The Suppressed Gospels And Epistles Of The Original New Testament Of Jesus The Christ - free ebook by William Wake

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The Suppressed Gospels And Epistles Of The Original New Testament Of Jesus The Christ

William Wake

172 chapters

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172 chapters

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1 Caiphas relates that Jesus, when in his cradle, informed his mother that he was the Son of God. 5 Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem to be taxed, Mary's time of bringing forth arrives, and she goes into a cave. 8 Joseph fetches in a Hebrew woman. The cave filled with great lights. 11 The infant born, 17 and cures the woman. 19 Arrival of the shepherds. THE following accounts we found in the book of Joseph the high-priest, called by some Caiphas: 2 H

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FORBIDDEN BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

FORBIDDEN BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

1 The Parentage of Mary. 7 Joachim her father, and Anna her mother, go to Jerusalem to the feast of the dedication. 9 Issachar, the high priest, reproaches Joachim for being childless. THE blessed and ever glorious Virgin Mary, sprung from the royal race and family of David, was born in the city of Nazareth, and educated at Jerusalem, in the temple of the Lord. 2 Her father's name was Joachim, and her mother's Anna. The family of her father was of Galilee and the city of Nazareth. The family of

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THE SUPPRESSED GOSPELS AND EPISTLES OF THE ORIGINAL NEW TESTAMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

THE SUPPRESSED GOSPELS AND EPISTLES OF THE ORIGINAL NEW TESTAMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

Or, an Historical Account of the BIRTH of CHRIST, and the perpetual VIRGIN MARY, his Mother, by JAMES THE LESSER, Cousin and Brother of the Lord Jesus, chief Apostle and first Bishop of the Christians in Jerusalem....

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CHAP. II.

CHAP. II.

1 The child circumcised in the cave, 2 and the old woman preserving his foreskin or navel-string in a box of spikenard, Mary afterwards annoints Christ with it. 5 Christ brought to the temple; 6 He shines, 7 and angels stand around him adoring. 8 Simeon praises Christ. AND when the time of his circumcision was come: namely, the eighth day, on which the law commanded the child to be circumcised; they circumcised him in the cave. 2 And the old Hebrew woman took t

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1 Joachim, a rich man, 2 offers to the Lord, 3 is opposed by Reuben the high priest, because he has not begotten issue in Israel, 6 retires into the wilderness and fasts forty days and forty nights. IN the history of the twelve tribes of Israel we read there was a certain person called Joachim, who being very rich, made double offerings to the Lord God, having made this resolution: My substance shall be for the benefit of the whole people, that I may find mercy from the Lord God for the forgiven

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 The wise men visit Christ. Mary gives them one of his swaddling clothes. 3 An angel appears to them in the form of a star. 4 They return and make a fire, and worship the swaddling cloth, and put it in the fire where it remains unconsumed. AND it came to pass, when the Lord Jesus was born at Bethlehem, a city of Judaea, in the time of Herod the King;—the wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, according to the prophecy of Zoradascht,[Zoroaster] and brought with them offerings: namely, gold, f

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1 Herod intends to put Christ to death. 3 An angel warns Joseph to take the child and his mother into Egypt. 6 Consternation on their arrival. 13 The idols fall down. 15 Mary washes Christ's swaddling clothes, hangs them to dry on a post, and the son of a priest puts one on his head; 16 And being possessed of devils they leave him. NOW Herod perceiving that the wise men did delay and not return to him, called together the priest and wise men, and said, Tell me in what place the Christ should be

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CHAPTER. II.

CHAPTER. II.

1 Anna, the wife of Joachim mourns her barrenness, 6 is reproached with it by Judith her maid, 9 sits under a laurel tree and prays to the Lord. IN the mean time his wife Anna was distressed and perplexed on a double account, and said, I will mourn both for my widowhood and my barrenness. 2 Then drew near a great feast of the Lord, and Judith her maid, said, How long will you thus afflict your soul? The feast of the Lord is now come, when it is unlawful for any one to mourn. 3 Take therefore thi

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

1 Joseph and Mary leave Egypt. 3 Go to the Haunts of robbers, 4 Who hearing a mighty noise, as of a great army flee away. NOW Joseph and Mary when they heard that the idol was fallen down and destroyed, were seized with fear and, trembling, and said, When we Were in the land of Israel, Herod, intending to kill Jesus, slew for that purpose all the infants at Bethlehem, and that neighbourhood. 2 And there is no doubt but the Egyptians if they come to hear that this idol is broken and fallen down,

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 Anna perceiving a sparrow's nest in the laurels bemoans her barrenness. AND as she was looking towards heaven she perceive a sparrow's nest in the laurel, 2 And mourning within herself, she said, Wo is me, who begat me? and what womb did bear me, that I should be thus accursed before the children of Israel, and that they should reproach and deride me in the temple of my God: Wo is me, to what can I be compared? 3 I am not comparable to the very beasts of the earth, for even the beasts of the e

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1 Mary looks on a woman in whom Satan had taken up his abode, and she becomes dispossesed. 5 Christ kissed by a bride made dumb by sorcerers, cures her. 11 Miraculously cures a gentlewoman in whom Satan had taken up his abode. 16 A leprous girl cured by the water in which he was washed, and becomes the servant of Joseph and Mary. 20 The leprous son of a prince's wife cured in like manner. 37 Has mother offers large gifts to Mary, and dismisses he

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1 An Angel appears to Anna and tells her she shall conceive; two angels appear on the same errand. 5 Joachim sacrifices. 8 Anna goes to meet him, 9 rejoicing that she shall conceive. THEN an angel of the Lord stood by her and said, Anna, Anna, the Lord hath heard thy prayer; thou shalt conceive and bring forth, and thy progeny shall be spoken of in all the world. 2 And Anna answered, As the Lord my God liveth, whatever I bring forth, whether it be male or female, I will devote it to the Lord my

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

1 A man who could not enjoy his wife, freed from his disorder. 5 A young man who had been bewitched, and turned into a mule miraculously cured by Christ being put on his back, 28 and is married to the girl who had been cured of leprosy. THEY came afterwards to another city, and had a mind to lodge there. 2 Accordingly they went to a man's house, who was newly married but by the influence of sorcerers could not enjoy his wife. 3 But they lodging at his house that night, the man was freed of his d

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

1 Joachim abides the first day in his house but sacrifices on the morrow. 2 Consults the plate on the priests forehead, 3 and is without sin. 6 Anna brings forth a daughter, 9 whom she calls Mary. AND Joachim abode the first day in his house, but on the morrow he brought his offerings, and said, 2 If the Lord be propitious to me let the plate which is on the priests forehead make it manifest. 3 And he consulted the plate which the priest wore, and saw it, and behold sin was not found in him. 4 A

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1 Mary at nine months old, walks nine steps. 3 Anna keeps her holy. 4 When she is a year old, Joachim makes a great feast. 7 Anna gives her the breast, and sings a song to the Lord. AND the child increased in strength every day, so that when she was nine months old, her mother put her upon the ground, to try if she could stand; and when she had walked nine steps, she came again to her mother's lap. 2 Then her mother caught her up, and said, As the Lord my God liveth, thou shalt not walk again on

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

1 Joseph and Mary pass through a country infested by robbers. 3 Titus a humane thief, offers Dumachus, his comrade, forty groats to let Joseph and Mary pass unmolested. 6 Jesus prophecies that the thieves Dumachus and Titus shall be crucified with him and that Titus shall go before him into paradise. 10 Christ causes a well to spring from a sycamore tree, and Mary washes his coat in it. 11 A balsam grows there from his sweat. They go to Memphis, where

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

3 Mary being three years old, Joachim causes certain virgins to light each a lamp, and goes with her to the temple. 5 The high-priest places her on the third step of the altar, and sits dances with her feet. BUT the girl grew, and when she was two years old, Joachim said to Anna, Let us lead her to the temple of the Lord, that we may perform our vow, which we have vowed unto the Lord God, lest he should be angry with us, and our offering be unacceptable. 2 But Anna said, Let us wait the third ye

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

2 Two sick children cured by water wherein Christ was washed. WHEN they came afterwards into the city of Bethlehem, they found there several very desperate distempers, which became so troublesome to children by seeing them, that most of them died. 2 There was there a woman who had a sick son, whom she brought, when he was at the point of death, to the Lady St. Mary, who saw her when she was washing Jesus Christ. 3 Then said the woman, O my Lady Mary, look down upon this my son, who is afflicted

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

2 Mary fed in the temple by angels. 3 When twelve years old the priests consult what to do with her. 6 The angel of the Lord warns Zacharias to call together all the widowers, each bringing a rod. 7 The people meet by sound of trumpet. 8 Joseph throws away his hatchet, and goes to the meeting. 11 A dove comes forth from his rod, and alights on his head. 12 He is chosen to betroth the Virgin, 13 refuses because he is an old man, 14 is compelled,

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

1 Two wives of one man, each have a son sick. 2 One of them named Mary, and whose son's name was Caleb, presents the Virgin with a handsome carpet, and Caleb is cured; but the son of the other wife dies, 4 which occasions a difference between the women. 5 The other wife puts Caleb into a hot oven, and he is miraculously preserved, 9 she afterwards throws him into a well, and he is again preserved; 11 his mother appeals to the Virgin against the other wife, 12 whose downfall the Virgin prophecies

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

1 The priests desire a new veil for the temple, 3 seven virgins cast lots for making different parts of it, 4 the lot to spin the true purple falls to Mary. 5 Zacharias, the high priest, becomes dumb. 7 Mary takes a pot to draw water, and hears a voice, 8 trembles and begins to work, 9 an angel Appears and salutes her, and tells her she shall conceive by the Holy Ghost, 17 she submits. 19 Visits her cousin Elizabeth, whose child in her womb leaps

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

1 Bartholomew, when a child and sick, miraculously restored by being laid on Christ's bed. ANOTHER woman in that city had. likewise two son's sick. 2 And when one was dead, the other, who lay at the point of death, she took in her arms to the Lady St. Mary, and in a flood of tears addressed herself to her, saying, 3 O my Lady, help and relieve me; for I had two sons, the one I have just now buried, the other I see is fast at the point of death behold how I (earnestly) seek for your from God, and

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

A leprous woman healed by Christ's washing water. 7 A princess healed by it and restored to her husband. AGAIN, there was a leprous woman who went to the Lady St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and said, O my Lady, help me. 2 St. Mary replied, What help does thou desire? Is it gold or silver, or that thy body be cured of its leprosy? 3 Who, says the woman, can grant me this? 4 St. Mary replied to her, Wait a little till I have washed my son Jesus, and put him to bed. 5 The woman waited, as she was c

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

1 Joseph returns from building houses, finds the Virgin grown big, being six months gone with child, 2 is jealous and troubled, 8 reproaches her, 10 she affirms her innocence, 13 he leaves her, 16 determines to dismiss her privately, 17 is warned in a dream that Mary is with child by the Holy Ghost, 20 and glorifies God who had shewn him such favour. AND when her sixth month was come, Joseph returned from his building houses abroad, which was his trade, and entering into the house, found the Vir

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

1 A girl, whose blood Satan sucked receives one of Christ's swaddling clothes from the Virgin, 14 Satan comes like a dragon, and she shews it to him; flames and burning coals proceed from it and fall upon him; 19 he is miraculously discomfited, and leaves the girl. THERE was also a girl, who was afflicted by Satan, 2 For that cursed spirit did frequently appear to her in the shape of a dragon, and was inclined to swallow her up, and had so sucked out all her blood, that she looked like a dead ca

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

3 Annas visits Joseph, perceives the Virgin big with child, 4 informs the high priest that Joseph had privately married her. 8 Joseph and Mary brought to trial on the charge. 17 Joseph drinks the water of the Lord as an ordeal, and receiving no harm, returns home. THEN came Annas the scribe, and said to Joseph, Wherefore have we not seen you since your return? 2 And Joseph replied, Because I was weary after my journey, and rested the first day. 3 But Annas turning about perceived the Virgin big

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

1 Judas when a boy possessed by Satan, and brought up by his parents to Jesus to be cured, whom he tries to bite, 7 but failing, strikes Jesus and makes him cry out. Whereupon Satan goes from Jesus in the shape of a dog. ANOTHER woman likewise lived there, whose son was possessed by Satan, 2 This boy, named Judas, as often as Satan seized him, was inclined to bite all that were present; and if he found no one else near him, he would bite his own hands and other parts. 3 But the mother of this mi

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CHAP. XII.

CHAP. XII.

1 A decree from Augustus for taxing the Jews. 5 Joseph puts Mary on an ass, to return to Bethlehem, 6 she looks sorrowful, 7 she laughs, 8 Joseph inquires the cause of each, 9 she tells him she sees two persons, one mourning and the other rejoicing. 10 The delivery being near, he takes her from the ass, and places her in a cave. AND it came to pass, that there went forth a decree from the Emperor Augustus, that all the Jews should be taxed, who were o

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

1 Joseph seeks a Hebrew midwife, 2 perceives the owls stopping in their flight, 3 the working people at their food not moving, 8 the sheep standing still, 9 the shepherd fixed and immoveable, 10 and kids with their mouths touching the water but not drinking. AND leaving her and his sons in the cave, Joseph went forth to seek a Hebrew midwife in the village of Bethlehem. 2 But as I was going (said Joseph), I looked up into the air, and I saw the clouds astonished, and the fowls of the air stoppin

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

1 Jesus and other boys play together, and make clay figures of animals. 4 Jesus causes them to walk, 6 also makes clay birds, which he causes to fly, and eat and drink. 7 The children's parents alarmed, and take Jesus for a sorcerer. 8 He goes to a dyer's shop, and throws all the cloths into the furnace, and works a miracle therewith. 15 Whereupon the Jews praise God. AND when the Lord Jesus was seven years of age, he was on a certain day with other boys his companions about the same age; 2 Who,

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CHAP. XVI.

CHAP. XVI.

1 Christ miraculously widens or contracts the gates, milk pails, sieves, or boxes, not properly made by Joseph, 4 he not being skilful at his carpenter's trade. 5 The King of Jerusalem gives Joseph an order for a throne. 6 Joseph works on it for two years in the king's palace, and makes it two spans too short. The king being angry with him, 10 Jesus comforts him, 13 commands him to pull one side of the throne, while he pulls the other, and brings it t

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

1 Joseph finds a midwife. 10 A bright cloud overshadows the cave. 11 A great light in the cave, gradually increases until the infant is born. 13 The mid-wife goes out, and tells Salome that she has seen a virgin bring forth. 17 Salome doubts it. 20 her hand withers, 22 she supplicates the Lord, 28 is cured, 30 but warned not to declare what she had seen. THEN I beheld a woman coming down from the mountains, and she said to me, Where art thou

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CHAP. XVII.

CHAP. XVII.

1 Jesus plays with boys at hide and seek. 3 Some women put his playfellows in a furnace, 7 where they are transformed by Jesus into kids. 10 Jesus calls them to go and play, and they are restored to their former shape. ON another day the Lord Jesus going out into the street, and seeing some boys who were met to play, joined himself to their company. 2 But when they saw him, they hid themselves, and left him to seek for them; 3 The Lord Jesus came to the gate of a certain house, and asked some wo

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

1 Wise men come from the east. 3 Herod alarmed; 8 desires them if they find the child to bring him word. 10 They visit the cave and offer the child their treasure, 11 and being warned in a dream, do not return to Herod, but go home another way. THEN Joseph was preparing to go away, because there arose a great disorder in Bethlehem by the coming of some wise men from the east, 2 Who said, Where is the King of the Jews born? For we have seen his star in the east, and

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CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

1 Jesus becomes the king of his playfellows, and they crown him with flowers; 4 miraculously causes a serpent who had bitten Simon the Cananite, then a boy, to suck out all the poison again; 16 the serpent bursts, and Christ restores the boy to health. IN the month Adar Jesus gathered together the boys, and ranked them as though he had been a king. 2 For they spread their garments on the ground for him to sit on; and having made a crown of flowers, put it upon his head, and stood on his right an

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CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

1 Herod enraged, orders the infants in Bethlehem to be slain. 2 Mary puts her infant in an ox-manger. 3 Elizabeth flees with her son John to the mountains. 6 A mountain miraculously divides and receives them. 9 Herod incensed at the escape of John, causes Zacharias to be murdered at the altar. 23 The roofs of the temple rent, the body miraculously conveyed, and the blood petrified. 25 Israel mourns for him. 27 Simeon chosen his successor by lot. THEN Herod perceiving that he was mocked by the wi

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REFERENCES TO THE PROTEVANGELION.

REFERENCES TO THE PROTEVANGELION.

[This Gospel is ascribed to James. The allusions to it in the ancient Fathers are frequent, and their expressions indicate that it had obtained a very general credit in the Christian world. The controversies founded upon it chiefly relate to the age of Joseph at the birth of Christ, and to his being a widower with children, before his marriage with the Virgin. It seems material to remark, that the legends of the latter ages affirm the virginity of Joseph, notwithstanding Epiphanius, Hilary, Chry

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CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

1 James being bitten by a viper, Jesus blows on the wound and cures him. 4 Jesus charged with throwing a boy from the roof of, a house, 10 miraculously raises the dead boy to acquit him; 12 fetches water for his mother, breaks the pitcher and miraculously gathers the water in his mantle and brings it home; 16 makes fish pools on the Sabbath, 20 causes a boy to die who broke them down, 22 another boy runs against him, whom he also causes to die. ON another day Joseph sent his son James to gather

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CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

4 Christ sent to school to Zaccheus to learn his letters, and teaches Zaccheus. 13 Sent to another schoolmaster, 14 refuses to tell his letters, and the schoolmaster going to whip him, his hand withers and he dies. THERE was also at Jerusalem one named Zaccheus, who was a schoolmaster: 2 And he said to Joseph, Joseph, why dost thou not send Jesus to me, that he may learn his letters? 3 Joseph agreed, and told St. Mary; 4 So they brought him to that master; who, as soon as he saw him, wrote out a

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CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

[Compare Luke ii. 42, whose meagre account is deficient of the sublime details here given of the subjects disputed upon.] 1 Disputes learnedly with the doctors in the temple, 7 on law, 9 on astronomy, 12 on physics and metaphysics. 21 Is worshiped by a philosopher, 28 and fetched home by his mother. AND when he was twelve years old, they brought him to Jerusalem to the feast; and when the feast was over, they returned. 2 But the Lord Jesus continued behind

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CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

1 Jesus conceals his miracles, 2 studies the law, 3 and is baptized. NOW from this time Jesus began to conceal his miracles and secret works, 2 And gave himself to the study of the law, till he arrived to the end of his thirtieth year; 3 At which time the Father publicly owned him at Jordan, sending down this voice from heaven, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; 4 The Holy Ghost being also present in the form of a dove. 5 This is he whom we worship with all reverence, because he

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REFERENCES TO THE FIRST GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST

REFERENCES TO THE FIRST GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST

[Mr. Henry Sike, Professor of Oriental Languages at Cambridge, first translated and published this Gospel in 1697. It was received by the Gnostics, a sect of Christians in the second century; and several of its relations were credited in the following ages by other Christians, viz., Eusebius, Athanasius, Epiphanius; Chrysostom. &amp;c. Sozomen says, he was told by many, and he credits the relations, of the idols in Egypt falling down on Joseph, and Mary's flight thither with Christ; and of C

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THE SECOND, OR ST. THOMAS'S GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.

THE SECOND, OR ST. THOMAS'S GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.

An Account of the ACTIONS and MIRACLES of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST in his INFANCY. 2 Jesus miraculously clears the water after rain. 4 Plays with clay sparrows, which he animates on the Sabbath day. I THOMAS, an Israelite, judged it necessary to make known to our brethren among the Gentiles, the actions and miracles of Christ in his childhood, which our Lord and God Jesus Christ wrought after his birth in Bethlehem in our country, at which I myself, was astonis

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REFERRENCE TO ST. THOMAS'S GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.

REFERRENCE TO ST. THOMAS'S GOSPEL OF THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.

[The original in Greek, from which this translation is made, will be found printed by Cotelerius, in his notes on the constitutions of the Apostles, from a MS. in the French King's Library, No. 2279.—It is attributed to St. Thomas, and conjectured to have been originally connected with the, Gospel of Mary. Unfortunately this ancient MS. was found torn at the second verse of the fourth chapter.]...

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THE SUPPRESSED GOSPELS AND EPISTLES OF THE ORIGINAL NEW TESTAMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

THE SUPPRESSED GOSPELS AND EPISTLES OF THE ORIGINAL NEW TESTAMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST

The Gospel of NICODEMUS, the disciple, concerning the Sufferings and Resurrection of our Master and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST....

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1 Christ accused to Pilate by the Jews of healing on the Sabbath. 9 Summoned before Pilate by a messenger who does him honour. 20 Worshipped by the standards bowing down to him. ANNAS and Caiphas, and Summas, and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi, Nepthalim, Alexander, Cyrus, and other Jews, went to Pilate about Jesus, accusing him with many bad crimes. 2 And said, We are assured that Jesus is the son of Joseph, the carpenter, and born of Mary, and that he declares himself the Son of God, and a king;

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

2 Is comppassionated by Pilate's wife, 7 charged with being born in fornication. 12 Testimony to the betrothing of his parents. 15 Hatred of the Jews to him. NOW when Pilate saw this, he was afraid, and was about to rise from his seat. 2 But while he thought to rise, his own wife who stood at a distance, sent to him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered much concerning him in a vision this night. 3 When the Jews heard this they said to Pilate, Did we not say un

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 Is exonerated by Pilate. 11 Disputes with Pilate concerning truth. THEN Pilate, filled with anger, went out of the hall, and said to the Jews, I call the whole world to witness that I find no fault in that man. 2 The Jews replied to Pilate, If he had not been a wicked person, we had not brought him before thee. 3 Pilate said to them, Do ye take him and try him by your law. 4 Then the Jews said, It is not lawful for us to put any one to death. 5 Pilate said to the Jews, The command, therefore,

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1 Pilate finds no fault in Jesus. 16 The Jews demand his crucifixion. THEN Pilate left Jesus in the hall, and went out to the Jews, and said, I find not any one fault in Jesus. 2 The Jews say unto him, But he said, I can destroy the temple of God, and in three days build it up again. 3 Pilate saith to them, What sort of temple is that of which he speaketh? 4 The Jews say unto him, That which Solomon was forty-six years in building, he said he would destroy, and in three days build up. 5 Pilate s

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CHAP. V.

CHAP. V.

1 Nicodemus speaks in defence of Christ, and relates his miracles. 12 Another Jew, 26 with Veronica, 34 Centurio, and others, testify of other miracles. BUT Nicodemus, a certain Jew, stood before the governor, and said, I entreat thee, O righteous judge, that thou wouldst favour me with the liberty of speaking a few words. 2 Pilate said to him, Speak on. 3 Nicodemus said, I spake to the elders of the Jews, and the scribes, and priests and Levites, and all the multitude of the Jews, in their asse

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1 Pilate dismayed by the turbulence of the Jews, 5 who demand Barabbas to be released, and Christ to be crucified. 9 Pilate warmly expostulates with them, 20 washes his hands of Christ's blood, 23 and sentences him to be whipped and crucified. THEN Pilate having called together Nicodemus, and the fifteen men who said that Jesus was not born through fornication, said to them, What shall I do, seeing there is like to be a tumult among the people. 2 They say unto him,

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CHAP. VII.

CHAP. VII.

1 Manner of Christ's crucifixion with the two thieves. THEN Jesus went out of the hall, and the two thieves with him. 2 And when they came to the place which is called Golgotha, they stript him of his raiment, and girt him about with a linen cloth, and put a crown of thorns upon his head, and put a reed in his hand. 3 And in like manner did they to the two thieves who were crucified with him, Dimas on his right hand and Gestas on his left. 4 But Jesus said, My Father, forgive them, For they know

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

1 Miraculous appearance at his death. 10 The Jews say the eclipse was natural. 12 Joseph of Arimathcea embalms Christ's body and buries it. AND it was about the sixth hour, and darkness was upon the face of the whole earth until the ninth hour. 2 And while the sun was eclipsed, behold the veil of the temple was rent from the top, to the bottom; and the rocks also were rent, and the graves opened, and many bodies of saints, which slept, arose. 3 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a lou

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

1 The Jews angry with Nicodemus: 5 and with, Joseph of Arimathaea, 7 whom they imprison. WHEN the unjust Jews heard that Joseph had begged and buried the body of Jesus, they sought after Nicodemus, and those fifteen men who had testified before the governor, that Jesus was not born through fornication, and other good persons who had shown any good actions towards him. 2 But when they all concealed themselves through fear of the Jews, Nicodemus alone showed himself to them, and said, How can such

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

1 Joseph's escape. 2 The soldiers relate Christ's resurrection. 18 Christ is seen preaching in Galilee. 21 The Jews repent of their cruelty to him. WHEN all the assembly heard this (about Joseph's escape), they admired and were astonished, because they found the same seal upon the lock of the chamber, and could not find Joseph. 2 Then Annas and Caiaphas went forth, and while they were all admiring at Joseph's being gone, behold one of the soldiers, who kept the sepulchre of Jesus, spake in the a

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

1 Nicodemus counsels the Jews. 6 Joseph found. 11 Invited by the Jews to return. 19 Relates the manner of his miraculous escape. THEN Nicodemus arose, and said, Ye say right, O sons of Israel; ye have heard what those three men have sworn by the Law of God, who said, We have seen Jesus speaking with his disciples upon mount Olivet, and we saw him ascending up to heaven. 2 And the scripture teacheth us that the blessed prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven, and Elisha being asked by the sons of t

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

1 The Jews astonished and confounded. 16 Simeon's two sons, Charinus and Lenthius, rise from the dead at Christ's crucifixion. 19 Joseph proposes to get them to relate the mysteries of their resurrection. 21 They are sought and found, 22 brought to the synagogue, 23 privately sworn to secrecy, 25 and undertake to write what they had seen. WHEN the chief priests and Levites heard all these things, they were astonished, and fell down with their faces on the ground as dead men, and crying out to on

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

1 The narrative of Charinus and Lenthius commences. 3 A great light in hell. 7 Simeon arrives, and announces the coming of Christ. O LORD Jesus and Father, who art God, also the resurrection and life of the dead, give us leave to declare thy mysteries, which we saw after death, belonging to thy cross; for we are sworn by thy name. 2 For thou hast forbidden thy servants to declare the secret things, which were wrought by thy divine power in hell. 3 When we were Placed with our fathers in the dept

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

1 Adam causes Seth to relate what he heard from Michael the archangel, when he sent him to Paradise to entreat God to anoint his head in his sickness. BUT when the first man our father Adam heard these things, that Jesus was baptized in Jordan, he called out to his son Seth, and said, 2 Declare to your sons, the patriarchs and prophets, all those things, which thou didst hear from Michael, the archangel, when I sent thee to the gates of Paradise, to entreat God that he would annoint my head when

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

1 Quarrel between Satan and the prince of hell, concerning the expected arrival of Christ in hell. WHILE all the saints were rejoicing, behold Satan, the prince and captain of death, said to the prince of hell, 2 Prepare to receive Jesus of Nazareth himself, who boasted that he was the Son of God, and yet was a man afraid of death, and said, My soul is sorrowful even to death. 3 Besides he did many injuries to me and to many others; for those whom I made blind and lame and those also whom I torm

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CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.

1 Christ's arrival at hell-gates; the confusion thereupon. 19 He descends into hell. AND while Satan and the Prince of hell were discoursing thus to each other, on a sudden there was a voice as of thunder, and the rushing of winds, saying, Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, O everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall come in. 2 When the prince of hell heard this, he said to Satan, Depart from me, and begone out of my habitations; if thou art a powerful warrior, fight with

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CHAPTER XVII.

CHAPTER XVII.

1 Death and the devils in great horror at Christ's coming. 13 He tramples on death, seizes the prince of hell, and takes Adam with him to Heaven. IMPIOUS death and her cruel officers hearing these things, were seized with fear in their several kingdoms, when they saw the clearness of the light, 2 And Christ himself on a sudden appearing in their habitations, they cried out therefore, and said, We are bound by thee; thou seemest to intend our confusion before the Lord. 3 Who art thou, who has no

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CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.

1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently upbraids Satan for persecuting Christ and bringing him to hell. 14 Christ gives Beelzebub dominion over Satan forever, as a recompence for taking away Adam and his sons. THEN the prince of hell took Satan, and with great indignation said to him, O thou prince of destruction, author of Beelzebub's defeat and banishment, the scorn of God's angels and loathed by all righteous persons! What inclined thee to act thus? 2 Thou wouldst crucify the King of Glory, a

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CHAPTER XIX.

CHAPTER XIX.

1 Christ takes Adam by the hand, the rest of the saints join hands, and they all ascend with him to Paradise. THEN Jesus stretched forth his hand, and said, Come to me, all ye my saints, who were created in my image, who were condemned by the tree of the forbidden fruit, and by the devil and death; 2 Live now by the wood of my cross; the devil, the prince of this world, is overcome, and death is conquered, 3 Then presently all the saints were joined together under the hand of the most high God;

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CHAPTER XX.

CHAPTER XX.

1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the archangel. 3 They meet Enoch and Elijah in heaven, 5 and also the blessed thief, who relates how he came to Paradise. THEN the Lord, holding Adam by the hand, delivered him to Michael the archangel; and he led them into Paradise, filled with mercy and glory; 2 And two very ancient men met them, and were asked by the saints, Who are ye, who have not yet been with us in hell, and have had your bodies placed in Paradise? 3 One of them answering, said, I am Enoc

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CHAPTER XXI.

CHAPTER XXI.

1 Charinus and Lenthius being only allowed three days to remain on earth, 7 deliver in their narratives, which miraculously correspond; they vanish, 13 and Pilate records these transactions. THESE are the divine and sacred mysteries which we saw and heard. We, Charinus and Lenthius are not allowed to declare the other mysteries of God, as the archangel Michael ordered us, 2 Saying, ye shall go with my brethren to Jerusalem, and shall continue in prayers, declaring and glorifying the resurrection

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CHAPTER XXII.

CHAPTER XXII.

1 Pilate goes to the temple; calls together the rulers, and scribes, and doctors. 2 Commands the gates to be shut; orders the book of the Scriptures; and causes the Jews to relate what they really knew concerning Christ. 14 They declare that they crucified Christ in ignorance, and that they now know him to be the Son of God, according to the testimony of the Scriptures; which, after they put him to death, were examined. AFTER these things Pilate went to the temple of the Jews, and called togethe

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REFERENCES TO THE GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS, FORMERLY CALLED THE ACTS OF PONTIUS PILATE.

REFERENCES TO THE GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS, FORMERLY CALLED THE ACTS OF PONTIUS PILATE.

[Although this Gospel is, by some among the learned, supposed to have been really written by Nicodemus, who became a disciple of Jesus Christ, and conversed with him; others conjecture that it was a forgery towards the close of the third century by some zealous believer, who, observing that there had been appeals made by the Christians of the former age, to the acts of Pilate, but that such acts could not be produced, imagined it would be of service to Christianity to fabricate and publish this

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

A copy of a letter written by King Abgarus to Jesus; and sent to him by Ananius, his footman, to Jerusalem, 5 inviting him to Edessa. ABGARUS, king of Edessa, to Jesus the good Saviour, who appears at Jerusalem, greeting. 2 I have been informed concerning you and your cures, which are performed without the use of medicines and herbs. 3 For it is reported, that you cause the blind to see, the lame to walk, do both cleanse lepers, and cast out unclean spirits and devils, and restore them to health

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

The answer of Jesus by Ananias the footman to Abgarus the king, 3 declining to visit Edessa. ABGARUS, you are happy, forasmuch as you have believed on me, whom you have not seen. 2 For it is written concerning me, that those who have seen me should not believe on me, that they who have not seen might believe and live. 3 As to that part of your letter, which relates to my giving you a visit, I must inform you, that I must fulfil all the ends of my mission in this country, and after that be receiv

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REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF JESUS CHRIST AND ABGARUS KING OF EDESSA.

REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF JESUS CHRIST AND ABGARUS KING OF EDESSA.

[The first writer who makes any mention of the Epistles that passed between Jesus Christ and Abgarus, is Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, in Palestine, who flourished in the early part of the fourth century. For their genuineness, he appeals to the public registers and records of the City of Edessa in Mesopotamia, where Abgarus reigned, and where he affirms that he found them written in the Syriac language. He published a Greek translation of them, in his Ecclesiastical History. The learned world h

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REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE LAODICEANS.

REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE LAODICEANS.

[This Epistle has been highly esteemed by several learned men of the church of Rome and others. The Quakers have printed a translation, and plead for it, as the reader may see, by consulting Poole's Annotation on Col. vi. 16. Sixtus Senensis mentions two MSS., the one in the Sorbonne Library at Paris, which is a very ancient copy, and the other in the Library of Joannes a Viridario, at Padua, which he transcribed and published; and which is the authority for the following translation. There is a

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

PAUL to SENECA Greeting. I RECEIVED your letter yesterday with pleasure, to which I could immediately have written an answer, had the young man been at home, whom I intended to have sent to you: 2 For you know when, and by whom, at what seasons, and to whom I must deliver everything which I send. 3 I desire therefore you would not charge me with negligence, if I wait for a proper person. 4 I reckon myself very happy in having the judgment of so valuable a person, that you are delighted with my E

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. I HAVE completed some volumes and divided them into their proper parts. 2 I am determined to read them to Caesar, and if any favourable opportunity happens, you also shall be present, when they are read; 3 But if that cannot be, I will appoint and give you notice of a day, when we will together read over the performance. 4 I had determined, if I could with safety, first to have your opinion of it, before I published it to Caesar, that you might be convinced of my

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. WE are very much concerned at your too long absence from us. 2 What is it, or what affairs are they, which obstructs your coming? 3 If you fear the anger of Caesar because you have abandoned your former religion, and made proselytes also of others, you have this to plead, that your acting thus proceeded not from inconstancy, but judgment. Farewell....

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

PAUL to SENECA and LUCILIUS Greeting. CONCERNING those things, about which ye wrote to me, it is not proper for me to mention anything in writing with pen and ink: the one of which leaves marks, and the other evidently declares things. 2 Especially since I know that there are near you, as well as me, those who will understand my meaning. 3 Deference is to be paid to all men, and so much the more, as they are more likely to take occasions of quarrelling. 4 And if we show a submissive temper, we s

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. I PROFESS myself extremely pleased with the reading your letters to the Galatians, Corinthians, and people of Achaia. 2 For the Holy Ghost has in them by you delivered those sentiments which are very lofty, sublime, deserving of all respect, and beyond your own invention. 3 I could wish therefore, that when you are writing things so extraordinary, there might not be wanting an elegancy of speech agreeable to their majesty. 4 And I must own, my brother, that I may

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

PAUL to SENECA Greeting. ALTHOUGH I know the emperor is both an admirer and favourer of our religion, yet give me leave to advise you against your suffering any injury (by showing favour to us). 2 I think indeed you ventured upon a very dangerous attempt, when you would declare (to the emperor) that which is so very contrary to his religion, and way of worship; seeing he is a worshipper of the heathen gods. 3 I know not what you particularly had in view, when you told him of this; but I suppose

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

ANNEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. KNOW that my letter, wherein I acquainted you, that I had read to the Emperor your Epistles, does not so much affect you as the nature of the things (contained in them.) 2 Which do so powerfully divert men's minds from their former manners and practices, that I have always been surprised, and have been fully convinced of it by many arguments heretofore. 3 Let us therefore begin afresh; and if any thing heretofore has been imprudently acted, do you forgive. 4 I hav

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

PAUL to SENECA Greeting. AS often as I write to you, and place my name before yours, I do a thing both disagreeable to myself, and contrary to our religion: 2 For I ought, as I have often declared, to become all things to all men, and to have that regard to your quality, which the Roman law has honoured all senators with; namely, to put my name last in the (inscription of the) Epistle, that I may not at length with uneasiness and shame be obliged to do that which it was always my inclination to

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul. 2 If a person so great, and every way agreeable as you are, become not only a common, but a most intimate friend to me, how happy will be the case of Seneca! 3 You therefore, who are so eminent, and so far exalted above all, even the greatest, do not think yourself unfit to be first named in the inscription of an Epistle; 4 Lest I should suspect you intend not so much to try me, as to banter me; for you know yourself to be a

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul. Do you not suppose I am extremely concerned and grieved that your innocence should bring you into sufferings? 2 And that all the people should suppose you (Christians) so criminal, and imagine all the misfortunes that happen to the city, to be caused by you? 3 But let us bear the charge with a patient temper, appealing for our innocence to the court above, which is the only one our hard fortune will allow us to address to, t

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. ALL happiness to you, my dearest Paul. 2 You have written many volumes in an allegorical and mystical style, and therefore such mighty matters and business being committed to you, require not to be set off with any rhetorical flourishes of speech, but only with some proper elegance. 3 I remember you often said, that many by affecting such a style do injury to their subjects, and lose the force of the matters they treat of. 4 But in this I desire you to regard me,

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

PAUL to SENECA Greeting. YOUR serious consideration is requited with those discoveries, which the Divine Being has granted but to few; 2 I am thereby assured that I sow the most strong seed in a fertile soil, not anything material, which is subject to corruption, but the durable word of God, which shall increase and bring forth fruit to eternity. 3 That which by your wisdom you have attained to, shall abide without decay for ever. 4 Believe that you ought to avoid the superstitions of Jews and G

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REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO SENECA, WITH SENECA'S TO PAUL.

REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO SENECA, WITH SENECA'S TO PAUL.

[Several very learned writers have entertained a favourable opinion of these Epistles. They are undoubtedly of high antiquity. Salmeron cites them to prove that Seneca was one of Caesar's household, referred to by Paul, Philip iv. 22, as saluting the brethren at Philippi. In Jerome's enumeration of illustrious men, he places Seneca, on account of these Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers of the Christian Church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his Bibliotheque, p 89, 90;

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1 Demas and Hermogenes become Paul's companions. 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus. 8 Invited by Demos and Hermogenes. 11 Preaches to the household of Onesiphorus. 12 His sermon. WHEN Paul went up to Iconium, after his flight from Antioch, Demas and Hermogenes became his companions, who were then full of hypocrisy. 2 But Paul looking only at the goodness of God, did them no harm, but loved them greatly. 3 Accordingly he endeavoured to make agreeable to them all the oracles and doctrines of Christ, and t

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

1 Thecla listens anxiously to Paul's preaching. 5 Thamyris, her admirer, concerts with Theoclia her mother to dissuade her, 12 in vain. 14 Demas and Hermogenes vilify Paul to Thamyris. WHILE Paul was preaching this sermon in the church which was in the house of Onesiphorus, a certain virgin named Thecla (whose mother's name was Theoclia, and who was betrothed to a man named Thamyris) sat at a certain window in her house. 2 From whence, by the advantage of a window in the

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 They betray Paul. 7 Thamyris arrests him with officers. THEN said Thamyris, Come along with me to my house, and refresh yourselves. So they went to a very splendid entertainment, where there was wine in abundance, and very rich provision. 2 They were brought to a table richly spread, and made to drink plentifully by Thamyris, on account of the love he had for Thecla and his desire to marry her. 3 Then Thamyris said, I desire ye would inform me what the doctrines of this Paul are, that I may un

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1 Paul accused before the governor by Thamyris. 5 Defends himself. 9 Is committed to prison, 10 and visited by Thecla. THEN Thamyris standing before the governor's judgment-seat, spake with a loud voice in the following manner. 2 O governor, I know not whence this man cometh; but he is one who teaches that matrimony is unlawful. Command him therefore to declare before you for what reason he publishes such doctrines. 3 While he was saying thus, Demas and Hermogenes (whispered to Thamyris, and) sa

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

1 Thecla sought and found by her relations. 4 Brought with Paul before the governor. 9 Ordered to be burnt, and Paul to be whipt. 15 Thecla miraculously saved. AT length Thecla was missed and sought for by the family and by Thamyris in every street, as though she had been lost; till one of the porter's fellow-servants told them, that she had gone out in the night-time. 2 Then they examined the porter, and he told them, that she was gone to the prison to the strange man. 3 They went therefore acc

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1 Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave. 7 Thecla discovers Paul; 12 proffers to follow him: 13 he exhorts her not for fear of fornication. IN the mean time Paul, together with Onesiphorus, his wife and children, was keeping a fast in a certain cave, which was in the road from Iconium to Daphne. 2 And when they had fasted for several days, the children said to Paul, Father, we are hungry, and have not wherewithal to buy bread; for Onesiphorus had left all his substance to follow Paul with his family.

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch. 2 Alexander, a magistrate, falls in love with Thecla: 4 kisses her by force: 5 she resists him: 6 is carried before the governor, and condemned to be thrown to wild beasts. THEN Paul sent back Onesiphorus and his family to their own home, and taking Thecla along with him, went for Antioch; 2 And as soon as they came in. to the city, a certain Syrian, named Alexander, a magistrate in the city, who had done many considerable services for the city during his magistr

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

2 Thecla entertained by Trifina; 3 brought out to the wild beasts; a she-lion licks her feet. 5 Trifina upon a vision of her deceased daughter, adopts Thecla, 11 who is taken to the amphitheatre again. WHICH when the people saw, they said: The judgments passed in this city are unjust. But Thecla desired the favour of the governor, that her chastity might not be attacked, but preserved till she should be cast to the beasts. 2 The governor then inquired, Who would entertain her; upon which a certa

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

1 Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts; 2 but they all refuse to attack her. 8 She baptizes herself in a pit of water. 10 Other wild beasts refuse to injure her. 11 Tied to wild bulls. 13 Miraculously saved. 21. Released. 24 Entertained by Trifina, THEN Thecla was taken out of the hand of Trifina, stripped naked, had a girdle put on, and thrown into the place appointed for fighting with the beasts: and the lions and the bears were let loose upon her. 2 But a she-lion, which was of all the most

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

1 Thecla visits Paul; 6 visits Onesiphorus; 8 and visits her Mother 9 who repulses her. 14 Is tempted by the devil. 16 Works miracles. BUT it was no small surprise to Paul when he saw her and the people with her; for he imagined some fresh trial was coming upon them; 2 Which when Thecla perceived, she said to him: I have been baptized, O Paul; for he who assists you in preaching, has assisted me to baptize. 3 Then Paul took her, and led her to the house of Hermes; and Thecla related to Paul all

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

1 Thecla is attempted to be ravished, 12 escapes by a rock opening, 17 and closing miraculously. THE devil then suggested bad advice to their minds; and being on a certain day met together to consult, they reasoned among each other thus: The virgin is a priestess of the great goddess Diana, and whatsoever she requests from her, is granted, because she is a virgin, and so is beloved by all the gods. 2 Now then let us procure some rakish fellows, and after we have made them sufficiently drunk, and

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REFERENCES TO THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND THECLA.

REFERENCES TO THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND THECLA.

[Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a Presbyter of Asia, who being convicted, "confessed that he did it out of respect to Paul," and Pope Gelasius, in his Decree against apocryphal books, inserted it among them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the history was credited and looked upon as genuine among the primitive Christians. Cyprian, Eusebius, Epiphanius, Austin, Gregory, Nagianzen. Chrysostom, and Severus Sulpitius, who all lived within the fourth century mention Thecla or ref

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Clement commends them for their excellent order and piety in Christ, before their schism broke out. THE Church of God which is at Rome, to the Church of God which is at Corinth, elect, sanctified by the will of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord: grace and peace from the Almighty God, by Jesus Christ, be multiplied unto you. 2 Brethren, the sudden and unexpected dangers and calamities that have fallen upon us, have, we fear, made us the more slow in our consideration of those things which you in

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

How their divisions began. ALL honour and enlargement was given unto you; and so was fulfilled that which is written, my beloved did eat and drink, he was enlarged and waxed fat, and he kicked. 2 From hence came emulation, and envy, and strife, and sedition; persecution and disorder, war and captivity. 3 So they who were of no renown, lifted up themselves against the honourable; those of no reputation against those who were in respect; the foolish against the wise; the young men against the aged

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Envy and emulation the original of all strife and disorder. Examples of the mischiefs they have occasioned. FOR thus it is written, And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof: 2 And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering. But unto Cain and unto his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very sorrowful, and his countenance fell. 3 An

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

4 He exhorts them to live by holy rules, and repent of their divisions, and they shall be forgiven. THESE things, beloved, we write unto you, not only for your instruction, but also for our own remembrance. 2 For we are all in the same lists, and the same combat is prepared for us all. 3 Wherefore let us lay aside all vain and empty cares; and let us come up to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling. 4 Let us consider what is good, and acceptable and well-pleasing in the sight of hi

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

1 He sets before them the examples of holy men, whose piety is recorded in the Scripture. WHEREFORE let us obey his excellent and glorious will; and imploring his mercy and goodness, let us fall down upon our faces before him, and cast ourselves upon his mercy; laying aside all vanity, and contention, and envy which leads unto death. 2 Let us look up to those who have the most perfectly ministered to his excellent glory. Let us take Enoch for our example; who being found righteous in obedience,

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

1 Redemption for such as have been eminent for their faith, kindness, and charity to their neighbours. BY hospitality and goodliness was Lot saved out of Sodom, when all the country round about was destroyed by fire and brimstone. 2 The Lord thereby making it manifest, that he will not forsake those that trust in him; but will bring the disobedient to punishment and correction. 3 For his wife who went out with him, being of a different mind, and not continuing in the same obedience, was for that

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

1 What rules are given for leading a holy life. LET us, therefore, humble ourselves, brethren, laying aside all pride, and boasting, and foolishness, and anger: And let us do as it is written. 2 For thus saith the Holy Spirit; Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the rich man in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord, to seek him, and to do judgment and justice. 3 Above all, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, which he spake con

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

He advises then, to be humble, and, follow the examples of Jesus, and of holy men in all ages. FOR Christ is theirs who are humble, and not who exalt themselves over his flock. The sceptre of the majesty of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, came not in the show of pride and arrogance, though he could have done so; but with humility as the Holy Ghost had before spoken concerning him. 2 For thus he saith, Lord, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed; For he shall grow

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

He again persuades them to compose their divisions. THUS has the humility and godly fear of these great and excellent men recorded in the Scriptures, through obedience, made not only us, but also the generations before us better; even as many as have received his holy oracles with fear and truth. 2 Having therefore so many, and such great and glorious examples, let us return to that peace which was the mark that from the beginning was set before us; 3 Let us look up to the Father and Creator of

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

He exhorts them to obedience, from the consideration of the goodness of God, and of his presence in every place. TAKE heed, beloved, that his many blessings be not to our condemnation; except we shall walk worthy of him, doing with one consent what is good and pleasing in his sight. 2 The spirit of the Lord is a candle, searching out the inward parts of the belly. 3 Let us therefore consider how near he is to us; and how that none of our thoughts, or reasonings which we frame within ourselves, a

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CHAP. XI.

CHAP. XI.

Of faith: and particularly what we are to believe as to the Resurrection. BUT all these things must be confirmed by the faith which is in Christ; for so He himself bespeaks us by the Holy Ghost; 2 Comeye children and hearken unto me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there that desireth life, and loveth to see good days? 3 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips that they speak no guile. 4 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 5 The eyes of the Lord are upo

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CHAPTER XXIV

CHAPTER XXIV

1 Recommends them to God. Desires speedily to hear that this Epistle has had a good effect upon them. 4 Conclusion. NOW God, the inspector of all things, the Father of Spirits, and the Lord of all flesh, who hath chosen our Lord Jesus Christ, and us by him, to be his peculiar people; 2 Grant to every soul of man that calleth upon his glorious and holy name, faith, fear, peace, long-suffering, patience, temperance, holiness and sobriety, unto all well-pleasing in his sight; through our High-Pries

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Preface to the Epistle. ALL happiness to you my sons and daughters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us, in peace. 2 Having perceived abundance of knowledge of the great and excellent laws of God to be in you, I exceedingly rejoice in your blessed and admirable souls, because ye have so worthily received the grace which was grafted in you. 3 For which cause I am full of joy, hoping the rather to be saved; inasmuch as I truly see a spirit infused into you, from the pure fountain of

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

That Clod has abolished the legal sacrifices, to introduce the spiritual righteousness of the Gospel. SEEING then the days are exceedingly evil, and the adversary has got the power of this present world we ought to give the more diligence to inquire into the righteous judgments of the Lord. 2 Now the assistants of our faith are fear and patience; our fellow-combatants, long suffering and continence. 3 Whilst these remain pure in what relates unto the Lord, wisdom, and understanding, and science,

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

The prophecies of Daniel concerning the ten kings, and the coming of Christ. WHEREFORE it is necessary that searching diligently into those things which are soon to come to pass, we should write to you what may serve to keep you whole. 2 To which end, let us flee from every evil work and hate the errors of the present time, that we may be happy in that which is to come. 3 Let us not give ourselves the liberty of disputing with the wicked and sinners; lest we should chance in time to become like

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

That Christ was to suffer is proved from the prophecies concerning him. For this cause did our Lord vouchsafe to give up his body to destruction, that through the forgiveness of our sins we might be sanctified; that is, by the sprinkling of his blood. 2 Now for what concerns the things that are written about him, some belong to the people of the Jews, and some to us. 3 For thus saith the Scripture; He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, and by his blood we are

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CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.

The subject continued. And when he had fulfilled the commandment of God, What says he? Who will contend with me? Let him stand against me or who is he that will implead me? Let him draw near to the servant of the Lord. Woe be to you! Because ye shall all wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat you up. 2 And again adds the prophet, He is put for a stone of stumbling. Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation, a precious stone a choice corner-stone; an honourable stone. And what follows? And he that

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CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.

The sacrifice of Jesus, and of a goat, an evident type of Christ crucified. UNDERSTAND then my beloved children, that the good God hath before manifested all things unto us, that we might know to whom we ought always to give thanks and praise. 2 If therefore the Son of God who is the Lord of all, and shall come to judge both the quick and dead, hath suffered, that by his stripes we might live; let us believe that the Son of God could not have suffered but for us. But being crucified, they gave h

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CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.

The red heifer, another type of Christ. BUT what type do ye suppose it to have been, where it is commanded to the people of Israel, that grown persons in whom sins are come to perfection, should offer an heifer, and after they had killed it should burn the same; 2 But then young men should take up the ashes and put them in vessels; and tie a piece of scarlet wool and hyssop upon a stick, and so the young men should sprinkle every one of the people, and they should be clear from their sins? 3 Con

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CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

Of the circumcision of the ears and how in the first institution of circumcision Abraham mystically foretold Christ by name. AND therefore the Scripture again speaks concerning our ears, that God has circumcised them, together with our hearts. For thus saith the Lord by the holy prophet: By the hearing of the ear they obeyed me. 2 And again, They who are afar off, shall hear and understand what things I have done. And again, Circumcise your hearts, saith the Lord. 3 And again be saith, Hear O Is

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CHAPTER IX.

CHAPTER IX.

That the commands of Moses concerning clean and unclean beasts, were all designed for a spiritual signification. BUT why did Moses say Ye shall not eat of the swine, neither the eagle nor the hawk; nor the crow; nor any fish that has not a scale upon him?—I answer that, in the spiritual sense, he comprehended three doctrines, that were to be gathered from thence. 2 Besides which he says to them in the book of Deuteronomy, And I will give my statutes unto this people. Wherefore it is not the comm

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CHAPTER X.

CHAPTER X.

Baptism and the cross of Christ foretold in figures under the law. LET us now inquire whether the Lord took care to manifest anything beforehand concerning water and the cross. 2 Now for the former of these, it is written to the people of Israel how they shall not receive that baptism which brings to forgiveness of sins; but shall institute another to themselves that cannot. 3 For thus saith the prophet: Be astonished, O Heaven! and let the earth tremble at it, because this people have done two

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CHAPTER XI.

CHAPTER XI.

The subject continued. IN like manner he determines concerning the cross in another prophet, saying: And when shall these things be fulfilled? 2 The Lord answers: When the tree that is fallen shall rise, and when blood shall drop down from the tree. Here you have again mention made, both of the cross, and of him that was to be crucified upon it. 3 And yet farther he saith by Moses; (when Israel was fighting with, and beaten by, a strange people; to the end that God might put them in mind how tha

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CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.

The Promise of God not made to the Jews only, but to the Gentiles also, and fulfilled to us by Jesus Christ. BUT let us go yet further, and inquire whether this people be the heir, or the former; and whether the covenant be with us or with them. 2 And first, as concerning the people, hear now what the Scripture saith: 3 Isaac prayed for his wife Rebekah, because she was barren; and she conceived. Afterwards Rebekah went forth to inquire of the Lord. 4 And the Lord said unto her; There are two na

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CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.

That the sabbath of the Jews was but a figure of a more glorious sabbath to come, and their temple, of the spiritual temples of God. FURTHERMORE it is written concerning the sabbath, in the Ten Commandments, which God spake in the mount Sinai to Moses, face to face: Sanctify the sabbath of the Lord with pure hands, and with a clean heart. 2 And elsewhere he saith; If thy children shall keep my Sabbaths, then will I put my mercy upon them. 3 And even in the beginning of the creation he makes ment

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CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.

Of the way of light; being a summary of what a Christian is to do, that he maybe happy for ever. AND thus I trust, I have declared to you as much, and with as great simplicity as I could, those, things which provide for your salvation, so as not to have omitted any thing that might be requisite thereunto. 2 For should I speak farther of the things that now are, and of those that are to come, you would not yet understand them, seeing they lie in parables. This therefore shall suffice as to these

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CHAPTER XV.

CHAPTER XV.

Of the way of darkness; that is, what kind of persons shall be for ever cast out of the kingdom of God. BUT the way of darkness is crooked, and full of cursing. For it is the way of eternal death, with punishment; in which they that walk meet those things that destroy their own souls. 2 Such are; idolatry, confidence, pride of power, hypocrisy, double- mindedness, adultery, murder, rapine, pride, transgression, deceit, malice, arrogance, witchcraft, covetousness, and the want of the fear of God.

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REFERENCES TO THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF BARNABAS.

REFERENCES TO THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF BARNABAS.

[Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This Epistle lays a greater claim to canonical authority than most others. It has been cited by Clemens, Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, and many ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome esteemed it genuine and canonical; but Cotelerius himself did not believe it to be either one or the other; on the contrary, he supposes it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites, (the christianized Jews,) who were tenac

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

1 Ignatius commends the brethren for sending Onesimus and other members of the church to him. 8 Exhorts them to unity; 13 by a due subjection to their bishop; IGNATIUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the church which is at Ephesus in Asia; most deservedly happy: being blessed through the greatness and fullness of God the Father, and predestinated before the world began; that it should be always unto an enduring and unchangeable glory; united and chosen through his true passion, according to t

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

1 The benefit of subjection. 4 The bishop not to be respected the less because he is not forward in exacting it: 8 warns brethren against heretics; bidding them cleave to Jesus, whose divine and human mature is declared: commends them for their care to keep themselves from false teachers: and shews them the way to God. FOR if I in this little time have had such a familiarity with your bishop, I mean not a carnal, but spiritual acquaintance with him; how much more must I think you happy who are s

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 Exorts them to prayer; to be unblamable. 5 To be careful of salvation; 11 frequent in public devotion; 13 and to live in charity. PRAY also without ceasing for other men; for there is hope of repentance in them, that they may attain unto God. Let them therefore at least be instructed by your works, if they will be no other way. 2 Be ye mild at their anger; humble at their boasting; to their blasphemies return your prayers to their error, your firmness in the faith; when they are cruel, be ye g

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

1 To have a care for the Gospel. 9 The virginity of Mary, the incarnation, and the death of Christ, were hid from the Devil. 11 How the birth of Christ was revealed. 16 Exhorts to unity. BE not deceived, my brethren: those that corrupt families by adultery, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 2 If therefore they who do this according to the flesh, have suffered death; how much more shall he die, who by his wicked doctrine corrupts the faith of God, for which Christ was crucified? 3 He that is

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THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE MAGNESIANS

THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE MAGNESIANS

4 Ignatius mentions the arrival of Damas, their bishop, and others, 6 whom he exhorts them to reverence notwithstanding he was a young man. IGNATIUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the blessed church, by the grace of God the Father, in Jesus Christ our Saviour; through whom I salute the church which is at Magnesia, near the Maeander: and wish it all joy in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ. 2 When I heard of your well- ordered love and charity in God, being full of joy, I desired much to sp

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THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE TRALLIANS.

THE EPISTLE OF IGNATIUS TO THE TRALLIANS.

1 Acknowledges the coming of their bishop. 5 Commends them for their subjection to their bishop, priests, and deacons; and exhorts them to continue in it: 15 is afraid even of his over-great desire to suffer, lest it should be prejudicial to him. IGNATTUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the holy church which is at Tralles in Asia: beloved of God, the Father of Jesus Christ; elect and worthy of God, having peace through the flesh and blood, and passion of Jesus Christ our hope; in the resurrec

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Ignatius testifies his desire to see, and his hopes of suffering for Christ 5 which he earnestly entreats them not to prevent, 10 but to pray for him, that God would strengthen him to the combat. IGNATIUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the church which has obtained mercy from the majesty of the Most High Father, and his only begotten Son Jesus Christ; beloved, and illuminated through the will of him who willeth all things which are according to the love of Jesus Christ our God; which also pr

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CHAPTER. II.

CHAPTER. II.

Expresses his great desire and determination to suffer martyrdom. I WRITE to the churches, and signify to them all, that I am willing to die for God, unless you hinder me. 2 I beseech you that you show not an unseasonable good will towards me. Suffer me to be food to the wild beasts, by whom I shall attain unto God. 3 For I am the wheat of God, and I shall be ground by the teeth of the wild-beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ. Rather encourage the beasts, that they may became my

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Further expresses his desire to suffer. THE prince of this world would fain carry me away, and corrupt my resolution towards my God. Let none of you therefore help him; rather do ye join with me, that is, with God. 2 Do not speak with Jesus Christ, and yet covet the world. Let not any envy dwell with you; no, not though I myself, when I shall be come unto you, should exhort you to it, yet do not ye hearken to me; but rather believe what I now write to you. 3 For though I am alive at the writing

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Commends their bishop, whom they had sent unto him, warns them against division and schism. IGNATIUS, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, which is at Philadelphia in Asia; which has obtained mercy, being fixed in the concord of God, and rejoicing evermore in the passion of our Lord, and being fulfilled in all mercy through his resurrection: Which also I salute in the blood of Jesus Christ, which is our eternal and undefiled joy; especially i

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

Desires their prayers, and to be united, but not to Judaize. MY brethren, the love I have towards you makes me the more large; and having a great joy in you, I endeavour to secure you against danger; or rather not I, but Jesus Christ; in whom being bound, I the more fear, as being yet only on the way to suffering. 2 But your prayer to God shall make me perfect, that I may attain to that portion, which by God's mercy is allotted to me Fleeing to the Gospel as to the flesh of Christ; and to the Ap

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

Informs them he had heard that the persecution was stopped at Antioch: and directs them to send a messenger thither to congratulate with the church. NOW as concerning the church of Antioch which is in Syria, seeing I am told that through your prayers and the bowels which ye have towards it in Jesus Christ, it is in peace; it will become you, as the church of God, to ordain some I deacon to go to them thither as the ambassador of God; that he may rejoice with them when they meet together, and glo

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

1 Exhorts them against heretics. 8 The danger of their doctrine. NOW these things, beloved, I put you in mind of, not questioning but that you yourselves also believe that they are so. 2 But I arm you before-hand against certain beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not only not receive, but if it be possible must not meet with. 3 Only you must pray for them, that if it be the will of God they may repent; which yet will be very hard. But of this our Lord Jesus Christ has the power, who is ou

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 Exhorts them to follow their bishop and pastors; but especially their bishop. 6 Thanks them for their kindness, 11 and acquaints them with the ceasing of the persecution at Antioch. SEE that ye all follow your bishop, as Jesus Christ, the Father; and the presbytery, as the Apostles; and reverence the deacons, as the command of God. 2 Let no man do any thing of what belongs to the church separately from the bishop. 3 Let that eucharist be looked upon as well establishe

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

1 Continues his advice, 6 and teaches him how to advise others. 12 Enforces unity and subjection to the bishop. LET not the widows be neglected: be thou after God, their Guardian. 2 Let nothing be done without thy knowledge and consent; neither do thou anything but according to the will of God; as also thou dost, with all constancy. 3 Let your assemblies be more full: inquire into all by name. 4 Overlook not the men and maid servants; neither let them be puffed up: but rather let them be the mor

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 Greets Polycarp on the peace of the church at Antioch: 2 and desires him to write to that and other churches. NOW forasmuch as the church of Antioch in Lyria is, as I am told, in peace through your prayers; I also have been the more comforted, and without care in God; if so be that by suffering, I shall attain unto God; and through your prayers I may be found a disciple of Christ. 2 It will be very fit, O most worthy Polycarp, to call a select council, and choose some one whom ye particularly

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REFERENCES TO THE SEVEN EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS,

REFERENCES TO THE SEVEN EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS,

[The Epistles of Ignatius are translated by Archbishop Wake from the text of Vossius. He says that there were considerable difference in the editions; the best for a long time extant containing fabrications, and the genuine being altered and corrupted. Archbishop Usher printed old Latin translations of them at Oxford, in 1644. At Amsterdam, two years afterwards, Vossius printed six of them in their ancient and pure Greek; and the seventh, greatly amended from the ancient Latin version, was Print

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CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER I.

Polycarp commends the Philippians for their respect to those who suffered for the Gospel; and for their own faith. POLYCARP, and the presbyters that are with him, to the church of God which is at Philippi; mercy unto you, and peace from God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, be multiplied. 2 I rejoiced greatly with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye received the images of a true love, and accompanied, as it behoved you, those who were in bonds, becoming saints; which are the cro

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CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.

2 Exhorts to Faith, Hope, and Charity. 5 Against covetousness, and as to the duties of husbands, wives, widows, 9 deacons, young men, virgins, and presbyters. THESE things, my brethren, I took not the liberty of myself to write unto you concerning righteousness, but you yourselves before encouraged me to it. 2 For neither can i, nor any other such as I am, come up to the wisdom of the blessed and renowned Paul; who being himself in person with those who then lived, did with all exactness and sou

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CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.

1 As to faith in our Saviour Christ; his nature and sufferings, the resurrection and judgment. 3 Exhorts to prayer 5 and steadfastness in the faith, from the examples of Christ, 7 and Apostles and saints, and exhorts to carefulness in all well-doing. FOR whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, he is Antichrist: and whoever does not confess his suffering upon the cross, is from the devil. 2 And whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord to

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CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER IV.

Valens, a presbyter, having fallen into the sin of covetousness, he exhorts them against it. I am greatly afflicted for Valens, who was once a presbyter among you; that he should so little understand the place that was given to him in the church, Wherefore I admonish you that ye abstain from covetousness; and that ye be chaste, and true of speech. 2 Keep yourselves from all evil. For he that in these things cannot govern himself, how shall he be able to prescribe them to another? 3 If a man does

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VISION I.

VISION I.

1 Against filthy and proud thoughts; 20 also the neglect of Hermas in chastising his children. HE who had bred me up sold a certain young maid at Rome; whom when I saw many years after, I remembered her, and began to love her as a sister. It happened some time afterwards, that I saw her washing in the river. Tyber; and I reached out my hand unto her, and brought her out of the river, 2 And when I saw her I thought with myself, saying, How happy should I be if I had such a wife, both for beauty a

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VISION II.

VISION II.

Again, of his neglect in correcting his talkative wife; and of his lewd sons. AS I was on the way to Cuma, about the same time that I went the year before, I began to call to mind the vision I formerly had. And again the spirit carried me away, and brought me into the same place, in which I had been the year before. 2 And when I was come into the place, I fell down upon my knees, and began to pray unto the Lord, and to glorify his name, that he had esteemed me worthy, and had manifested unto me

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VISION III.

VISION III.

Of the building of the church triumphant, and of the several sorts of reprobates. THE vision which I saw, brethren, was this. 2 When I had often fasted and prayed unto the Lord, that he would manifest unto me the revelation, which he had promised by the old woman to show unto me; the same night she appeared unto me, and said unto me, 3 Because thou dost thus afflict thyself, and art so desirous to know all things, come into the field, where thou wilt, and about the sixth hour, I will a

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VISION IV.

VISION IV.

Of the trial, and tribulation that is about to come upon men. I SAW a vision brethren, twenty days after the former vision; a representation of the tribulation that is at hand. I was walking in the field way. 2 Now from the public way to the place whither I went is about ten furlongs; it is a way very little frequented: 3 And as I was walking alone, I entreated the Lord that he would confirm the Revelations which he had shown unto me by his Holy Church. 4 And would grant repentance to all his se

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COMMAND I.

COMMAND I.

Of believing in one God. FIRST of all believe that there is one God who created and brought all things out of nothing into existence. 2 He comprehends all things, and is only INFINITE, not to be comprehended by any. 3 Who can neither be defined by any words, nor conceived by the mind. 4 Therefore believe in him, and fear him; and fearing him abstain from all evil. 5 Keep these things, and cast all lust and iniquity far from thee, and put on righteousness, and thou shalt live to God, if thou shal

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COMMAND II.

COMMAND II.

That we must avoid detraction, and do our alms-deeds with simplicity. HE said unto me, Be innocent and without disguise; so shalt thou be like an infant who knows no malice which destroys the life of man. 2 Especially see that thou speak evil of none, nor willingly hear any one speak evil of others. 3 For if thou observest not this, thou also who hearest shall be partaker of the sin of him that speaketh evil, by believing the slander, and thou also shalt have sin, because thou believedst him tha

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COMMAND III.

COMMAND III.

Of avoiding lying, and the repentance of Hermas for his dissimulation. MOREOVER he said unto me love truth; and let all the speech be true which proceeds out of thy mouth. 2 That the spirit which the Lord hath given to dwell in thy flesh may be found true towards all men; and the Lord be glorified, who hath given such a spirit unto thee: because God is true in all his words, and in him there is no lie. 3 They therefore that lie, deny the Lord, and become robbers of the Lord, not rendering to God

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COMMAND IV.

COMMAND IV.

Of putting away one's wife for adultery. FURTHERMORE, said he, I command thee, that thou keep thyself chaste; and that thou suffer not any thought of any other marriage, or of fornication, to enter into thy heart; for such a thought produces great sin. 2 But be thou at all times mindful of the Lord, and thou shalt never sin. For if such an evil thought should arise in thy heart, then thou shall be guilty of a great sin; and they who do such things, follow the way of death. 3 Look therefore to th

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COMMAND V.

COMMAND V.

Of the sadness of the heart, and of patience. Be patient, says he, and long- suffering; so shalt thou have dominion over all wicked works, and shall fulfil all righteousness. 2 For if thou shalt be patient, the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in thee shall be pure, and not be darkened by any evil spirit; but being full of joy shall be enlarged, and feast in the body in which it dwells, and serve the Lord with joy, and in great peace. 3 But if any anger shall overtake thee, presently the Holy Spirit w

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COMMAND VI.

COMMAND VI.

That every man has two angels and of the suggestions of both. I COMMANDED thee, said he, in my first commandments, that thou shouldst keep faith and fear, and repentance. Yes, sir, said I. 2 He continued. But now I will shew thee the virtues of these commands, that then mayest know their effects; how they are prescribed alike to the just and unjust. 3 Do thou therefore believe the righteous, but give no credit to the unrighteous. For righteousness keepeth the right way, but unrighteousness the w

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COMMAND VII.

COMMAND VII.

That we must fear God but not the Devil. FEAR God, says he, and keep his commandments. For if thou keepest his commandments thou shalt be powerful in every work, and all thy works shall be excellent. For by fearing God, thou shalt do everything well. 2 This is that tear with which thou must be affected that thou mayest be saved. But fear not the Devil: for if thou fearest the Lord, thou shalt have dominion over him; because there is no power in him. 3 Now if there be no power in him, then neithe

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COMMAND VIII.

COMMAND VIII.

That we must flee from evil, and do good works. I HAVE told thee, said he, that there are two kinds of creatures of the Lord, and that there is a two-fold abstinence. From some things therefore thou must abstain, and from others not. 2 I answered, Declare to me, sir, from what I must abstain, and from what not. Hearken, said he, Keep thyself from evil, and do it not; yet abstain not from good, but do it. For if thou shalt abstain from what is good, and not do it, thou shalt sin. Abstain therefor

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COMMAND IX.

COMMAND IX.

That we must ask of God daily; and without doubting. AGAIN he said unto me; remove from thee all doubting; and question nothing at all when thou askest any thing of the Lord; saying within thyself, how shall I be able to ask any thing of the Lord and receive it, seeing I have so greatly sinned against him? 2 Do not think thus, but turn unto the Lord with all thy heart, and ask of him without doubting, and thou shalt know the mercy of the Lord; bow that he will not forsake thee, but will fulfil t

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COMMAND X.

COMMAND X.

Of the sadness of the heart; and that we must take, heed not to grieve the spirit of God that is in us. PUT all sadness far from thee; for it is the sister of doubting and of anger. How, sir, said I is it the sister of these? For sadness, and anger, and doubting, seem to me to be very different from one another. 2 And he answered: Art thou without sense that thou dost not understand it? For sadness is the most mischievous of all spirits, and the worst to the servants of God: It destroys the spir

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COMMAND XI.

COMMAND XI.

That the spirits and prophets are to be tried by their works; and of a twofold, spirit. HE showed me certain men sitting upon benches, and one sitting in a chair: and he said unto me; Seest thou those who sit upon the benches? Sir, said I, I see them. He answered, They are the faithful; and he who sits in the chair is an earthly spirit. 2 For he cometh not into the assembly of the faitful, but avoids it. But he joins himself to the doubtful and empty; and prophesies to them in corners and hidden

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COMMAND XII.

COMMAND XII.

Of a two fold desire: that the commands of God, are not impossible: and that the devil is not to be feared by them that believe. AGAIN he said unto me; remove from thee all evil desires, and put on good and holy desires. For having put on a good desire, thou shalt hate that which is evil, and bridle it as thou wilt. But an evil desire is dreadful, and hard to be tamed. 2 It is very horrible and wild; and by its wildness consumes men. And especially if a servant of God shall chance to fall into i

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SIMILITUDE I.

SIMILITUDE I.

That seeing we have no abiding city in this world, we ought to look after that which is to come. AND he said onto me; Ye know that ye who are the servants of the Lord, live here as in a pilgrimage; for your city is far off from this city. 2 If, therefore, ye know your city in which ye are to dwell, why do ye here buy estates, and provide yourselves with delicacies, and stately buildings, and supurfluous houses? For he that provides himself these things in this city, does not think of returning i

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SIMILITUDE II.

SIMILITUDE II.

As the vine is supported by the elm, so is the rich man helped by the prayers of the poor. AS I was walking into the field, and considered the elm and the vine, and thought with myself of their fruits, an angel appeared unto me, and said unto me; What is it that thou thinkest upon thus long within thyself? 2 And I said unto him, Sir, I think of this vine and this elm because their fruits are fair. And he said unto me; These two trees are set for a pattern to the servants of God. 3 And I said unt

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SIMILITUDE III.

SIMILITUDE III.

As the greet trees in the winter cannot be distinguished from the dry; so neither can the righteous from the wicked in this present world. AGAIN he showed me many trees whose leaves were shed, and which seemed to me to be withered, for they were all alike. And he said unto me, Seest thou these trees? I said, Sir, I see that they look like dry trees. 2 He answering, said unto me; These trees are like unto the men who live in the present world. I replied: Sir, why are they like unto dried trees? B

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SIMILITUDE IV.

SIMILITUDE IV.

As in the summer the living trees are distinguished from the dry by their fruit and green leaves; so in the world to come the righteous shall be distinguished from the unrighteous by their happiness. AGAIN he showed me many other trees, of which some had leaves, and others appeared dry and withered. And he said unto me, Seest thou these trees I answered, Sir, I see them; some are dry, and others full of leaves. 2 These trees, saith be, which are green, are the righteous, who shall possess the wo

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SIMILITUDE VI.

SIMILITUDE VI.

Of two sorts of voluptuous men, and of their death and defection; and of the continuance of their pains. AS I was sitting at home, and praising God for all the things which I had seen; and was thinking concerning the commands, that they were exceedingly good, and great, and honest, and pleasant, and such as were able to bring a man to salvation; I said thus within myself, I shall be happy if I walk according to these commands; and whosoever shall walk in them shall live unto God. 2 Whilst I was

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SIMILITUDE VII.

SIMILITUDE VII.

That they who repent, must bring forth, fruits worthy of repent once. AFTER a few days I saw the same person that before talked with me, in the same field, in which I had seen those shepherds, And he said unto me; What seekest thou? Sir, said I, I came to entreat you that You would command the shepherd, who is the minister of punishment, to depart out of my house, because he greatly afflicts me. 3 And he answered, It is necessary for thee to endure inconveniencies and vexations; for so that good

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SIMILITUDE VIII.

SIMILITUDE VIII.

That there are many kinds of elect, and of repenting sinners: and how all of theca shall receive a reward proportionable to the measure of their repentance and good works. AGAIN he showed me a willow which covered the fields and the mountains, under whose shadow came all such as were called by the name of the Lord. 2 And by that willow stood an. angel of the Lord very excellent and lofty, and did cut down bows from the willow with a great hook; and reached out to the people that were under the s

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SIMILITUDE IX.

SIMILITUDE IX.

The greatest mysteries of the militant and triumphant Church which is to be built. AFTER I had Written the Commands and similitudes of the Shepherd, the Angel of Repentance came unto me, and said to me, I will show thee all those things which the Spirit spake with thee under the figure of the church. For that Spirit is the Son of God. 2 And because thou wert weak in body, it was not declared unto thee by the angel, until thou wert strengthened by the Spirit, and increased in force, that thou mig

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SIMILITUDE X.

SIMILITUDE X.

Of Repentance and alms-deeds. AFTER I had written this book, the angel which had delivered me to that shepherd, came into the house where I was and sat upon the bed, and that shepherd stood at his right hand. 2 Then he called me and said unto me; I delivered thee and thy house to this shepherd, that thou mightest be protected by him. I said, Yes, Lord. 3 If therefore, said he, thou wilt be protected from all vexations and from all cruelty, and have success in every good word and work, and have a

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REFERENCES TO THE BOOK OF HERMAS, THE SHEPHERD.

REFERENCES TO THE BOOK OF HERMAS, THE SHEPHERD.

[This book, divided into three parts, called his VISIONS, COMMANDS, and SIMILITUDES, is thus entitled, because it was composed by Hermas, brother to Pius, bishop of Rome; and because the Angel, who bears the principal part in it, is represented in the form and habit of a shepherd. Irenxus quotes it under the very name of Scripture. Origen thought it a most useful writing, and that it was divinely inspired; Eusebius says that, though it was not esteemed canonical, it was read publicly in the chur

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