ALetterofInstructionintheWayoftheGood
Mybelovedchildren,
IfanythingofmineberememberedbeyondthelifethatIhavelivedinthisworld,letitbethese wordsthatIwritehereinforyou.Maythisinstructionenwisenyou,emboldenyou,andempower youtolivewellallyourdaysandtobecompleteashumanbeings.
DIDASCALIA
A.1Bevirtuousandflourish.2Livenotforyourselvesonly,butbemindfulofothersandlive inharmonywiththem.3Fellowshipwithoneanotherandserveoneanotherinlove, sowingseedsofunityandbuildingupthefamilyandthecommunity;4andcomfortthe downtrodden,andencouragethebrokenhearted,andbringrefreshmenttotheweary,and embracetheweeping,andbolstertheweak,andvisitthesick,andaccompanythedying. 5Sucharetheworksofavirtuousperson—onewhowalkethintheWayoftheGood.
B.1Donotspurnparentaldisciplinethatisapt,refining,andnoninjurious,butreceiveit gratefully,andsetyourheartstostudyandobserveyourparents’instruction.2Agood fatherlovinglydisciplinethhischildren,thattheymaybefilledwithwisdomandnot bringshametotheirmother.3Holdthisproverbinyourmemoryanddonotforgetit: ‘Keepthyfather’scommandmentanddonotforsakethelawofthymother;impressthem firmlyonthyheartandtiethemaboutthyneck.4Whenthouwalkest,letthemfollowthee; letthembewiththee;keepthemthattheymaykeepthee;andwhenthouawakest, meditateonthem.5Forthecommandmentisalamp,andthelawisalight,andthe reproofsofinstructionarethewayoflife,tokeeptheefromevil,fromcertain
destruction.’6Valuethenthewordsofyourfatherandyourmother,andacquireguidance; reachforwardtocompletion,andconductyourselvesinpietyandinrectitude,thatyour fathermaybewell-pleasedwithyou,andthatyourmothermayeversmileuponyou.
C.1Teachthesethingstoyourownchildren,sothattheymayknowthewayinwhichthey aretowalk,andthattheymaydowell.2Todayisyours,buttomorrowistheirs;bewise, anddonotdelayyourlabor,lestyourdayendinutterdisgrace,andyourchildreninherit nothing.3Agoodfarmertillethhisfieldsmartly,andhesowethindueseason,closely watchingtherainsandtendinghiscropsdutifullysothattheythriveandproducemuch; 4likewise,agoodgardenerselecteththebestspotoftheground,andprepareththesoil withcare,andplantethforsuccess,protectingandnurturinghisplantssothatthey blossomandthrive.5Agoodparentislikeuntothese;sothenletyourlaborbetimelyand beprofitable.
D.1Letyourthoughts,yourwords,andyourdeedsbegood.2Livehonorablyandlove wholeheartedly.3Behappyasmuchasisreasonable,andprosper.4Showrestraint;show respect;andshowcompassion.5Findmomentsofcalmineachday,andmakethemostof them;donotworryinexcessorbecomeslavesoffear.6Undertakeeverytaskwith industry,andfinishwell.7Hear:‘Thedoersofgoodandtheprudentwillshinelikethe brightnessoftheheavens.8Thosewholeadmanytovirtue—theywillshineandwillbe likethestarsforeverandever.’9Therefore,yeshallshinebrightlyanddogoodworks, andtherebyaccomplishthewillofGod.
E.1Benotshamefullyexposedortooproudlyadorned;beautyisgood,buttheoveremphasis ofitisvanity,andtheunderemphasisofthesameisself-neglect.2Wishyoursisterwell inherendeavors,congratulateherinhersuccesses,andadmonishherprivatelyifshe dishonorethherselfpublicly,yetdosogently;thisisphilia.3Givethanksforamealgiven, acknowledgeandrespondtoagreeting,bidfarewelluponparting,bowtotheelders,rise beforethehoary-haired,andleaveyoursandalsatthedoor;thisiscourtesy.
F.1Therearemanywhoarelostintheirway,butthesetwelvearetheworstamongthem: themisotheist,andthemisagathist,andthemisalethist,andthemisosophist,andthe misologist,andthemisonomist,andthemisandrist,andthemisogynist,andthe misanthrope,andthemisogamist,andthemisoneist,andthemisautist.2Ifyeconvertone ofthesefromerror,andhermindandherbehaviorberectified,yesaveherfromdishonor. 3LettheerrantthenbeturnedtotheWayoftheGood,andletthebacksliderbereproved, once,twice,eventhrice,thatherthoughtsbewell-thought,andherwordsbewell-spoken, andherdeedsbewell-done;4butshewhohathfallenawayandbecomehardenedinher heart,andwhorefusethtolistenandtoceasefromvice,shehathbeenlosttothedarkness, andwilldieindisgraceandbeconsignedtooblivion.5Ifoneofyoufalterethand stumblethoffthepath,andfallethintoaslough,mayshenotceasefromstrivingandmay shenotresignfromliving,butlethercryouttoGod,totheGreatFatherWhoknoweth herandWholovethher,andHewillbowtheheavensandcomedowntoher;6Godwill stretchforthHishandfromabove,andHewillrescueherfromdespond.7Andif mountainsrisebeforeher,blockingherviewofHisdwellingplace,thenGodwillreach downandtouchthem,thattheymaytrembleandsmoke,andshethatisofGodshallsee thatGodiswithherandthatGodisevermindfulofher.8Asashepherdsearchethforhis
straysheep,sowillGodseekoutastrayfromHislittleonesandfindher;andiflifeisyet withinher,andifsheiswilling,GodwillleadherandbringherbacktoHispasture. 9Shouldravenouswolvesgiveherchase,Godwillcastforthlighteningandscatterthem; 10GodwillsmitethemwithHisrod,andHewillliftupHisstaffagainstthemtodestroy them.
G.1Eachonemustactasstewardofherownperson,ofherownlife.2Agoodstewardliveth conscientiously,andmanagethwellwhatshehathbeengivenandwhatshehathearned. 3Beforedeath,sheapportionethherestateandputtethallherbusinessinorder.4And whenherbodygivethout,herdearonesshouldbeallowedtomournthelengthofseven daysunencumbered.5Sheknoweththatanyattempttopreserveacorpseisfutileandisa needlessexpenditure,andthatitisbestforittobesimplyandquicklyburiedorelsetobe cremated.
H.1Donotforceyoursonsordaughterstomarryagainsttheirwill,butletthosewhowishto createafamilyoftheirownfirstfollowthecustomsofproposal,engagement,and marriage.2Marriage,whileformost,isnotforall,andanywhopursueitshouldtake counselaforehandfromthosewhohavesucceededinitforseveraldecadesandwhoare flourishing.3Divorcecanberuinous,andismoreoftenthannotabitterthing,soavoidit atallcosts.4Aperfectlyhealthychildconceivedinloveshallnotbeaborted;heorshe haththerighttobebornandhaththerighttoliveandtoflourish.5Havenotmore childrenthanyeareabletoprovidefor,anddonotshowfavoritismtoonechildover another.
I.1Observekindnessandjustice;showpatience,andactmercifully,andseekpeace.2Set
yourselvesthenasparagonsofgoodnesstothewaywardandthelost,andcallthem tenderlyuntorepentance,saying,‘IfthouwiltaccepttheGood,andinclinethineear,and turnthyheart,thenshaltthouunderstand,thatthoumayestwalkintheWayoftheGood. 3Come,come,totheedgeoftheriver,leavingbehinddelusion;bebornandne’eragain benameless.’4Iftheyrepentnotandremainintheirwrongdoing,thencastthemoffas company,thatyebenotdeceivedorcorruptedorassociatedwithevil.5Buttothosewho respondwithconvictionandwhocarryoutactsofreparation,yeshallnotprolongtheir shame,andyeshallnotgossipaboutthemorrevilethem.6Instead,yeshallforgivethem andwelcomethembacklovingly,thattheyberestored.7Verily,whoeverforgivethnot herfellowdoethnotwhatisgood,andshewillbetroubledinherlivingandinherway becauseofthebitternessthatshehathallowedtotakerootinherheart.8Onlythe persistentblasphemerandthehabitualthiefandtherecidivouspervertandthesadistand themurdererandtheutterlyabominablelawbreakershallbecutoffandremovedfrom youforever.9Bequickthentoconfessyourwrongsandtomakeamends;10andbecareful nottofallagainintoyourformerfolly,forsuchaoneislikeadogthatreturnethtoits vomitorawashedsowthatwallowethmoreinthemire.11ConcerningtheWay,ithath beensaid:‘Behold,aswordisdrawn,anditshallbringaboutadividingofminds:ason willfindthatheisagainsthisfather,andadaughteragainsthermother,andadaughterin-lawagainsthermother-in-law;andaman’sfoeswillbethemembersofhisown house.’12Knowthis:ShewhoisofGodwillbeknownasofGodtoeveryonewho meetethher,andshewillnotbeabletoconcealthegoodthatiswithinher;evenifshe saithtoherselfprivately,‘IwillnotmentionofGod,norspeakanymoreinGod’sname,’
thewordofGodwillbecomeinherheartlikearagingfireconfinedinherbones,andshe willnotbeabletoendure.
J.1Whateverisgoodandrightandtrue,dwellthereupon,andletyourlaborbetruegloryin righteousness.2Pursuewisdomandunderstandingallthedaysofyourlife,andshow yourselvesapprovedaslaborersthatyemayexcelandbeexalted.3Mayyealldwellin eudaimoniabystrivingforandmaintainingthegoldenmean.4Andwhatarethedefining strengthsofthelifewell-lived?Onewhohathstrongcharacterisonewholoveth,iskind, andissociallyintelligent,onewhoiscreative,curious,andopen-minded,whohatha loveoflearningandhathperspective,onewhoisbrave,persevering,andintegrous,and whohathvitality,onewhoissociallyresponsibleandfair,andwholeadeth,onewhois forgivingandmerciful,modestandhumble,prudent,andself-regulating,onewho appreciatethbeautyandexcellence,whoisgrateful,hopeful,humorous,andspiritual; suchaoneisverygoodindeed.
K.1Abideinlove,walkingintheWayoftheGoodwithgloriousjoyandwithalivinghope. 2Sing,anddance,andbemerry.3Celebratewithfestivalsofrejoicingandseasonal merriment,andwithfeastsofloveandthanksgiving.4HavefaithinGod,andhopein Him,forGodisgoodandisaheedfulhelp.5Believeinyourselves,andinyourfamily andinyourfriends.6Ifyefallalongtheway,donotstaydown,butgetupandkeepgoing, regardlessofhowmanytimesyemeettheground.7Assisteachothertostandwhen standingisadifficultthingtodo.8ThosewhowalkintheWayareindeedthedearestto God’sheart;theyareHistreasure,Hisdarlingchildren,whomHelovethandcherisheth. 9Theycallout,‘Abba’,andGodattunethHiseartotheirsweetvoices,andlistenethand
respondethtothembeforeallothers.10Itistheywhohavebeennamedandanointedby theUtteranceofGod,whichistheWordofFullness,uponbeingfilledandhaving becomecomplete.11TheyareoftheRoot,areintheVine,andhaveknowledgeofthe Good,fortheyhavebeenawakenedtotheTruthbymeansoftheHolySpiritandthrough themanifestationofthefullness,andtheylacknot,fortheyhavebeenfilledbythe MercifulFather,fromWhomisfullnessandinWhomisnolack;suchistheirdiscovery oftheLight.12TheyabideinGod,andthushavetruesightandtrueknowledge,with whichtheypracticerighteousnessandwalksteadfastlyintheWay,lovingoneanother, notinwordonly,butindeedandintruth.13SucharethechildrenofGod,whoarebornof GodandwhoarefilledwiththeSpiritofGod,andwhotrulyknowGod,for,indeed,they areintheTruth,andthustrulylive.14I,yourfather,amcountedamongthem,andItestify hereandnowtoyou,myownsweetchildren,myowntreasure,thatthereisaGod, WhosepresenceIhavefeltwheninfullpossessionofmyfaculties,WhosevoiceIhave heardindreamsandvisions,WhosemiraclesIhavewitnessedwithmyowneyes,Whose willIhaveunderstoodthroughHisComfortingSpirit,WhosegoodnessIhaveknownand fromwhichIhavebenefitedallmylife.15HeistheGoodandtheFaithful,the UnbegottenandtheEverStanding,theOneandtheOnlyDeity,theHighandtheExalted, theGreatestandtheMostLoving,theSeaofMerciesandtheGreatShepherd,Whose handisstrongandWhosearmisoutstretched,Who,inglory,rideththeheavenstoour help,throughtheskiesinHismajesty.16HeWhoisYHWH,myGodandmysalvation, myRedeemer—Hehathsavedmefromoblivion,andhathredeemedmefromthehandof oppression.17MymourningHehathturnedintojoy;Hehathpreservedmylifeandhath liftedmefromdespair.18Myfriendsmayleavemeandmyfamilymaybefarfromme,
butIamnotalone,becauseGod,theEverlastingFather,iswithmealways.19Heismy strength,andIloveHim—myhopeandalsomyrefuge.20Hehasheardmyprayersand answeredme,andhasaddedtomemuchinHisabundantgrace.21YHWHistheGodof myfather,andofmyfather’sfather—ourhelpandourdeliveranceforgenerations.22I firstheardHisvoiceasaboyofeightyears,havingclimbedupanoaktreebehindmy earthlyfather’shousenightheendofwinter,andwhilstsittingonabranchthereofand lookingoutuponanemptyfieldthatlaybeyond,thewordoftheLordcametomeand causedmetounderstandthisheretruth:23‘IAmWhoIAm.IamtheLifeofalltheliving, theSourceofallgood,theWellspringofallwisdom.24Seetheemptyfieldofdrygrass beforethee—itsbarrenness,itsuselessness.25Asthatfieldis,sowiltthoubewithoutMe inthylife.26ButwithMe,thouwiltbeasafruitfulfieldhavinglushgreengrass,being fertileandproducinganabundance.27IfthouwiltacceptthiswordofMineandfollow theleadingofMySpiritallthedaysofthylife,thenIwillbewiththeetoguidetheeand willneverforsakethee.28AndIwillblesstheewhereverthoube,andIwillblessallthat isthine,andIwillblesstheeinthycomingandinthygoing,andIwillblesstheeinthy doingofgood,andIwillestablishthee,andIwillprospertheeandkeeptheeandgive theepeaceinthemidstofastorm,andIwillbealightfortheeinthedarknessofnight, andIwillbeacompanionandconfidanttothee—atruefriend—Whowillhelptheeand betherefortheeinthinehourofneed.29Andallthosewhoarewiththeeandwhocome forthfromtheeandwhogiveeartotheewilllikewisebeblessed.30Andwhenthydays upontheearthcometoanend,Iwillbewiththeeeventhen,andthoughthineeyesclose, neveragaintoopen,thouwiltstillbe,nolongerinthebodyorintheworldasthouart now,butthoushaltsurelydwellinMypeaceandhaverest.31AllthisdoIpromisetheeif
thouwiltwalkintheWayoftheGood.’32Andso,IhavewalkedinthatWay,andGod hasbeentruetoHisword,keepingallofHispromisessincethatdayuntilthis. 33Therefore,IdonotceasegivingthanksuntotheLordGod.34WhereverHisSpirit leadethme,thereIwillsetupanaltarforYHWH,theFatheroflights,andIwillworship HimandglorifyHisname.35Letthepeoplescome,fromeverytribeandfromevery tongue,fromeveryshoreandfromeveryberth,fromonthehighmountains,andfromon thehills,andfromundereveryfreshtree.36CometoGod,totheGood,towhereverHis nameiscalled,andbeholdwiththeeyesofyourheartsthegloryofHisgoodness,forHis matchlessloveispouredoutforyou,andHismagnificentblessingsandHisprecious promisesareextendedtoyou,ifonlyyouwillheedHisvoice.37SosingofHisgreatness forevermore,andsay,‘ThereisnonelikeGod.’38HeistheAlafandtheThaw,HeWhois, andWhowas,andWhoistocome,theAlmighty,YHWHourGodinourmidst,mighty tosave.39TowhomshallwelikenHim,ortowhomshallHebeequal?Thereisnone.
40HeistheBeginningandHeistheEnd,andbesidesHimthereisnogod.
L.1Lovepurely,unselfishly,unconditionally,andunfailingly.2Verily,loveisthegreatestof allthepathwaystovirtue.3Onewhoisunlovingmayincreaseinwealth,butthatone cannottrulyflourish,andwillneverbecompleteasahumanbeinguntilchoosingtolove. 4Givelovingly,andlovegiving.5Nowlovingisatonceeasyanddifficult,foronecan lovethewrongthingsandloveinthewrongmanner,whichiseasy;suchisnotgodly lovebutworldlylove.6Genuinelove,thatis,thekindwhichisgodly,isaboveallother strengthsofcharacter;verily,itisaspiritualpowerthatthefleshcomprehendethnot.7It willethanddoethwhatisgoodalwaysfortheongoinggoodoftheselfandofothers,
benefitingboththeonewhoislovedandtheonewholoveth.8SuchisthelovethatGod hathtaughtusandhathshownus.
M.1Lovegoodandhateevil.2Treatothersasyewouldlikethemtotreatyou.3Speakupin thefaceofinjustice,andbewillingtofightforwhatisright,butbeprudentinyour speechandinyouraction.4Alwaysseekpeace,andpursueitintently.5Donotbelike thosewhohatethemidpointbetweenvices;neitherfollowafterthemthathavereligion buthavenotlove,wholiveonlyforthemselvesanddisregardthewillofGod.6Theysing praiseswiththeirlipsbutdonotinclinetheirheartsortheirminds.7Theybringofferings, gifts,andlibationsofoffense,andofferupabominablesacrifices,andburnfoulincense andpresentalienfire,ontheiraltars,andattheirshrines,andintheirhousesofworship. 8Theirprayersareoverlongandrepetitiveandfullofemptywords.9Asforsuchpeople, Godknoweththemnot;nordotheyknowGod.
N.1Butye,whenyepray,dosofreelyandsincerelyinyourownmannerandinyourown time,anddrawnearuntoGodwiththethingsthataremostpleasingtoHim—worksof calmnessandofhumilityandofreverenceandoflove,whicharethepropergiftsofthe illuminedoftheLord.2Donotpraymerelyoutofhabitorforthesakeofpraying.3And donotneglectprayer,foryourownsake.4Asforshewhoprayethnot,whatkeepethher fromtalkingwithGodisherownmind;herownheartpreventethherfromincliningto theLord.5Andeverydaythatpassethwithoutprayer,shesufferethmoreandmoreuntil shelosethherjoyandherpeaceandveerethfromvirtue.6Beyenotlikehorseormule, whicharewithoutunderstanding,whichmustbesubduedwithbitandbridlefromtheir youth.7LetallthosewhowalkintheSpiritpraytotheFatherofspiritsinanacceptable
time,offeringuptheirwordsanddeedsofdevotioninspiritandintruth,invoking, blessing,thanking,praising,confessing,supplicating,interceding,receiving,andadoring. 8ThinknotthatGodwillrefuseyourincliningifyedonotchantorrecitescriptedprayers orutterancientpraiseslikethosewhowerebeforeyou;orthatHewilldisregardyour spirituallaborsifyeerrintheconventionalposturesofentreatyorhaveonlycommon clothesandnocoversforyourheads.9Godweigheththeheart;Hejudgeththethoughts andtheintentions.10Whatgoodareasharpmemoryandstrongkneesiftheheartis empty—dead?11Arobeandaheadcovering,cantheycoverprideormakeworthythe unworthy?12TalkwithGodopenlyandfreely,forGodisyourHeavenlyFatherandye areHischerishedones.13SpendtimewithGod;afterall,thegivingofone’stimeisone ofthebestexpressionsoflove.14Ifyeknownotwhattosayinprayer,thensaynothing; simplybewithGod,andtheSpiritofGodwillsurroundyouandfillyou,comfortingand calmingyou,andimpartingtoyoumanygoodthings.15Prayerisgoodforboththeheart andthemind,andmakethapersonwhole.16Lightacandleifyewill,andsetoutfragrant thingsintheroom,but,howeveryepray,askofGodwithinreasonandwithoutwavering. 17Holdalooffromdouble-mindedness,inwhichthereisnopower.18Refrainfrom blamingGodformisfortuneorforunansweredprayer;thiswillonlydistanceyoufrom theDivine.19WhereastheApeironisbecauseofGod,thecosmosisbecauseofthe Apeiron;20itfolloweththenthatthenaturalhappeningsinthecosmosarenotbecauseof God,butarebecauseoftheApeironandbecauseofthecosmositself.21Godspeakethnot asmanspeaketh,nordothGoddoasmandoeth,forGodisnotaman.22Godisbeforeall things,andisgreatbeyonddescription.23Variouspositivepracticescanbringusinto
communionwithGod;andvariousnegativepracticescanestrangeusfromGod.24Be carefulwhatyepractice.
O.1Donotcurseafellow.2Thereispowerinyourwords,sousethemwiselyandforgood. 3Blessoften,andprayforyourenemies.4Setaparttimeeveryweekforrest,communion, prayer,andedification.5Bindnottoyourselvesmanyritualsorrulesorrestrictions;and letyourfastsandceremoniesbefew.6Thesethingsarethetrappingsofman-made religion,andtheexcessthereofiscontrarytotheWay.7Sothen,whenyeassemble,set asidethedistractionsofthisworld;8breakbreadtogetheranddrinkofthefruitofthevine, beingofpureheartandofonemind,abidinginpeaceandinlove;9andletyourfocusbe onunity—withGodandwithoneanother.10Manyaretheywhoseektogainfavorinthe eyesofGodbykeepingaso-called‘divine’law.11Theyaremisled,andareerrantintheir thinking.12Notoneisabletokeepthewholeoftheirlaw;andanyonewhoattemptethto dosomakethhimselfaslavetoit.13BeitknowntoyouthatsuchisnotpleasingtoGod. 14Evenatyrantking,inallhiscruelty,dothnotenslavethosewhomhelovethunlessthey crosshim.15HowcoulditbethenthatGod,WhoistheoriginofloveandWhoseloveis perfect,wouldenslaveHisownchildren,borninnocentandnotdeservingofwrath,with anonerouslaw,thedisobedienceorrejectionofwhichincurrethwrathintheformof flogging,banishing,cursing,ordeath,andeveneternaltorment?16Nay,HeisnottheGod oftheenslaved,buttheGodofthefree.17Whatfather,inteachinghischildtowalkorrun orclimb,firsttiethaheavyweightaroundapartofthechild’sbody,andtheninstructeth hertogoforthsoburdened?18Donotbedeceived!GoddothnotburdenHischildren; rather,Hecauseththeirburdenstobelifted.19WhileHegivethguidanceconcerningwhat isgood,Hedothnotforceustoactaccordinglyorthreatenuswithseverepunishmentif
wefailtodoHiswill.20AndwhileHemaybedisappointedorangeredbyour wrongdoing,HedothnotHimselfpunishbyafflictingorcursingorkillingbutbythe simpleremovalofHishand,whichresultethinthelossofblessing,protection,andpeace; 21and,ofcourse,therearenaturalconsequencesforactionswhicharenotGod’sdoing. 22YewhowalkintheWay,guardyourselveslestyefallintoerror.23Regardnotanybook ofmen,eventhisinstructionthatIwriteforyou,astheWordofGod,fortheWordof Godisaliveandstrongandeternalandfree;24itisspirit,notletter,andisnotwrittenon somematerialmedium—notinstone,notinclay,notonpaper,sothatitcanneverbe corrupted,orerasedordestroyed;25rather,itisimpartedtothemindsofthetrueservants ofGodandisetchedupontheirhearts—thosewho,infaithandinhopeandinloveand inpeace,pilgrimageintheWayoftheGoodalltheirdays.26God’sWordistrue, infallibleandnoncontradictory,everrelevant,everright,unprejudiced,andclear,andis neverfailing.27HisWordwasinthebeginning,andprecededeventheUtterance;inthe IneffableGardenofSublimeTruth,thatis,theunsearchableMindofGod,didtheWord springforth;andfromthatWorddidGodgeneratetheUtterancebymeansofHisSpirit. 28NowtheUtteranceistheWordexpressed,andisfirm,irrevocable,indestructible,everliving,all-efficient,virtuous,andvictorious;29therefromistheApeiron,andinthat Utteranceisourfaithmadecomplete.30Idolizenothing,notabook,notanicon,nota human,noranyotherbeing,forthereisonlyOneWhoisGoodinall,andWhoisworthy ofourworship:theunerring,undying,unchangingGod.31Hewhoiscalledthe Messiah—thebestoneofus,ifitisevenfittingtocallhimoneofus,hathdeclaredthe GoodtotheworldandelucidatedtheWay,forthenationintowhichhewasbornhadlost sightofit.32Theirpriestsandscribeshadaddedtothetrueinstructionthatwasgivento
theirancestors,andwrotetheirownbooksaboutit,withmanyelaborations,corruptions, andinventions.33Suchbeganlong,longagoandcontinueduntilthecomingofthe Anointed,andeventhereafter.34GodappointedtheMessiahastheRestorer,toliberate themindsofmenfromsuchfabrications,andtorestorethemuntoGod.35Manyheard andfollowedafterhim,inSamaria,inJudea,andbeyond;however,mostdidnot,andnot afewofthosewhoclaimedtobehisfollowersdidwriteabouthim,perpetuatingthose aforementionedhalf-truthsviathestoriesandstatutesofyore,andspinningyarnsoftheir ownfortheirownends.36Yeshallnotregardsuchworksastrustworthyorauthoritative; butstandintheGoodWay,andwalkinit,thatyouwillfindrest.
P.1Rejectnotanygoodfoodthatahostcordiallyextendethtoyouinherhouse,regardless ofherreligionorphilosophyorpoliticorethic;2norrefuseamealthathathbeensensibly sourcedandproperlypreparedandservedtoyouwhilstyeareunderthechargeofa physician,butconsideritassustenanceandreceiveitinmoderationwithoutcraving; 3onlydonotdoublydineupontheskin,ortheblood,ortheflesh,orthebones,orthe marrowofsentientbeings;inotherwords,consumethesesparingly.4Tryasmuchas possibletoabstainfromactivitiesthatareadversetoyourhealthand/orabusivetothe Earthandtoitslivingthings.
Q.1Bewarethesourceofyourvittles,andthecontentsthereof;certainthingsinthisworld cantakeawayfromyourlifeifyeeattoomuchofthem;2andyeshallnotgorge yourselvesorfillyourbelliestoyourowndetriment.3Whatgoodisacorpulentand indolentperson,onegiventogluttonyandsloth?4Sheisnobetterthanonewhostarveth andimpoverishethherself,mortifyingherlifebutnothervice;suchawomanhateth
herself.5Ifyehateyourselves,howcanyeloveothers?6Andifyelovenotothers,how canyesaythatyearegood?7Byyourlaborsofloveshallyeberecognizedasloversof good;soyeshalllove—loveyourselvesandloveyourneighbors,andthusprovethatye arevirtuous.8Avoidextremes,andhavenotanevileyeoraneviltongue.9Doallthese andyieldalwaystowisdom,andyewillneverbelackinginpeace.
R.1Yeshallnotwrongoroppressthestranger,butrespectherasyedoyoursister;2be hospitabletoher,anddealwithherfairly.3Yeshallsurelyprosecutetheonewho harmethorhumiliatethastrangerinyourmidst,andyeshallbringhertojustice.4Yea,let justicerundownlikewaters,andrighteousnessasamightystream.5Hateevilandlove good,andestablishjudgmentatthegate.6Thisyeshalldoviagovernmentalorderin everycountrywhereyetakeupresidenceandmultiply—whereatleasttenhavebeen madetopassundertherod.7EachmunicipalitywhereinyekeeptheWay,whethera village,town,orcity,shallhaveitsowndeme;andoverallofthemshallbetheBoule.8A demeshallbecomprisedofthreepowers:asynedrion,whichshallwieldexecutiveand legislativepower;asymboulion,whichshallwieldjudicialpower;andapresbyterion, whichshallwieldadvisorypower.9Asforthechiefsandtheirdeputieswhominister amongyou,andanyonewhoservethasaleaderinthecongregation,theyshallbe selectedwiththeutmostscrutinyfromthosewhoarequalifiedandexperienced,andwho arestrongintheirmoralsandvirtuousintheirliving.10Theheadofeverysynedrionshall beademarch,underwhomshallbesixthesmothetes;theyshallbeentrustedwiththe oversightandmanagementoftheministriesofcongregationalgovernment.11Overthese shallbetheGrandSynedrionoftheBoule,ledbythearchonandhischiefthesmothetes. 12Theheadofeverysymboulionshallbeanepikephale,underwhomshallbesix
parateretai;theyshallbeentrustedwithcongregationalmattersofadjudicationand notarizationinthemunicipalityinwhichtheyserve.13OvertheseshallbetheGrand SymboulionoftheBoule,ledbythearchiepikephaleandhischiefparateretai.14Thehead ofeverypresbyterionshallbeanepiskopos,underwhomshallbesixpresbyters;they shallbeentrustedwithadvisingthesynedrionandthesymboulionandwithreviewing theirgovernance,aswellaswithguidingtheflockinspiritualmatters,pronouncing blessingsuponthem,instructingthemabouttheWay,andleadingtheminprayerandin praiseandinworshipandinceremony.15OvertheseshallbetheGrandPresbyterionof theBoule,ledbythearchiepiskoposandhischiefpresbyters.16Ifwarbefallsyou,orif majordecisionsmustbemadethataffectanentireregion,thenletthedemesofthatplace uniteandformaleague.17Asyncliteofdemarchsshallvoteuponsuchmatters,then presenttheresultsoftheirvotestotheBouleforfinalapproval.18Bytheseprinciplesand powersourorderwillbefirmlyestablished;and,throughourrespectingofthem,God willprosperus,andgiveushopeandafuture.19Indeed,thisisGod’splanforus.20Let therenotbegreatdisputeordivisionamongyouconcerningademeortheBoule,that God’sfavorandblessingwilleverbeuponyou.21Thefoundationofthehouseofour ordershallbethebedrockoffamily;onthisourordershallbeestablished.22Thewalls thereuponshallbebuiltofstonesextractedfromsixquarries:wisdom,courage,humanity, justice,temperance,andtranscendence.23Theroofofthehouseshallbecomprisedof slateminedfromthreesources:liberty,unity,andequality.24And,attheheartofthe structure,thereshallbethreelargecolumnsofgranite;onone,engravedtheword Philothéia,onanother,thewordPhilaléthia,and,onthethird,thewordPhilaretía25Ifa foreignercometoyouseekingtojoinyou,yeshallnotrefuseherorturnherawayin
prideordisdain;neithershallyeacceptherwithoutpropervettingandrightjudgment.
26Godloveththedoersofgoodfromallpeoples,and,ifHebringethtoyoufromtheir numbertoincreaseyouandtostrengthenyouandtobenefityou,thencountthisa blessing.27Therefore,yeshallnotextinguishaflamethatGodhathkindled;rather,ye shallquestionthereasoningoftheseeker,anddiscernherintent.28Ifyefindthather heartisjustandherdesireearnest,yeshallreceiveherinpeaceasarighteoussojourner oftheWay,and,intime,asoneofyourown.29Amen,justasweweregatheredfromthe fourwinds,soshallothersbegatheredtoyoufromeverycorneroftheearth,andyeshall beonepeoplebeforetheLordGod.30Butyeshallnotforceuponanyoneyourorder;let eachrespondtoyouaccordingtohowherownheartandmindleadher.31Whilethereis butoneWay,thosewhowalkinitdosoindiversemanners;thus,thereisonegaitforus andothergaitsforthepeoples.
S.1Yeshalllookoutfortheinnocentandtheweakofeverytribeandpeoplethatye encounter;2andyeshallriseupindefenseofthehelpless.3Whenthesickandthe woundedcometoyou,yeshallnotturnthemaway.4Andifconventionaltreatmentfails themorcannotbefoundorafforded,thensummonahealerorarighteouspersonto anointthem,andtolayhandsuponthem,andtoprayforthem,thattheymightbe comfortedandtheirsufferingbemitigatedorended.5Shownopartialitytotherichover thepoor,ortotheteetotalerovertherehabilitated,ortothechastewifeoverthewoman humbled.
T.1Inregardtothetreatmentofwomen,letnotyourhusbandsoryoursonsbelikethose whodemeanandpatronizetheirfemales,discountingtheirthoughtsandtheirideas,
scoffingattheiremotionsandtheirfeelings;2sucharethebarbarianswhoselltheir daughtersascommoditiesandbeattheirwivesasdogs;3rather,theyshallconsiderevery femaleasapreciousgift,ofnolessvaluethanamale;4andtheyshalltreatafemale gentlyandgraciously,safeguardingherhonoratallcosts.5Agoodhusbandlovethhis wife,andmeetethherneeds,andheisnotastumblingblocktoher;6likewiseagoodwife lovethherhusband,andmeetethhisneeds,andsheisnotastumblingblocktohim;7heis beforeallelsebutGodinherheart,andsheisbeforeallelsebutGodinhisheart; 8togethertheypray,togethertheywalk,andtogethertheyguardtheirmarriage,until deathseparateththem.9Amanshallleadhiswifeastheheadofhishouse,butheshall notoverbearher;10andawomanshallfollowtheleadingofherhusband,butsheshall havehersayandshallnotbeforcedtospeakortoactagainstherwilloragainsther betterjudgment.11Ifsomeoneisnotwillingornotabletoacceptthisandtopracticeit, thenitisbetterforthatonenottomarry.
U.1Asforyourchildren,yeshallcherishthem,andnurturethem,andkeepthemneartoyou, beingeveralerttotheirneeds;2andwhentheymaturetheywillnotforgettheloveye showedthemorthegoodthingsthatyetaughtthem,butwillhonoryouinyouroldage; 3andifyebecomeinfirmorincapableandhavenomeanstoprovideforyourselves,they willgladlygiveaportionoftheirearningsforyourwelfare.4Asyourfatherandyour teacher,Ichargeyouwithraisingyourlittleonesrightly,withdirecting,guiding,and guardingtheformationoftheirperson,withoverseeingandparticipatingintheliberation oftheirintelligence,withenablingandpromotingtheirwellness,andwithensuringtheir safetyinthepresentandtheirpreparednessforthefuture,thatyemaycontinuallybetter
yourselvesasapeopleandalsothecommunitiesinwhichyelive.5Ifyeseeachildof yourcommunitywhoisinneed,whetheranorphanoraragamuffin,yeshallnotignore her,butyeshalltreatherasifshewereyourownkin;6andyeshallnotturnyourface fromthedistressofwidowsorfromthesufferingofthepoor,butyeshallshow yourselvestobevirtuousbyliftingthemupandhelpingthemovercomethroughyour givingofalmsandyourpaymentoftaxes;7thusthereshallnotbefoundevenonefrom amongyouwhoiswithoutfoodorclothingorshelterorcare.
V.1Inwhateverlandyereside,yeshallsubmittothegoverningauthoritiesofthatplaceso longastheyaskofyouwhatisgood.2Andwhatisgood?Goodnesscomesfromvirtue,is executedwithwisdom,andhasloveasitsend.3Ifyefindthatthecityorcountryofyour habitationdothnotprovideyouwithanopportunitytosucceedandtolivewell,then leaveitbehindwithoutreservationandsearchoutanewandbetterplace.4Ethnicityand racearebutsocialconstructs,andanationismerelyanimaginedcommunity.5Donotlet yourselvesbelimitedbythesethings.6Yearehumansfirstandforemost—childrenof God,doersofgood.
W.1Indiscussionandindebate,beslowtoanger,andthinkbeforeyespeak.2Letyour thinkingbeimpartial,thorough,andprecise.3Aimforclarity,haveapassionforaccuracy, andfocusonwhatisrelevant.4Reasonsoundly,andcorrectlyconclude.5Letnotyour wordsoryourbeliefsbeinconflict;6andwhatiscontrarytoyourspeech,donotdo. 7Seeknotconfrontation,butbeeverreadyforit.8Beneitherignorantoflogicnor unlearnedinrhetoricorindialectic,yetneverengageinvaindisputes.9Hearthosewho
opposeyou,and,iftheyareintherightoriftheyhavebestedyoufairly,concede.10In everysituation,whetherinvictoryorindefeat,standwithhonor.
X.1Arise,arise,OchildrenofTruth;speaklife,spreadhope,andilluminatethenightbythe LightoftheNever-SettingSun.2IfyehopeintheGood,yeshallrenewyourstrength, andyeshallprevailinyouruprisingoverthepowersofthedarkness—overunknowing anddenial.3TheSpiritofGodhathkindledthelightofknowledgeasdayisilluminedby thesun,thatthosewhowalkintheWayshallbemultipliedinknowledgeupontheearth, andtheyshallbeilluminedbythegraceoftheLord;4butthosewhochoosenottowalkin theWayshallbediminishedbytheirignoranceanddarkenedbytheirgrief,andshall haveastheirfateoblivion.5TheWordofGod—theLightoftheEternalSun—willshine anditsfirewillburninalltheendsoftheearth;abovethedarknesstheSunwillshine.
Y.1Letnoonewhoisgoodthinkthatshewillbewithoutsuffering;forthereisimperfection anddestructioninthisworldthroughnofaultofourown,andwe,inourphysical composition,arelikeuntotheworldinwhichweexistandfromwhichwewerederived. 2Yourbodiesarethestuffofstars;and,likestars,whichshineinthevastdarknessof cosmicspace,yeareluminous,havingwithinyouthatwhichshinethinaworlddarkened byignoranceandvice;andhowbrightistheshiningofwhatiswithinyouindeed,even greaterthanthatofthestars,foritisnotofthecosmosbutisfrombeyondit.3The Apeironiswithinyouandisallaroundyou;verily,therearenoyeapartfromit,and,just asthereisnoendtotheApeiron,thereisnoendtoyou.4Yearethenlightsinthe darkness,sosuffertoshineforaslongasyeareinmaterialform,andbevirtuousevenin yoursuffering.5Thetruesufferingofamanofvirtueisnotwithinbutwithoutbecausehe
haththeknowledgeofGodandhathcompletehumanity,andhefightethagainstthe natureofthatwhichiswithouthim,thatis,theflesh.6Conversely,thetruesufferingofa manofviceisnotwithoutbutwithinbecauseheisanignorantandisnamelessand fruitlessandinhuman,andhefightethagainstthenatureofthatwhichiswithinhim,that is,thepsyche.7Boththevirtuousmanandtheviciousmantrulysuffer,butthecauseof theirsufferingisdifferent.
Z.1Finally,knowthattheApeironisnotindifferenttowardyourplight;onthecontrary,she isawakeandattentive.2Shesuccoureththosewhostrive,andshefavoureththosewho flourish.3Sothen,donotceasefromstriving.4Andbewarelestthedayofreckoning comeuponyouunawaresinerror,forsurelyitwillcomeasathiefinthenight;5whereas thewiseareprepared,thefoolisharefounddeficient.6Benotignorantofyourmortality, sinceyeknownotthedayorthehourofyourdeath—thepitchermaybeneartothe cistern,andtheshiptotheport,andthecourseofthejourneytothecity,andlifeto consummation.7Prepareyourselves,sothatwhenyesailandascendfromtheshipye mayhaverestandnotbecondemnedwhenyedepart.8YewhoareintheTruthareinthe Light,andyehavetheLifewithinyou;intheRevealeryearerevealed,andtherevelation thereofisyourcompletionandyourvictory.
Finis