknowledgeofthevoice.
8Thereforehethatspeaketh unrighteousthingscannotbehid: neithershallvengeance,whenit punisheth,passbyhim.
9Forinquisitionshallbemadeinto thecounselsoftheungodly:andthe soundofhiswordsshallcomeuntothe Lordforthemanifestationofhis wickeddeeds.
10Fortheearofjealousyhearethall things:andthenoiseofmurmuringsis nothid.
11Thereforebewareofmurmuring, whichisunprofitable;andrefrainyour tonguefrombackbiting:forthereisno wordsosecret,thatshallgofornought: andthemouththatbeliethslayeththe soul.
12Seeknotdeathintheerrorofyour life:andpullnotuponyourselves destructionwiththeworksofyour hands.
13ForGodmadenotdeath:neither hathhepleasureinthedestructionof theliving.
14Forhecreatedallthings,thatthey mighthavetheirbeing:andthe generationsoftheworldwere healthful;andthereisnopoisonof destructioninthem,northekingdom ofdeathupontheearth:
15(Forrighteousnessisimmortal:)
16Butungodlymenwiththeirworks andwordscalledittothem:forwhen theythoughttohaveittheirfriend, theyconsumedtonought,andmadea covenantwithit,becausetheyare worthytotakepartwithit.
CHAPTER2
1Fortheungodlysaid,reasoningwith themselves,butnotaright,Ourlifeis shortandtedious,andinthedeathofa manthereisnoremedy:neitherwas thereanymanknowntohavereturned fromthegrave.
2Forwearebornatalladventure:and weshallbehereafterasthoughwehad neverbeen:forthebreathinour nostrilsisassmoke,andalittlespark inthemovingofourheart:
3Whichbeingextinguished,ourbody shallbeturnedintoashes,andour spiritshallvanishasthesoftair,
4Andournameshallbeforgottenin time,andnomanshallhaveourworks inremembrance,andourlifeshallpass awayasthetraceofacloud,andshall bedispersedasamist,thatisdriven awaywiththebeamsofthesun,and overcomewiththeheatthereof.
5Forourtimeisaveryshadowthat passethaway;andafterourendthere isnoreturning:foritisfastsealed,so thatnomancomethagain.
6Comeontherefore,letusenjoythe goodthingsthatarepresent:andletus speedilyusethecreatureslikeasin youth.
7Letusfillourselveswithcostlywine andointments:andletnoflowerofthe springpassbyus:
8Letuscrownourselveswith rosebuds,beforetheybewithered:
9Letnoneofusgowithouthispartof ourvoluptuousness:letusleavetokens ofourjoyfulnessineveryplace:for thisisourportion,andourlotisthis.
10Letusoppressthepoorrighteous man,letusnotsparethewidow,nor reverencetheancientgrayhairsofthe aged.
11Letourstrengthbethelawof justice:forthatwhichisfeebleis foundtobenothingworth.
12Thereforeletuslieinwaitforthe righteous;becauseheisnotforour turn,andheiscleancontrarytoour doings:heupbraidethuswithour offendingthelaw,andobjectethtoour infamythetransgressingsofour education.
13Heprofessethtohavethe knowledgeofGod:andhecalleth himselfthechildoftheLord.
14Hewasmadetoreproveour thoughts.
15Heisgrievousuntousevento behold:forhislifeisnotlikeother men's,hiswaysareofanotherfashion.
16Weareesteemedofhimas counterfeits:heabstainethfromour waysasfromfilthiness:he pronounceththeendofthejusttobe blessed,andmakethhisboastthatGod ishisfather.
17Letusseeifhiswordsbetrue:and letusprovewhatshallhappeninthe endofhim.
18Forifthejustmanbethesonof God,hewillhelphim,anddeliverhim fromthehandofhisenemies.
19Letusexaminehimwith despitefulnessandtorture,thatwemay knowhismeekness,andprovehis patience.
20Letuscondemnhimwitha shamefuldeath:forbyhisownsaying heshallberespected.
21Suchthingstheydidimagine,and weredeceived:fortheirown wickednesshathblindedthem.
22AsforthemysteriesofGod,they knewthemnot:neitherhopedtheyfor thewagesofrighteousness,nor discernedarewardforblamelesssouls.
23ForGodcreatedmantobe immortal,andmadehimtobean imageofhisowneternity.
24Neverthelessthroughenvyofthe devilcamedeathintotheworld:and theythatdoholdofhissidedofindit.
CHAPTER3
1Butthesoulsoftherighteousarein thehandofGod,andthereshallno tormenttouchthem.
2Inthesightoftheunwisethey seemedtodie:andtheirdepartureis takenformisery,
3Andtheirgoingfromustobeutter destruction:buttheyareinpeace.
4Forthoughtheybepunishedinthe sightofmen,yetistheirhopefullof immortality.
5Andhavingbeenalittlechastised, theyshallbegreatlyrewarded:for Godprovedthem,andfoundthem worthyforhimself.
6Asgoldinthefurnacehathhetried them,andreceivedthemasaburnt offering.
7Andinthetimeoftheirvisitation theyshallshine,andruntoandfrolike sparksamongthestubble.
8Theyshalljudgethenations,and havedominionoverthepeople,and theirLordshallreignforever.
9Theythatputtheirtrustinhimshall understandthetruth:andsuchasbe faithfulinloveshallabidewithhim: forgraceandmercyistohissaints, andhehathcareforhiselect.
10Buttheungodlyshallbepunished accordingtotheirownimaginations, whichhaveneglectedtherighteous, andforsakentheLord.
11Forwhosodespisethwisdomand nurture,heismiserable,andtheirhope isvain,theirlaboursunfruitful,and theirworksunprofitable:
12Theirwivesarefoolish,andtheir childrenwicked:
13Theiroffspringiscursed. Whereforeblessedisthebarrenthatis undefiled,whichhathnotknownthe sinfulbed:sheshallhavefruitinthe visitationofsouls.
14Andblessedistheeunuch,which withhishandshathwroughtno iniquity,norimaginedwickedthings againstGod:foruntohimshallbe giventhespecialgiftoffaith,andan inheritanceinthetempleoftheLord moreacceptabletohismind.
15Forgloriousisthefruitofgood labours:andtherootofwisdomshall neverfallaway.
16Asforthechildrenofadulterers, theyshallnotcometotheirperfection, andtheseedofanunrighteousbed shallberootedout.
17Forthoughtheylivelong,yetshall theybenothingregarded:andtheirlast ageshallbewithouthonour.
18Or,iftheydiequickly,theyhave nohope,neithercomfortinthedayof trial.
19Forhorribleistheendofthe unrighteousgeneration.
CHAPTER4
1Betteritistohavenochildren,and tohavevirtue:forthememorial thereofisimmortal:becauseitis knownwithGod,andwithmen.
2Whenitispresent,mentake exampleatit;andwhenitisgone, theydesireit:itwearethacrown,and triumphethforever,havinggottenthe victory,strivingforundefiledrewards.
3Butthemultiplyingbroodofthe ungodlyshallnotthrive,nortakedeep
rootingfrombastardslips,norlayany fastfoundation.
4Forthoughtheyflourishinbranches foratime;yetstandingnotlast,they shallbeshakenwiththewind,and throughtheforceofwindstheyshall berootedout.
5Theimperfectbranchesshallbe brokenoff,theirfruitunprofitable,not ripetoeat,yea,meetfornothing.
6Forchildrenbegottenofunlawful bedsarewitnessesofwickedness againsttheirparentsintheirtrial.
7Butthoughtherighteousbe preventedwithdeath,yetshallhebein rest.
8Forhonourableageisnotthatwhich standethinlengthoftime,northatis measuredbynumberofyears.
9Butwisdomisthegrayhairunto men,andanunspottedlifeisoldage.
10HepleasedGod,andwasbeloved ofhim:sothatlivingamongsinnershe wastranslated.
11Yeaspeedilywashetakenaway, lestthatwickednessshouldalterhis understanding,ordeceitbeguilehis soul.
12Forthebewitchingofnaughtiness dothobscurethingsthatarehonest; andthewanderingofconcupiscence dothunderminethesimplemind.
13He,beingmadeperfectinashort time,fulfilledalongtime:
14ForhissoulpleasedtheLord: thereforehastedhetotakehimaway fromamongthewicked.
15Thisthepeoplesaw,and understooditnot,neitherlaidtheyup thisintheirminds,Thathisgraceand
mercyiswithhissaints,andthathe hathrespectuntohischosen.
16Thustherighteousthatisdeadshall condemntheungodlywhichareliving; andyouththatissoonperfectedthe manyyearsandoldageofthe unrighteous.
17Fortheyshallseetheendofthe wise,andshallnotunderstandwhat Godinhiscounselhathdecreedof him,andtowhatendtheLordhathset himinsafety.
18Theyshallseehim,anddespise him;butGodshalllaughthemtoscorn: andtheyshallhereafterbeavile carcase,andareproachamongthe deadforevermore.
19Forheshallrendthem,andcast themdownheadlong,thattheyshall bespeechless;andheshallshakethem fromthefoundation;andtheyshallbe utterlylaidwaste,andbeinsorrow; andtheirmemorialshallperish.
20Andwhentheycastuptheaccounts oftheirsins,theyshallcomewithfear: andtheirowniniquitiesshallconvince themtotheirface.
CHAPTER5
1Thenshalltherighteousmanstand ingreatboldnessbeforethefaceof suchashaveafflictedhim,andmade noaccountofhislabours.
2Whentheyseeit,theyshallbe troubledwithterriblefear,andshallbe amazedatthestrangenessofhis salvation,sofarbeyondallthatthey lookedfor.
3Andtheyrepentingandgroaningfor anguishofspiritshallsaywithin
themselves,Thiswashe,whomwe hadsometimesinderision,anda proverbofreproach:
4Wefoolsaccountedhislifemadness, andhisendtobewithouthonour:
5Howishenumberedamongthe childrenofGod,andhislotisamong thesaints!
6Thereforehaveweerredfromthe wayoftruth,andthelightof righteousnesshathnotshineduntous, andthesunofrighteousnessrosenot uponus.
7Weweariedourselvesinthewayof wickednessanddestruction:yea,we havegonethroughdeserts,wherethere laynoway:butasforthewayofthe Lord,wehavenotknownit.
8Whathathprideprofitedus?orwhat goodhathricheswithourvaunting broughtus?
9Allthosethingsarepassedawaylike ashadow,andasapostthathastedby;
10Andasashipthatpassethoverthe wavesofthewater,whichwhenitis goneby,thetracethereofcannotbe found,neitherthepathwayofthekeel inthewaves;
11Oraswhenabirdhathflown throughtheair,thereisnotokenofher waytobefound,butthelightairbeing beatenwiththestrokeofherwings andpartedwiththeviolentnoiseand motionofthem,ispassedthrough,and thereinafterwardsnosignwhereshe wentistobefound;
12Orlikeaswhenanarrowisshotat amark,itparteththeair,which immediatelycomethtogetheragain,so thatamancannotknowwhereitwent through:
13Evensoweinlikemanner,assoon aswewereborn,begantodrawtoour end,andhadnosignofvirtuetoshew; butwereconsumedinourown wickedness.
14Forthehopeoftheungodlyislike dustthatisblownawaywiththewind; likeathinfroththatisdrivenaway withthestorm;likeasthesmoke whichisdispersedhereandtherewith atempest,andpassethawayasthe remembranceofaguestthattarrieth butaday.
15Buttherighteousliveforevermore; theirrewardalsoiswiththeLord,and thecareofthemiswiththemostHigh.
16Thereforeshalltheyreceivea gloriouskingdom,andabeautiful crownfromtheLord'shand:forwith hisrighthandshallhecoverthem,and withhisarmshallheprotectthem.
17Heshalltaketohimhisjealousy forcompletearmour,andmakethe creaturehisweaponfortherevengeof hisenemies.
18Heshallputonrighteousnessasa breastplate,andtruejudgmentinstead ofanhelmet.
19Heshalltakeholinessforan invincibleshield.
20Hisseverewrathshallhesharpen forasword,andtheworldshallfight withhimagainsttheunwise.
21Thenshalltherightaiming thunderboltsgoabroad;andfromthe clouds,asfromawelldrawnbow, shalltheyflytothemark.
22Andhailstonesfullofwrathshall becastasoutofastonebow,andthe wateroftheseashallrageagainst
them,andthefloodsshallcruelly drownthem.
23Yea,amightywindshallstandup againstthem,andlikeastormshall blowthemaway:thusiniquityshall laywastethewholeearth,andill dealingshalloverthrowthethronesof themighty.
CHAPTER6
1Heartherefore,Oyekings,and understand;learn,yethatbejudgesof theendsoftheearth.
2Giveear,yethatrulethepeople,and gloryinthemultitudeofnations.
3ForpowerisgivenyouoftheLord, andsovereigntyfromtheHighest,who shalltryyourworks,andsearchout yourcounsels.
4Because,beingministersofhis kingdom,yehavenotjudgedaright, norkeptthelaw,norwalkedafterthe counselofGod;
5Horriblyandspeedilyshallhecome uponyou:forasharpjudgmentshall betothemthatbeinhighplaces.
6Formercywillsoonpardonthe meanest:butmightymenshallbe mightilytormented.
7ForhewhichisLordoverallshall fearnoman'sperson,neithershallhe standinaweofanyman'sgreatness: forhehathmadethesmallandgreat, andcarethforallalike.
8Butasoretrialshallcomeuponthe mighty.
9Untoyoutherefore,Okings,doI speak,thatyemaylearnwisdom,and notfallaway.
10Fortheythatkeepholinessholily shallbejudgedholy:andtheythat havelearnedsuchthingsshallfind whattoanswer.
11Whereforesetyouraffectionupon mywords;desirethem,andyeshallbe instructed.
12Wisdomisglorious,andnever fadethaway:yea,sheiseasilyseenof themthatloveher,andfoundofsuch asseekher.
13Shepreventeththemthatdesireher, inmakingherselffirstknownunto them.
14Whososeekethherearlyshallhave nogreattravail:forheshallfindher sittingathisdoors.
15Tothinkthereforeuponheris perfectionofwisdom:andwhoso watchethforhershallquicklybe withoutcare.
16Forshegoethaboutseekingsuchas areworthyofher,shewethherself favourablyuntothemintheways,and meeteththemineverythought.
17Fortheverytruebeginningofher isthedesireofdiscipline;andthecare ofdisciplineislove;
18Andloveisthekeepingofherlaws; andthegivingheeduntoherlawsis theassuranceofincorruption;
19Andincorruptionmakethusnear untoGod:
20Thereforethedesireofwisdom bringethtoakingdom.
21Ifyourdelightbetheninthrones andsceptres,Oyekingsofthepeople, honourwisdom,thatyemayreignfor evermore.
22Asforwisdom,whatsheis,and howshecameup,Iwilltellyou,and
willnothidemysteriesfromyou:but willseekheroutfromthebeginningof hernativity,andbringtheknowledge ofherintolight,andwillnotpassover thetruth.
23NeitherwillIgowithconsuming envy;forsuchamanshallhaveno fellowshipwithwisdom.
24Butthemultitudeofthewiseisthe welfareoftheworld:andawiseking istheupholdingofthepeople.
25Receivethereforeinstruction throughmywords,anditshalldoyou good.
CHAPTER7
1Imyselfalsoamamortalman,like toall,andtheoffspringofhimthat wasfirstmadeoftheearth,
2Andinmymother'swombwas fashionedtobefleshinthetimeoften months,beingcompactedinblood,of theseedofman,andthepleasurethat camewithsleep.
3AndwhenIwasborn,Idrewinthe commonair,andfellupontheearth, whichisoflikenature,andthefirst voicewhichIutteredwascrying,asall othersdo.
4Iwasnursedinswaddlingclothes, andthatwithcares.
5Forthereisnokingthathadany otherbeginningofbirth.
6Forallmenhaveoneentranceinto life,andthelikegoingout.
7WhereforeIprayed,and understandingwasgivenme:Icalled uponGod,andthespiritofwisdom cametome.
8Ipreferredherbeforesceptresand thrones,andesteemedrichesnothing incomparisonofher.
9NeithercomparedIuntoherany preciousstone,becauseallgoldin respectofherisasalittlesand,and silvershallbecountedasclaybefore her.
10Ilovedherabovehealthandbeauty, andchosetohaveherinsteadoflight: forthelightthatcomethfromher nevergoethout.
11Allgoodthingstogethercameto mewithher,andinnumerablerichesin herhands.
12AndIrejoicedinthemall,because wisdomgoethbeforethem:andIknew notthatshewasthemotherofthem.
13Ilearneddiligently,anddo communicateherliberally:Idonot hideherriches.
14Forsheisatreasureuntomenthat neverfaileth:whichtheythatuse becomethefriendsofGod,being commendedforthegiftsthatcome fromlearning.
15GodhathgrantedmetospeakasI would,andtoconceiveasismeetfor thethingsthataregivenme:becauseit ishethatleadethuntowisdom,and directeththewise.
16Forinhishandarebothweandour words;allwisdomalso,and knowledgeofworkmanship.
17Forhehathgivenmecertain knowledgeofthethingsthatare, namely,toknowhowtheworldwas made,andtheoperationofthe elements:
18Thebeginning,ending,andmidst ofthetimes:thealterationsofthe
turningofthesun,andthechangeof seasons:
19Thecircuitsofyears,andthe positionsofstars:
20Thenaturesoflivingcreatures,and thefuriesofwildbeasts:theviolence ofwinds,andthereasoningsofmen: thediversitiesofplantsandthevirtues ofroots:
21Andallsuchthingsasareeither secretormanifest,themIknow.
22Forwisdom,whichistheworkerof allthings,taughtme:forinherisan understandingspiritholy,oneonly, manifold,subtil,lively,clear, undefiled,plain,notsubjecttohurt, lovingthethingthatisgoodquick, whichcannotbeletted,readytodo good,
23Kindtoman,steadfast,sure,free fromcare,havingallpower, overseeingallthings,andgoing throughallunderstanding,pure,and mostsubtil,spirits.
24Forwisdomismoremovingthan anymotion:shepassethandgoeth throughallthingsbyreasonofher pureness.
25Forsheisthebreathofthepower ofGod,andapureinfluenceflowing fromthegloryoftheAlmighty: thereforecannodefiledthingfallinto her.
26Forsheisthebrightnessofthe everlastinglight,theunspottedmirror ofthepowerofGod,andtheimageof hisgoodness.
27Andbeingbutone,shecandoall things:andremaininginherself,she makethallthingsnew:andinallages
enteringintoholysouls,shemaketh themfriendsofGod,andprophets.
28ForGodlovethnonebuthimthat dwellethwithwisdom.
29Forsheismorebeautifulthanthe sun,andabovealltheorderofstars: beingcomparedwiththelight,sheis foundbeforeit.
30Forafterthiscomethnight:butvice shallnotprevailagainstwisdom.
CHAPTER8
1Wisdomreachethfromoneendto anothermightily:andsweetlydothshe orderallthings.
2Ilovedher,andsoughtheroutfrom myyouth,Idesiredtomakehermy spouse,andIwasaloverofherbeauty.
3InthatsheisconversantwithGod, shemagnifiethhernobility:yea,the Lordofallthingshimselflovedher.
4Forsheisprivytothemysteriesof theknowledgeofGod,andaloverof hisworks.
5Ifrichesbeapossessiontobe desiredinthislife;whatisricherthan wisdom,thatworkethallthings?
6Andifprudencework;whoofall thatareisamorecunningworkman thanshe?
7Andifamanloverighteousnessher laboursarevirtues:forsheteacheth temperanceandprudence,justiceand fortitude:whicharesuchthings,as mencanhavenothingmoreprofitable intheirlife.
8Ifamandesiremuchexperience,she knoweththingsofold,and conjecturetharightwhatistocome: sheknoweththesubtiltiesofspeeches,
andcanexpounddarksentences:she foreseethsignsandwonders,andthe eventsofseasonsandtimes.
9ThereforeIpurposedtotakeherto metolivewithme,knowingthatshe wouldbeacounsellorofgoodthings, andacomfortincaresandgrief.
10ForhersakeIshallhaveestimation amongthemultitude,andhonourwith theelders,thoughIbeyoung.
11Ishallbefoundofaquickconceit injudgment,andshallbeadmiredin thesightofgreatmen.
12WhenIholdmytongue,theyshall bidemyleisure,andwhenIspeak, theyshallgivegoodearuntome:ifI talkmuch,theyshalllaytheirhands upontheirmouth.
13MoreoverbythemeansofherI shallobtainimmortality,andleave behindmeaneverlastingmemorialto themthatcomeafterme.
14Ishallsetthepeopleinorder,and thenationsshallbesubjectuntome.
15Horribletyrantsshallbeafraid, whentheydobuthearofme;Ishallbe foundgoodamongthemultitude,and valiantinwar.
16AfterIamcomeintominehouse,I willreposemyselfwithher:forher conversationhathnobitterness;andto livewithherhathnosorrow,butmirth andjoy.
17NowwhenIconsideredthese thingsinmyself,andponderedthemin myheart,howthattobealliedunto wisdomisimmortality;
18Andgreatpleasureitistohaveher friendship;andintheworksofher handsareinfiniteriches;andinthe exerciseofconferencewithher,
prudence;andintalkingwithher,a goodreport;Iwentaboutseekinghow totakehertome.
19ForIwasawittychild,andhada goodspirit.
20Yearather,beinggood,Icameinto abodyundefiled.
21Nevertheless,whenIperceivedthat Icouldnototherwiseobtainher, exceptGodgaveherme;andthatwas apointofwisdomalsotoknowwhose giftshewas;IprayeduntotheLord, andbesoughthim,andwithmywhole heartIsaid,
CHAPTER9
1OGodofmyfathers,andLordof mercy,whohastmadeallthingswith thyword,
2Andordainedmanthroughthy wisdom,thatheshouldhavedominion overthecreatureswhichthouhast made,
3Andordertheworldaccordingto equityandrighteousness,andexecute judgmentwithanuprightheart:
4Givemewisdom,thatsittethbythy throne;andrejectmenotfromamong thychildren:
5ForIthyservantandsonofthine handmaidamafeebleperson,andofa shorttime,andtooyoungforthe understandingofjudgmentandlaws.
6Forthoughamanbeneversoperfect amongthechildrenofmen,yetifthy wisdombenotwithhim,heshallbe nothingregarded.
7Thouhastchosenmetobeakingof thypeople,andajudgeofthysonsand daughters:
8Thouhastcommandedmetobuilda templeuponthyholymount,andan altarinthecitywhereinthoudwellest, aresemblanceoftheholytabernacle, whichthouhastpreparedfromthe beginning.
9Andwisdomwaswiththee:which knoweththyworks,andwaspresent whenthoumadesttheworld,and knewwhatwasacceptableinthysight, andrightinthycommandments.
10Osendheroutofthyholyheavens, andfromthethroneofthyglory,that beingpresentshemaylabourwithme, thatImayknowwhatispleasingunto thee.
11Forsheknowethandunderstandeth allthings,andsheshallleadme soberlyinmydoings,andpreserveme inherpower.
12Soshallmyworksbeacceptable, andthenshallIjudgethypeople righteously,andbeworthytositinmy father'sseat.
13Forwhatmanishethatcanknow thecounselofGod?orwhocanthink whatthewilloftheLordis?
14Forthethoughtsofmortalmenare miserable,andourdevicesarebut uncertain.
15Forthecorruptiblebodypresseth downthesoul,andtheearthy tabernacleweighethdownthemind thatmusethuponmanythings.
16Andhardlydoweguessarightat thingsthatareuponearth,andwith labourdowefindthethingsthatare beforeus:butthethingsthatarein heavenwhohathsearchedout?
17Andthycounselwhohathknown, exceptthougivewisdom,andsendthy HolySpiritfromabove?
18Forsothewaysofthemwhich livedontheearthwerereformed,and menweretaughtthethingsthatare pleasinguntothee,andweresaved throughwisdom.
CHAPTER10
1Shepreservedthefirstformedfather oftheworld,thatwascreatedalone, andbroughthimoutofhisfall,
2Andgavehimpowertoruleall things.
3Butwhentheunrighteouswentaway fromherinhisanger,heperishedalso inthefurywherewithhemurderedhis brother.
4Forwhosecausetheearthbeing drownedwiththeflood,wisdomagain preservedit,anddirectedthecourseof therighteousinapieceofwoodof smallvalue.
5Moreover,thenationsintheir wickedconspiracybeingconfounded, shefoundouttherighteous,and preservedhimblamelessuntoGod, andkepthimstrongagainsthistender compassiontowardhisson.
6Whentheungodlyperished,she deliveredtherighteousman,whofled fromthefirewhichfelldownuponthe fivecities.
7Ofwhosewickednesseventothis daythewastelandthatsmokethisa testimony,andplantsbearingfruitthat nevercometoripeness:andastanding pillarofsaltisamonumentofan unbelievingsoul.
8Forregardingnotwisdom,theygat notonlythishurt,thattheyknewnot thethingswhichweregood;butalso leftbehindthemtotheworlda memorialoftheirfoolishness:sothat inthethingswhereintheyoffended theycouldnotsomuchasbehid.
9Butwisdomdeliveredfrompain thosethatattendeduponher.
10Whentherighteousfledfromhis brother'swrathsheguidedhiminright paths,shewedhimthekingdomof God,andgavehimknowledgeofholy things,madehimrichinhistravels, andmultipliedthefruitofhislabours.
11Inthecovetousnessofsuchas oppressedhimshestoodbyhim,and madehimrich.
12Shedefendedhimfromhisenemies, andkepthimsafefromthosethatlay inwait,andinasoreconflictshegave himthevictory;thathemightknow thatgoodnessisstrongerthanall.
13Whentherighteouswassold,she forsookhimnot,butdeliveredhim fromsin:shewentdownwithhiminto thepit,
14Andlefthimnotinbonds,tillshe broughthimthesceptreofthe kingdom,andpoweragainstthosethat oppressedhim:asforthemthathad accusedhim,sheshewedthemtobe liars,andgavehimperpetualglory.
15Shedeliveredtherighteouspeople andblamelessseedfromthenation thatoppressedthem.
16Sheenteredintothesoulofthe servantoftheLord,andwithstood dreadfulkingsinwondersandsigns;
17Renderedtotherighteousareward oftheirlabours,guidedthemina
marvellousway,andwasuntothem foracoverbyday,andalightofstars inthenightseason;
18BroughtthemthroughtheRedsea, andledthemthroughmuchwater:
19Butshedrownedtheirenemies,and castthemupoutofthebottomofthe deep.
20Thereforetherighteousspoiledthe ungodly,andpraisedthyholyname,O Lord,andmagnifiedwithoneaccord thinehand,thatfoughtforthem.
21Forwisdomopenedthemouthof thedumb,andmadethetonguesof themthatcannotspeakeloquent.
CHAPTER11
1Sheprosperedtheirworksinthe handoftheholyprophet.
2Theywentthroughthewilderness thatwasnotinhabited,andpitched tentsinplaceswheretherelaynoway.
3Theystoodagainsttheirenemies, andwereavengedoftheiradversaries.
4Whentheywerethirsty,theycalled uponthee,andwaterwasgiventhem outoftheflintyrock,andtheirthirst wasquenchedoutofthehardstone.
5Forbywhatthingstheirenemies werepunished,bythesametheyin theirneedwerebenefited.
6Forinsteadofaperpetualrunning rivertroubledwithfoulblood,
7Foramanifestreproofofthat commandment,wherebytheinfants wereslain,thougavestuntothem abundanceofwaterbyameanswhich theyhopednotfor:
8Declaringbythatthirstthenhow thouhadstpunishedtheiradversaries.
9Forwhentheyweretriedalbeitbut inmercychastised,theyknewhowthe ungodlywerejudgedinwrathand tormented,thirstinginanothermanner thanthejust.
10Forthesethoudidstadmonishand try,asafather:buttheother,asa severeking,thoudidstcondemnand punish.
11Whethertheywereabsentor present,theywerevexedalike.
12Foradoublegriefcameuponthem, andagroaningfortheremembranceof thingspast.
13Forwhentheyheardbytheirown punishmentstheothertobebenefited, theyhadsomefeelingoftheLord.
14Forwhomtheyrespectedwith scorn,whenhewaslongbefore thrownoutatthecastingforthofthe infants,himintheend,whentheysaw whatcametopass,theyadmired.
15Butforthefoolishdevicesoftheir wickedness,wherewithbeingdeceived theyworshippedserpentsvoidof reason,andvilebeasts,thoudidstsend amultitudeofunreasonablebeasts uponthemforvengeance;
16Thattheymightknow,that wherewithalamansinneth,bythe samealsoshallhebepunished.
17ForthyAlmightyhand,thatmade theworldofmatterwithoutform, wantednotmeanstosendamongthem amultitudeofbearsorfiercelions, 18Orunknownwildbeasts,fullof rage,newlycreated,breathingout eitherafieryvapour,orfilthyscentsof scatteredsmoke,orshootinghorrible sparklesoutoftheireyes:
19Whereofnotonlytheharmmight dispatchthematonce,butalsothe terriblesightutterlydestroythem.
20Yea,andwithoutthesemightthey havefallendownwithoneblast,being persecutedofvengeance,andscattered abroadthroughthebreathofthypower: butthouhastorderedallthingsin measureandnumberandweight.
21Forthoucanstshewthygreat strengthatalltimeswhenthouwilt; andwhomaywithstandthepowerof thinearm?
22Forthewholeworldbeforetheeis asalittlegrainofthebalance,yea,asa dropofthemorningdewthatfalleth downupontheearth.
23Butthouhastmercyuponall;for thoucanstdoallthings,andwinkestat thesinsofmen,becausetheyshould amend.
24Forthoulovestallthethingsthat are,andabhorrestnothingwhichthou hastmade:forneverwouldestthou havemadeanything,ifthouhadst hatedit.
25Andhowcouldanythinghave endured,ifithadnotbeenthywill?or beenpreserved,ifnotcalledbythee? 26Butthousparestall:fortheyare thine,OLord,thouloverofsouls.
CHAPTER12
1ForthineincorruptibleSpiritisinall things.
2Thereforechastenestthouthemby littleandlittlethatoffend,andwarnest thembyputtingtheminremembrance whereintheyhaveoffended,that
leavingtheirwickednesstheymay believeonthee,OLord.
3Foritwasthywilltodestroybythe handsofourfathersboththoseold inhabitantsofthyholyland,
4Whomthouhatedstfordoingmost odiousworksofwitchcrafts,and wickedsacrifices;
5Andalsothosemercilessmurderers ofchildren,anddevourersofman's flesh,andthefeastsofblood,
6Withtheirpriestsoutofthemidstof theiridolatrouscrew,andtheparents, thatkilledwiththeirownhandssouls destituteofhelp:
7Thattheland,whichthouesteemedst aboveallother,mightreceiveaworthy colonyofGod'schildren.
8Neverthelesseventhosethou sparedstasmen,anddidstsendwasps, forerunnersofthinehost,todestroy thembylittleandlittle.
9Notthatthouwastunabletobring theungodlyunderthehandofthe righteousinbattle,ortodestroythem atoncewithcruelbeasts,orwithone roughword:
10Butexecutingthyjudgmentsupon thembylittleandlittle,thougavest themplaceofrepentance,notbeing ignorantthattheywereanaughty generation,andthattheirmalicewas bredinthem,andthattheircogitation wouldneverbechanged.
11Foritwasacursedseedfromthe beginning;neitherdidstthouforfear ofanymangivethempardonforthose thingswhereintheysinned.
12Forwhoshallsay,Whathastthou done?orwhoshallwithstandthy judgment?orwhoshallaccusetheefor
thenationsthatperish,whomthou made?orwhoshallcometostand againstthee,toberevengedforthe unrighteousmen?
13ForneitheristhereanyGodbut thouthatcarethforall,towhomthou mightestshewthatthyjudgmentisnot unright.
14Neithershallkingortyrantbeable tosethisfaceagainsttheeforany whomthouhastpunished.
15Forsomuchthenasthouart righteousthyself,thouorderestall thingsrighteously:thinkingitnot agreeablewiththypowertocondemn himthathathnotdeservedtobe punished.
16Forthypoweristhebeginningof righteousness,andbecausethouartthe Lordofall,itmakeththeetobe graciousuntoall.
17Forwhenmenwillnotbelievethat thouartofafullpower,thoushewest thystrength,andamongthemthat knowitthoumakesttheirboldness manifest.
18Butthou,masteringthypower, judgestwithequity,andorderestus withgreatfavour:forthoumayestuse powerwhenthouwilt.
19Butbysuchworkshastthoutaught thypeoplethatthejustmanshouldbe merciful,andhastmadethychildren tobeofagoodhopethatthougivest repentanceforsins.
20Forifthoudidstpunishtheenemies ofthychildren,andthecondemnedto death,withsuchdeliberation,giving themtimeandplace,wherebythey mightbedeliveredfromtheirmalice:
21Withhowgreatcircumspection didstthoujudgethineownsons,unto whosefathersthouhastsworn,and madecovenantsofgoodpromises?
22Therefore,whereasthoudost chastenus,thouscourgestourenemies athousandtimesmore,totheintent that,whenwejudge,weshould carefullythinkofthygoodness,and whenweourselvesarejudged,we shouldlookformercy.
23Wherefore,whereasmenhavelived dissolutelyandunrighteously,thou hasttormentedthemwiththeirown abominations.
24Fortheywentastrayveryfarinthe waysoferror,andheldthemforgods, whichevenamongthebeastsoftheir enemiesweredespised,beingdeceived, aschildrenofnounderstanding.
25Thereforeuntothem,astochildren withouttheuseofreason,thoudidst sendajudgmenttomockthem.
26Buttheythatwouldnotbe reformedbythatcorrection,wherein hedalliedwiththem,shallfeela judgmentworthyofGod.
27For,look,forwhatthingsthey grudged,whentheywerepunished, thatis,forthemwhomtheythoughtto begods;nowbeingpunishedinthem, whentheysawit,theyacknowledged himtobethetrueGod,whombefore theydeniedtoknow:andtherefore cameextremedamnationuponthem.
CHAPTER13
1Surelyvainareallmenbynature, whoareignorantofGod,andcould notoutofthegoodthingsthatareseen
knowhimthatis:neitherby consideringtheworksdidthey acknowledgetheworkmaster;
2Butdeemedeitherfire,orwind,or theswiftair,orthecircleofthestars, ortheviolentwater,orthelightsof heaven,tobethegodswhichgovern theworld.
3Withwhosebeautyiftheybeing delightedtookthemtobegods;let themknowhowmuchbettertheLord ofthemis:forthefirstauthorof beautyhathcreatedthem.
4Butiftheywereastonishedattheir powerandvirtue,letthemunderstand bythem,howmuchmightierheisthat madethem.
5Forbythegreatnessandbeautyof thecreaturesproportionablythemaker ofthemisseen.
6Butyetforthistheyarethelesstobe blamed:fortheyperadventureerr, seekingGod,anddesiroustofindhim.
7Forbeingconversantinhisworks theysearchhimdiligently,andbelieve theirsight:becausethethingsare beautifulthatareseen.
8Howbeitneitheraretheytobe pardoned.
9Foriftheywereabletoknowso much,thattheycouldaimattheworld; howdidtheynotsoonerfindoutthe Lordthereof?
10Butmiserablearethey,andindead thingsistheirhope,whocallthem gods,whicharetheworksofmen's hands,goldandsilver,toshewartin, andresemblancesofbeasts,orastone goodfornothing,theworkofan ancienthand.
11Nowacarpenterthatfellethtimber, afterhehathsawndownatreemeet forthepurpose,andtakenoffallthe barkskilfullyroundabout,andhath wroughtithandsomely,andmadea vesselthereoffitfortheserviceof man'slife;
12Andafterspendingtherefuseofhis worktodresshismeat,hathfilled himself;
13Andtakingtheveryrefuseamong thosewhichservedtonouse,beinga crookedpieceofwood,andfullof knots,hathcarveditdiligently,when hehadnothingelsetodo,andformed itbytheskillofhisunderstanding,and fashionedittotheimageofaman;
14Ormadeitlikesomevilebeast, layingitoverwithvermilion,andwith paintcolouringitred,andcovering everyspottherein;
15Andwhenhehadmadea convenientroomforit,setitinawall, andmadeitfastwithiron:
16Forheprovidedforitthatitmight notfall,knowingthatitwasunableto helpitself;foritisanimage,andhath needofhelp:
17Thenmakethheprayerforhis goods,forhiswifeandchildren,andis notashamedtospeaktothatwhich hathnolife.
18Forhealthhecallethuponthat whichisweak:forlifeprayethtothat whichisdead;foraidhumbly beseecheththatwhichhathleastmeans tohelp:andforagoodjourneyhe askethofthatwhichcannotsetafoot forward:
19Andforgainingandgetting,and forgoodsuccessofhishands,asketh
abilitytodoofhim,thatismost unabletodoanything.
CHAPTER14
1Again,onepreparinghimselftosail, andabouttopassthroughtheraging waves,callethuponapieceofwood morerottenthanthevesselthat carriethhim.
2Forverilydesireofgaindevisedthat, andtheworkmanbuiltitbyhisskill.
3Butthyprovidence,OFather, governethit:forthouhastmadeaway inthesea,andasafepathinthewaves; 4Shewingthatthoucanstsavefrom alldanger:yea,thoughamanwentto seawithoutart.
5Neverthelessthouwouldestnotthat theworksofthywisdomshouldbe idle,andthereforedomencommit theirlivestoasmallpieceofwood, andpassingtheroughseainaweak vesselaresaved.
6Forintheoldtimealso,whenthe proudgiantsperished,thehopeofthe worldgovernedbythyhandescaped inaweakvessel,andlefttoallagesa seedofgeneration.
7Forblessedisthewoodwhereby righteousnesscometh.
8Butthatwhichismadewithhandsis cursed,aswellit,ashethatmadeit: he,becausehemadeit;andit,because, beingcorruptible,itwascalledgod.
9Fortheungodlyandhisungodliness arebothalikehatefuluntoGod.
10Forthatwhichismadeshallbe punishedtogetherwithhimthatmade it.
11Thereforeevenupontheidolsof theGentilesshalltherebeavisitation: becauseinthecreatureofGodtheyare becomeanabomination,and stumblingblockstothesoulsofmen, andasnaretothefeetoftheunwise.
12Forthedevisingofidolswasthe beginningofspiritualfornication,and theinventionofthemthecorruptionof life.
13Forneitherweretheyfromthe beginning,neithershalltheybefor ever.
14Forbythevaingloryofmenthey enteredintotheworld,andtherefore shalltheycomeshortlytoanend.
15Forafatherafflictedwithuntimely mourning,whenhehathmadean imageofhischildsoontakenaway, nowhonouredhimasagod,which wasthenadeadman,anddeliveredto thosethatwereunderhimceremonies andsacrifices.
16Thusinprocessoftimeanungodly customgrownstrongwaskeptasa law,andgravenimageswere worshippedbythecommandmentsof kings.
17Whommencouldnothonourin presence,becausetheydweltfaroff, theytookthecounterfeitofhisvisage fromfar,andmadeanexpressimage ofakingwhomtheyhonoured,tothe endthatbythistheirforwardnessthey mightflatterhimthatwasabsent,asif hewerepresent.
18Alsothesingulardiligenceofthe artificerdidhelptosetforwardthe ignoranttomoresuperstition.
19Forhe,peradventurewillingto pleaseoneinauthority,forcedallhis
skilltomaketheresemblanceofthe bestfashion.
20Andsothemultitude,alluredbythe graceofthework,tookhimnowfora god,whichalittlebeforewasbut honoured.
21Andthiswasanoccasionto deceivetheworld:formen,serving eithercalamityortyranny,didascribe untostonesandstocksthe incommunicablename.
22Moreoverthiswasnotenoughfor them,thattheyerredintheknowledge ofGod;butwhereastheylivedinthe greatwarofignorance,thosesogreat plaguescalledtheypeace.
23Forwhilsttheyslewtheirchildren insacrifices,orusedsecretceremonies, ormaderevellingsofstrangerites;
24Theykeptneitherlivesnor marriagesanylongerundefiled:but eitheroneslewanothertraiterously,or grievedhimbyadultery.
25Sothattherereignedinallmen withoutexceptionblood,manslaughter, theft,anddissimulation,corruption, unfaithfulness,tumults,perjury, 26Disquietingofgoodmen, forgetfulnessofgoodturns,defilingof souls,changingofkind,disorderin marriages,adultery,andshameless uncleanness.
27Fortheworshippingofidolsnotto benamedisthebeginning,thecause, andtheend,ofallevil.
28Foreithertheyaremadwhenthey bemerry,orprophesylies,orlive unjustly,orelselightlyforswear themselves.
29Forinsomuchastheirtrustisin idols,whichhavenolife;thoughthey
swearfalsely,yettheylooknottobe hurt.
30Howbeitforbothcausesshallthey bejustlypunished:bothbecausethey thoughtnotwellofGod,givingheed untoidols,andalsounjustlysworein deceit,despisingholiness.
31Foritisnotthepowerofthemby whomtheyswear:butitisthejust vengeanceofsinners,thatpunisheth alwaystheoffenceoftheungodly.
CHAPTER15
1Butthou,OGod,artgraciousand true,longsuffering,andinmercy orderingallthings,
2Forifwesin,wearethine,knowing thypower:butwewillnotsin, knowingthatwearecountedthine.
3Fortoknowtheeisperfect righteousness:yea,toknowthypower istherootofimmortality.
4Forneitherdidthemischievous inventionofmendeceiveus,noran imagespottedwithdiverscolours,the painter'sfruitlesslabour;
5Thesightwhereofenticethfoolsto lustafterit,andsotheydesiretheform ofadeadimage,thathathnobreath.
6Boththeythatmakethem,theythat desirethem,andtheythatworship them,areloversofevilthings,andare worthytohavesuchthingstotrust upon.
7Forthepotter,temperingsoftearth, fashionetheveryvesselwithmuch labourforourservice:yea,ofthesame clayhemakethboththevesselsthat serveforcleanuses,andlikewisealso allsuchasservetothecontrary:but
whatistheuseofeithersort,thepotter himselfisthejudge.
8Andemployinghislabourslewdly, hemakethavaingodofthesameclay, evenhewhichalittlebeforewasmade ofearthhimself,andwithinalittle whileafterreturnethtothesame,out whenhislifewhichwaslenthimshall bedemanded.
9Notwithstandinghiscareis,notthat heshallhavemuchlabour,northathis lifeisshort:butstrivethtoexcel goldsmithsandsilversmiths,and endeavourethtodoliketheworkersin brass,andcountethithisgloryto makecounterfeitthings.
10Hisheartisashes,hishopeismore vilethanearth,andhislifeofless valuethanclay:
11Forasmuchasheknewnothis Maker,andhimthatinspiredintohim anactivesoul,andbreathedinaliving spirit.
12Buttheycountedourlifeapastime, andourtimehereamarketforgain: for,saythey,wemustbegettingevery way,thoughitbebyevilmeans.
13Forthisman,thatofearthlymatter makethbrittlevesselsandgraven images,knowethhimselftooffend aboveallothers.
14Andalltheenemiesofthypeople, thatholdtheminsubjection,aremost foolish,andaremoremiserablethan verybabes.
15Fortheycountedalltheidolsofthe heathentobegods:whichneitherhave theuseofeyestosee,nornosesto drawbreath,norearstohear,nor fingersofhandstohandle;andasfor theirfeet,theyareslowtogo.
16Formanmadethem,andhethat borrowedhisownspiritfashioned them:butnomancanmakeagodlike untohimself.
17Forbeingmortal,heworketha deadthingwithwickedhands:forhe himselfisbetterthanthethingswhich heworshippeth:whereashelivedonce, buttheynever.
18Yea,theyworshippedthosebeasts alsothataremosthateful:forbeing comparedtogether,someareworse thanothers.
19Neitheraretheybeautiful,somuch astobedesiredinrespectofbeasts: buttheywentwithoutthepraiseof Godandhisblessing.
CHAPTER16
1Thereforebythelikewerethey punishedworthily,andbythe multitudeofbeaststormented.
2Insteadofwhichpunishment, dealinggraciouslywiththineown people,thoupreparedstforthemmeat ofastrangetaste,evenquailstostirup theirappetite:
3Totheendthatthey,desiringfood, mightfortheuglysightofthebeasts sentamongthemlotheeventhat, whichtheymustneedsdesire;but these,sufferingpenuryforashort space,mightbemadepartakersofa strangetaste.
4Foritwasrequisite,thatuponthem exercisingtyrannyshouldcome penury,whichtheycouldnotavoid: buttotheseitshouldonlybeshewed howtheirenemiesweretormented.
5Forwhenthehorriblefiercenessof beastscameuponthese,andthey perishedwiththestingsofcrooked serpents,thywrathendurednotfor ever:
6Buttheyweretroubledforasmall season,thattheymightbeadmonished, havingasignofsalvation,toputthem inremembranceofthecommandment ofthylaw.
7Forhethatturnedhimselftowardit wasnotsavedbythethingthathesaw, butbythee,thatarttheSaviourofall.
8Andinthisthoumadestthine enemiesconfess,thatitisthouwho deliverestfromallevil:
9Forthemthebitingsofgrasshoppers andflieskilled,neitherwasthere foundanyremedyfortheirlife:for theywereworthytobepunishedby such.
10Butthysonsnottheveryteethof venomousdragonsovercame:forthy mercywaseverbythem,andhealed them.
11Fortheywerepricked,thatthey shouldrememberthywords;andwere quicklysaved,thatnotfallinginto deepforgetfulness,theymightbe continuallymindfulofthygoodness.
12Foritwasneitherherb,nor mollifyingplaister,thatrestoredthem tohealth:butthyword,OLord,which healethallthings.
13Forthouhastpoweroflifeand death:thouleadesttothegatesofhell, andbringestupagain.
14Amanindeedkilleththroughhis malice:andthespirit,whenitisgone forth,returnethnot;neitherthesoul receivedupcomethagain.
15Butitisnotpossibletoescapethine hand.
16Fortheungodly,thatdeniedto knowthee,werescourgedbythe strengthofthinearm:withstrange rains,hails,andshowers,werethey persecuted,thattheycouldnotavoid, andthroughfireweretheyconsumed.
17For,whichismosttobewondered at,thefirehadmoreforceinthewater, thatquenchethallthings:fortheworld fightethfortherighteous.
18Forsometimetheflamewas mitigated,thatitmightnotburnupthe beaststhatweresentagainstthe ungodly;butthemselvesmightseeand perceivethattheywerepersecuted withthejudgmentofGod.
19Andatanothertimeitburnetheven inthemidstofwaterabovethepower offire,thatitmightdestroythefruits ofanunjustland.
20Insteadwhereofthoufeddestthine ownpeoplewithangels'food,and didstsendthemfromheavenbread preparedwithouttheirlabour,ableto contenteveryman'sdelight,and agreeingtoeverytaste.
21Forthysustenancedeclaredthy sweetnessuntothychildren,and servingtotheappetiteoftheeater, tempereditselftoeveryman'sliking.
22Butsnowandiceenduredthefire, andmeltednot,thattheymightknow thatfireburninginthehail,and sparklingintherain,diddestroythe fruitsoftheenemies.
23Butthisagaindidevenforgethis ownstrength,thattherighteousmight benourished.
24Forthecreaturethatserveththee, whoarttheMakerincreasethhis strengthagainsttheunrighteousfor theirpunishment,andabatethhis strengthforthebenefitofsuchasput theirtrustinthee.
25Thereforeeventhenwasitaltered intoallfashions,andwasobedientto thygrace,thatnourishethallthings, accordingtothedesireofthemthat hadneed:
26Thatthychildren,OLord,whom thoulovest,mightknow,thatitisnot thegrowingoffruitsthatnourisheth man:butthatitisthyword,which preserveththemthatputtheirtrustin thee.
27Forthatwhichwasnotdestroyedof thefire,beingwarmedwithalittle sunbeam,soonmeltedaway:
28Thatitmightbeknown,thatwe mustpreventthesuntogivethee thanks,andatthedayspringprayunto thee.
29Forthehopeoftheunthankfulshall meltawayasthewinter'shoarfrost, andshallrunawayasunprofitable water.
CHAPTER17
1Forgreatarethyjudgments,and cannotbeexpressed:therefore unnurturedsoulshaveerred.
2Forwhenunrighteousmenthought tooppresstheholynation;theybeing shutupintheirhouses,theprisoners ofdarkness,andfetteredwiththe bondsofalongnight,laythereexiled fromtheeternalprovidence.
3Forwhiletheysupposedtoliehidin theirsecretsins,theywerescattered underadarkveilofforgetfulness, beinghorriblyastonished,and troubledwithstrangeapparitions.
4Forneithermightthecornerthat heldthemkeepthemfromfear:but noisesasofwatersfallingdown soundedaboutthem,andsadvisions appeareduntothemwithheavy countenances.
5Nopowerofthefiremightgive themlight:neithercouldthebright flamesofthestarsenduretolighten thathorriblenight.
6Onlythereappeareduntothemafire kindledofitself,verydreadful:for beingmuchterrified,theythoughtthe thingswhichtheysawtobeworse thanthesighttheysawnot.
7Asfortheillusionsofartmagick, theywereputdown,andtheirvaunting inwisdomwasreprovedwithdisgrace.
8Forthey,thatpromisedtodrive awayterrorsandtroublesfromasick soul,weresickthemselvesoffear, worthytobelaughedat.
9Forthoughnoterriblethingdidfear them;yetbeingscaredwithbeaststhat passedby,andhissingofserpents,
10Theydiedforfear,denyingthat theysawtheair,whichcouldofno sidebeavoided.
11Forwickedness,condemnedbyher ownwitness,isverytimorous,and beingpressedwithconscience,always forecastethgrievousthings.
12Forfearisnothingelsebuta betrayingofthesuccourswhichreason offereth.
13Andtheexpectationfromwithin, beingless,counteththeignorance morethanthecausewhichbringeth thetorment.
14Buttheysleepingthesamesleep thatnight,whichwasindeed intolerable,andwhichcameupon themoutofthebottomsofinevitable hell,
15Werepartlyvexedwithmonstrous apparitions,andpartlyfainted,their heartfailingthem:forasuddenfear, andnotlookedfor,cameuponthem.
16Sothenwhosoevertherefelldown wasstraitlykept,shutupinaprison withoutironbars,
17Forwhetherhewerehusbandman, orshepherd,oralabourerinthefield, hewasovertaken,andenduredthat necessity,whichcouldnotbeavoided: fortheywereallboundwithonechain ofdarkness.
18Whetheritwereawhistlingwind, oramelodiousnoiseofbirdsamong thespreadingbranches,orapleasing fallofwaterrunningviolently,
19Oraterriblesoundofstonescast down,orarunningthatcouldnotbe seenofskippingbeasts,oraroaring voiceofmostsavagewildbeasts,ora reboundingechofromthehollow mountains;thesethingsmadethemto swoonforfear.
20Forthewholeworldshinedwith clearlight,andnonewerehinderedin theirlabour:
21Overthemonlywasspreadan heavynight,animageofthatdarkness whichshouldafterwardreceivethem: butyetweretheyuntothemselves moregrievousthanthedarkness.
CHAPTER18
1Neverthelessthysaintshadavery greatlight,whosevoicetheyhearing, andnotseeingtheirshape,because theyalsohadnotsufferedthesame things,theycountedthemhappy.
2Butforthattheydidnothurtthem now,ofwhomtheyhadbeenwronged before,theythankedthem,and besoughtthempardonforthatthey hadbeenenemies.
3Insteadwhereofthougavestthema burningpillaroffire,bothtobea guideoftheunknownjourney,andan harmlesssuntoentertainthem honourably.
4Fortheywereworthytobedeprived oflightandimprisonedindarkness, whohadkeptthysonsshutup,by whomtheuncorruptlightofthelaw wastobegivenuntotheworld.
5Andwhentheyhaddeterminedto slaythebabesofthesaints,onechild beingcastforth,andsaved,toreprove them,thoutookestawaythemultitude oftheirchildren,anddestroyedstthem altogetherinamightywater.
6Ofthatnightwereourfathers certifiedafore,thatassuredlyknowing untowhatoathstheyhadgiven credence,theymightafterwardsbeof goodcheer.
7Soofthypeoplewasacceptedboth thesalvationoftherighteous,and destructionoftheenemies.
8Forwherewiththoudidstpunishour adversaries,bythesamethoudidst glorifyus,whomthouhadstcalled.
9Fortherighteouschildrenofgood mendidsacrificesecretly,andwith
oneconsentmadeaholylaw,thatthe saintsshouldbelikepartakersofthe samegoodandevil,thefathersnow singingoutthesongsofpraise.
10Butontheothersidetheresounded anillaccordingcryoftheenemies, andalamentablenoisewascarried abroadforchildrenthatwerebewailed.
11Themasterandtheservantwere punishedafteronemanner;andlikeas theking,sosufferedthecommon person.
12Sotheyalltogetherhad innumerabledeadwithonekindof death;neitherweretheliving sufficienttoburythem:forinone momentthenoblestoffspringofthem wasdestroyed.
13Forwhereastheywouldnotbelieve anythingbyreasonofthe enchantments;uponthedestructionof thefirstborn,theyacknowledgedthis peopletobethesonsofGod.
14Forwhileallthingswereinquiet silence,andthatnightwasinthemidst ofherswiftcourse,
15ThineAlmightywordleapeddown fromheavenoutofthyroyalthrone,as afiercemanofwarintothemidstofa landofdestruction,
16Andbroughtthineunfeigned commandmentasasharpsword,and standingupfilledallthingswithdeath; andittouchedtheheaven,butitstood upontheearth.
17Thensuddenlyvisionsofhorrible dreamstroubledthemsore,andterrors cameuponthemunlookedfor.
18Andonethrownhere,andanother there,halfdead,shewedthecauseof hisdeath.
19Forthedreamsthattroubledthem didforeshewthis,lesttheyshould perish,andnotknowwhytheywere afflicted.
20Yea,thetastingofdeathtouched therighteousalso,andtherewasa destructionofthemultitudeinthe wilderness:butthewrathendurednot long.
21Forthentheblamelessmanmade haste,andstoodforthtodefendthem; andbringingtheshieldofhisproper ministry,evenprayer,andthe propitiationofincense,sethimself againstthewrath,andsobroughtthe calamitytoanend,declaringthathe wasthyservant.
22Soheovercamethedestroyer,not withstrengthofbody,norforceof arms,butwithawordsubduedhim thatpunished,allegingtheoathsand covenantsmadewiththefathers.
23Forwhenthedeadwerenowfallen downbyheapsoneuponanother, standingbetween,hestayedthewrath, andpartedthewaytotheliving.
24Forinthelonggarmentwasthe wholeworld,andinthefourrowsof thestoneswasthegloryofthefathers graven,andthyMajestyuponthe diademofhishead.
25Untothesethedestroyergaveplace, andwasafraidofthem:foritwas enoughthattheyonlytastedofthe wrath.
2Howthathavinggiventhemleaveto depart,andsentthemhastilyaway, theywouldrepentandpursuethem.
3Forwhilsttheywereyetmourning andmakinglamentationatthegraves ofthedead,theyaddedanotherfoolish device,andpursuedthemasfugitives, whomtheyhadintreatedtobegone.
4Forthedestiny,whereoftheywere worthy,drewthemuntothisend,and madethemforgetthethingsthathad alreadyhappened,thattheymight fulfilthepunishmentwhichwas wantingtotheirtorments:
5Andthatthypeoplemightpassa wonderfulway:buttheymightfinda strangedeath.
6Forthewholecreatureinhisproper kindwasfashionedagainanew, servingthepeculiarcommandments thatweregivenuntothem,thatthy childrenmightbekeptwithouthurt:
7Asnamely,acloudshadowingthe camp;andwherewaterstoodbefore, drylandappeared;andoutoftheRed seaawaywithoutimpediment;and outoftheviolentstreamagreenfield:
8Wherethroughallthepeoplewent thatweredefendedwiththyhand, seeingthymarvellousstrangewonders.
9Fortheywentatlargelikehorses, andleapedlikelambs,praisingthee,O Lord,whohadstdeliveredthem.
CHAPTER19
1Asfortheungodly,wrathcameupon themwithoutmercyuntotheend:for heknewbeforewhattheywoulddo;
10Fortheywereyetmindfulofthe thingsthatweredonewhilethey sojournedinthestrangeland,howthe groundbroughtforthfliesinsteadof cattle,andhowtherivercastupa multitudeoffrogsinsteadoffishes.
11Butafterwardstheysawanew generationoffowls,when,beingled
withtheirappetite,theyaskeddelicate meats.
12Forquailscameupuntothemfrom theseafortheircontentment.
13Andpunishmentscameuponthe sinnersnotwithoutformersignsbythe forceofthunders:fortheysuffered justlyaccordingtotheirown wickedness,insomuchastheyuseda morehardandhatefulbehaviour towardstrangers.
14FortheSodomitesdidnotreceive those,whomtheyknewnotwhenthey came:butthesebroughtfriendsinto bondage,thathadwelldeservedof them.
15Andnotonlyso,butperadventure somerespectshallbehadofthose, becausetheyusedstrangersnot friendly:
16Buttheseverygrievouslyafflicted them,whomtheyhadreceivedwith feastings,andwerealreadymade partakersofthesamelawswiththem.
17Thereforeevenwithblindnesswere thesestricken,asthosewereatthe doorsoftherighteousman:when, beingcompassedaboutwithhorrible greatdarkness,everyonesoughtthe passageofhisowndoors.
18Fortheelementswerechangedin themselvesbyakindofharmony,like asinapsalterynoteschangethename ofthetune,andyetarealwayssounds; whichmaywellbeperceivedbythe sightofthethingsthathavebeendone.
19Forearthlythingswereturnedinto watery,andthethings,thatbefore swaminthewater,nowwentuponthe ground.
20Thefirehadpowerinthewater, forgettinghisownvirtue:andthe waterforgathisownquenchingnature.
21Ontheotherside,theflames wastednotthefleshofthecorruptible livingthings,thoughtheywalked therein;neithermeltedtheytheicy kindofheavenlymeatthatwasof natureapttomelt.
22Forinallthings,OLord,thoudidst magnifythypeople,andglorifythem, neitherdidstthoulightlyregardthem: butdidstassistthemineverytimeand place.