tihvavy of t:he t^heoiogical Seminary PRINCETON . NEW JERSEY PRESENTED BY Mrs. Mary Havlland Elmer, N, J. \y. The HOLY BIBLE f\o\V\o>r\-z.eA . Volume Coldstream: Printed by Robert Kerr for the Free Bible Press Company 18^6 He prayeth, and blesseth God. 36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. ol It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah. 38 But thou hast cast off and ab- horred, thou hast been wroth Avith thine anointed. 39 Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant : thou hast profaned his crown hy casting it to the ground. 40 Thou hast broken down all his hedges ; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin. 4 1 All that pass by the way spoil him : he is a reproach to his neighbours. 42 Thou hast set up the right hand of his adversaries ; thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice. 43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle. 44 Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground. 45 The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah. 46 How long, Lord ? wilt thou hide thyself for ever ? shall thy wrath burn like fire ? 47 Remember how short my time is : wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? 48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death ? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ? Selah. 49 Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth ? 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants ; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people ; 51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O Lord ; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed. 52 Blessed he the Lord for ever- more. Amen, and Amen. PSALM XC. MoseSf setting forth God's providence, 3 com- plaineth of human fragility, 7 divine chastise- ments, 10 and brevity of life : 12 he prayeth for the knowledge and sensible experience of God's ffood providence. 2 » PSALMS. The/railfy of human life. % A Prayer of Moses the man of God. T ORD, thou hast been our dwelling -■-^ place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from ever- lasting to everlasting, thou art God. 3 Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sayest. Return, ye children of men. 4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5 Thou earnest them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut doAvn, and withereth. 7 For we are consumed by thine an- ger, and by thy wrath are w^e troubled. 8 Thou hast set our iniquities be- fore thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath : we spend our years as a tale that is told. 10 The days of our years are three- score years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 1 1 Who knoweth the power of thine anger ? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 13Return,OLoRD,howlong? andlet it repent thee concerning thy servants. 14 O satisfy us early with thy mer- cy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, ajid the years wherein we have seen evil. 16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. 17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us : and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the w^ork of our hands establish thou it. 625 The security of the godly . PSALM XCI. 1 The state of the godly : 3 their safety : 9 their habitation: 11 their servants : II their friend ; witli the ^ects of them all. TT E that chvelletli in the secret place jnL of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress : my God ; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his fea- thers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall he thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night ; nor for the ariow that flieth by day ; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walk- eth in darkness ; nor for the destruc- tion that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ; hut it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only Avith thine eyes shalt thou be- hold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lokd lahich is my refuge, ewn the most high, thy habitation ; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 1 1 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder : the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer hira : 1 will he with him in trouble ; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. PSALM XCII. 1 The prophet e.vhorteth to praise God, 4 for his great tvorks, (i for his judgments on the u-icked, 10 and for his goodness to the godly. 626 PSALMS. Exhortation to praise God. ^ A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. /T is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high : 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings; and upon the psaltery ; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work : I Avill triumph in the works of thy hands. 5 O Lord, how great are thy works ! and thy thoughts are very deep. 6 A brutish man knoweth not ; nei- ther doth a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish ; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever : 8 But tiiou. Lord, art most high for evermore. 9 For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish ; all the workers of iniquity shall be scat- tered. 10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn : I shall be anointed with fi-esh oil. 11 Mine eye also shall see my de- sire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree : he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourishing ; 15 To shew that the Lord is up- right : he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. PSALM XCIII. The majesty, power, and holiness of Christ's kingdom. T^HE Lord reigneth, he is clothed -*- with majesty ; the Lord is clothed with strength, therewith he hath gird- ed himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. The blessedness of affliction. PSALMS. An exhortation to praise GoS. % Thy throne is established of old : thou art from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice ; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. 5 Thy testimonies are very sure : holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. PSALM XCIV. 1 The prophet, calling for justice, complaineth of tyranny and impiety : 8 he teacheth God's pro- vidence : 12 he sheiveth the blessedness of afflic- tion : 16 God is the defender of the afflicted. OLoRD God, to Avhom vengeance belongeth ; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. 2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth : render a reward to the proud. 3 Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph ? 4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things ? and all the work- ers of iniquity boast themselves ? 5 They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage. 6 They slay the widow and tlie stranger, and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. 8 Understand, ye brutish among the people : and ye fools, when will ye be wise ? 9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear ? he that formed the eye, shall he not see ? 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct ? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know ? 11 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. 12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law ; 13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast ofl" his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. 15 But judgment shall return unto ' 2 s a righteousness : and all the upright iii heart shall follow it. - 16 Who Avill rise up for me against the evildoers ? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity ? 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. 18 When I said. My foot slippeth ; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my souL 20 Shall the throne of iniquity have felloAvship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law { 21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness ; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off. PSALM XCV. 1 An exhortation to praise God, 3 for his greatness, 6 and for his goodness, 8 and not to tempt himi OCOME, let us sing unto the LorO-: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is a gi-eat God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth : the strength of the hillis is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it : and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before the Lord our maker. 7 For he is our God ; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your heart, as in tlie provocation, arid as in the day of temptation in the wilderness : 9 When your fiithers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. 10 Forty years long was I grieved witlj this generation, and said. It in a 627 !%€ majesty of God's kingdom. PSALMS. people that do err in their heart, and they have not knoAvn my ways : 1 1 Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. PSALM XCVL 1 An exhortation to praise God, 4 for his great- ness, 8 for his kingdom, H for his general judg- ment. /^ SING unto the Lord a new song : ^^ sing unto the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the hea- then, his wonders among all people. 4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols : but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him : strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the Lord, O ye kin- dreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. 8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name : bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein : then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the Lord : for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : he shall judge the world with righteous- ness, and the people with his truth. PSALM XCVIL 1 The majesty of God's kingdom : 7 the church rejoiceth at God's judgments upon idolaters : 10 an exhortation to godliness and gladness. ^HE Lord reigneth ; let the earth -*- rejoice ; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him : righteousness and judg- ment are the habitation of his throne. 628 Exhortation to praise Ood. 3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world : the earth saw, and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare his righteous- ness, and all the people see his glory. 7 Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols : worship him, all ye gods. 8 Zion heard, and Avas glad ; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O Lord. 9 For thou. Lord, art high above all the earth : thou art exalted far above all gods. 10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil : he preserveth the souls of his saints ; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. 1 1 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye right- eous ; and give thanks at the remem- brance of his holiness. PSALM XCVIII. 1 The psalmist exhorteth the Jews, 4 the Gentiles, 7 and all the creatures to praise God. % A Psalm. OSING unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things ; his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 2 The Lord hath made known his salvation : his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. 3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Is- rael : all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth : make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 5 Sing unto the Lord with the harpj with the harp, and the voice of a psalm- 6 With trumpets and sound of cor- net make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. 7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the Avorld, and they that dwell therein. Ood is to be worshipped. 8 Let the floods clap their hands : let the hills be joyful together 9 Before the Lord ; for he cometh to judge the earth : Avith righteousness shall he judge the world, and the peo- ple with equity. PSALM XCIX. 1 The prophet, netting forth the kingdom of God in Zion, 5 exhorteth all, by the example of their forefathers, to worship God at his holy hill. nPHE Lord reigneth ; let the people -*- tremble : he sitteth between the cherubims ; let the earth be moved. 2 The Lord is great in Zion ; and he is high above all the people. 3 Let them praise thy great and ter- rible name ; for it is holy. 4 The king's strength also loveth judgment ; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and right- eousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool ',for he is holy. 6 Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call up- on his name ; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. 7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar : they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them. 8 Thou answeredst them, O Lord our God : thou Avast a God that for- gavest them, though thou tookest ven- geance of their inventions. 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill \ for the Lord our God is holy. PSALM C. 1 An exhortation to praise God cheerfully, Z for his greatness, 4 and for his power. ^y A Psalm of praise. "V/TAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord, ^^ all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence wdth singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God : it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates Avith thanks- giving, and into his courts Avith praise : be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth to all generations. PSALMS. David* s vow and profession. PSALM CL David maketh a vow and prof ession of godliness. % A Psalm of David. T WILL sing of mercy and judgment : -*- unto thee, O Lord, Avill I sing. 2 I AA-ill behave myself Avisely in a perfect way. O Avhen Avilt thou come unto me ? I will Avalk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no Avicked thing before mine eyes : I hate the work of them that turn aside ; it shall not cleaA'e to me. 4 A froAvard heart shall depart from me : I will not knoAv a Avicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him Avill I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart Avill not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faith- ful of the land, that they may dAvell with me : he that Avalketh in a perfect Avay, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dAvell Avithin my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I Avill early destroy all the Avicked of the land ; that I may cut off all Avicked doers from the city of the Lord. PSALM CII. 1 The prophet in his prayer maketh a grievous complaint : 12 he taketh comfort in the eternity and mercy of God : 18 the mercies of God are to be recorded : 23 he sustaineth his weakness by the vnchangeableness of God. ^ A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is OA'er- Avlielmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord. TTEATl my prayer, O Lord, and let -*--^ my cry come unto thee. 2 Hide not thy face from me in the day wlten I am in trouble ; incline thine ear unto me : in the day when I call ansAver me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4 My heart is smitten, and Avithered like grass ; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 By reason of the voice of my groan- ing my bones cleave to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilder- ness : I am like an oavI of the desert. 7 I Avatch, and am as a sparroAV alone upon the house top. A ^r^yer of the afflicted- PSALMS. 8 Mine enemies reproach me all the (lay ; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath : for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 1 1 My days are like a shadow that declineth ; and I am withered like grass. 12 But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever ; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion : for the time to favour lier, yea, the set time, is come. 14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. 15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16 When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18 This shall be written for the generation to come : and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. 19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary ; from hea- ven did the Lord behold the earth ; 20 To hear the groaning of the pri- soner; to loose those that are ap- pointed to death ; 21 To declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem ; 22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. ^3 He weakened my strength in the way ; he shortened my days. . 24 I saidj O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days : thy years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old hast thou laid the found- ^tipn of the earth : and the heavens are the work of thy hands. . 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure : yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment ; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. ^30 An exhortation to bless God. 28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be estabhshcd before thee. PSALM cm. 1 An exhortation to bless God for his mercy, 15 and for the constancy thereof. ^ A Psalm of David. T>LESS the Lord, O my soul : and -*-^ all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits : ^ 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniqui- ties ; who healeth all thy diseases ; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies ; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things ; so that thy youth is re- newed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways imto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord /« merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide : neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt w^ith us after our sins ; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 1 1 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his chil- dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame ; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passe th over it, and it is gone ; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lqrd is from everlasting to everlasting uppn them that fear him, and his righteous- ness unto children's children ; 18 To such as keep his covenant, A meditation on the power PSAT and to those that remember his com- mandments to do them. 19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens ; and his king- dom ruleth over all. 20 ])less the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his com- mandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion : bless the Lord, O my soul. PSALM CIV. 1 A meditation upon the mighty power, 7 a7id wonderful providence of God : 31 God's glory is eternal: 33 the prophet voweth perpetually to praise God. "DLESS the Lord, O my soul. O -*-^ Lord my God, thou art very great ; thou art clothed with honour and ma- jesty. 2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment : who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain : 3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters : who maketh the clouds his chariot : who walketh upon the wings of the wind : 4 Who maketh his angels spirits ; his ministers a flaming fire : 5 IVho laid the foundations of the earth, tliat it should not be removed for ever. 6 Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment : the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At thy rebuke they fled ; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. 8 They go up by the mountains ; they go down by the valleys unto the place Avhich thou hast founded for them. 9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over ; that they turn not again to cover the earth. 10 He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. 12 By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. 13 He watereth the hills from his iMS. and providence of God. chambers : the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy Avorks. 14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man : that he may bring forth food out of the earth ; 15 And wine tliat maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make Ids face to shine, and bread which strengthen- eth man's heart. 16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap: the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; 17 Where the birds make their nests : as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. 18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats ; and the rocks for the conies. 19 He appointed the moon for sea- sons : the sun knoweth his going down. 20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep /b/7//. 21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. 22 The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. 23 Man goetli forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. 24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. 25 So is this great and Avide sea, Avherein are things creeping innu- merable, both small and great beasts. 26 There go the ships : there is that leviathan, whoin thou hast made to play therein. 27 These wait all upon thee ; that thou mayest give thein their meat in due season. 28 That thou givest them they ga- ther : thou openest thine hand, they are filled Avith good. 29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled : thou takest aAvay their breath, they die, and retiirn to their dust. 30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created : and thou rencAvest the face of the earth. 31 The glory of the Lord shall en- dure for ever : the Lord shall rejoice in his Avorks. (331 God's power and 'providence 32 He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth : he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. 33 I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live : I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34 My meditation of him shall be sweet : I will be glad in the Lord. 35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CV. 1 An exhortation to praise God, and to seek out his works : 7 the story of God' s providence over Abraham, 16 over Joseph, 23 over Jacob in Egypt, 26 oi^er Moses deliveritiff the Israelites, 37 over the Israelites brought out of Egypt, fed in the wilderness, and planted in Canaan. OGIVE thanks unto the Lord ; call upon his name : make known his deeds among the people. 2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him : talk ye of all his wondrous works. 3 Glory ye in his holy name : let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 4 Seek the Lord, and his strength : seek his face evermore. 5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done ; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth ; 6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. 7 He is the Lord our God : his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he command- ed to a thousand generations. 9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac ; 10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant : 11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance : 12 When there were hut a few men in number ; yea, very few, and strangers in it. 13 When they went from one na- tion to another, from one kingdom to another people ; 14 He suffered no man to do them wrong : yea, he reproved kings for their sakes ; 632 PSALMS. over Abraham, Joseph, Moseg, 15 Saying, Touch not mine anoint- ed, and do my prophets no harm. 16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land : he brake the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant : 18 Whose feet they hurt with fet- ters : he was laid in iron : 19 Until the time that his word came : the word of the Lord tried him. 20 The king sent and loosed him ; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance : 22 To bind his princes at his plea- sure ; and teach his senators wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. 24 And he increased his people greatly ; and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants. 26 He sent Moses his servant ; and Aaron whom he had chosen. 27 They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word. 29 He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish. 30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of ^heir kings. 31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasta. 32 He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. 33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees ; and brake the trees of their coasts. 34 He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, 35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength. and the Israelites. PSAX.MS. The history of Israel's rebellions. 31 He brought them forth also Avith silver and gold : and t/iere was not one feeble person among their tribes. 38 Egypt was glad when they de- parted : for the fear of them fell upon them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering ; and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people a.sked,7Lnd he hronght quails, and satisfied them Avith the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. 42 For he remembered his holy pro- mise, atid Abraham his servant. 43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen Avith gladness : 44 And gave them the lands of the heathen : and they inherited the la- bour of the people ; 45 That they might observe his sta- tutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CVL 1 The psalmist exhorteth to praise God: 4 he prayeth for pardon of sin, as God did with the fathers : 7 the story of the people's rebellion, and God's mercy : 47 he concludeth with prayer and praise. TDR AISE ye the Lord. O give thanks •*- unto the Lord ; for he is good : for his mercy endiireth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord ? who can shew forth all his praise ? 3 Blessed are they that keep judg- ment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour iJiat thou hearest unto thy peo- ple : O visit me Av-ith thy salvation ; 5 That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the glad- ness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance. 6 We have sinned Avith our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt ; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies ; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Ked sea. 8 Nevertheless he saA'ed them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty poAver to be knoAvn. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it Avas dried up : so he led them through the depths, as through the Avilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 1 1 And the waters covered their ene- mies : there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. 13 They soon forgat his Avorks ; they Avaited not for his counsel : 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wil- derness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. 16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. 17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire Avas kindled in their company ; the flame burned up the Avicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. 20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eat- eth grass. 21 They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; 22 Wondrous Avorks in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea. 23 Therefore he said that he Avould destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn aAvay his Avrath, lest he should destroy them. 24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word : 25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. 26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to OA'erthrow them in the Avilderness : 27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 2S They joined themseh'es also un- to Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 633 The history qf Israel's rebellions. PSALMS 29 Thus they provoked hiin to au- ger with their inventions : and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment : and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. 32 They angered 7iim also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes : 33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. 34 They did not destroy the na- tions, concerning whom the Lord com- manded them : 35 But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. 36 And they served their idols : which were a snare unto them. 37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, 38 And shed innocent blood, eveti the blood of their sons and of their daughters, Avhom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan : and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. 40 Therefore Avas the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, in- somuch that he abhorred his own in- heritance. 41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen ; and they that hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into sub- jection under their hand. 43 Many times did he deliver them ; but they provoked /*ew with their coun- sel, and Avere brought low for their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry : 45 And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. 46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and 634 Exhortatio7i to jjraise God. gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. 48 Blessed he the Lord God of Is- rael from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say. Amen. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CVIL 1 The psalmist exhorteth the redeemed, inpraising God, to observe his manifold providence, 4 over travellers, 10 over captives, 17 over sick men, 23 over seamen, 33 aiid iti divers varieties of life. /^ GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for ^-^ he is good : for his mercy endur- eth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy ; 3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. • 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way ; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 8 Oh that men Avould praise the Lord /br his goodness, and^br his Avon- derful works to the children of men ! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with good- ness. 10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron ; 1 1 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High : 12 Therefore he brought doAvn their heart with labour ; they fell down, and there was none to help. 13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. 15 Oh that 7nen would praise the Lord for bis goodness, and for his Exhortation to praise Ood PSAL wonderful works to the children of men ! 16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. 17 Fools because of their transgres- sion, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat ; and they draw near unto the gates of death. 19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered ihein from their destructions. 21 Oh that men would praise the "LiOB-Tifor his goodness, and /or his won- derful works to the children of men ! 22 And let them sacrifice the sacri- fices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. 23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters ; 24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. 25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths : their soul is melted because of ti-ouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. 28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet ; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31 Oh that men would praise the Lord /or his goodness, and /or his won- derful works to the children of men ! 32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders. 33 He turneth rivers into a wilder- ness, and the watersprings into dry ground ; 34 A fruitful land into barrenness. iMS. for his manifold blessings. for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. 35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. 36 And there he maketh the hungiy to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation ; 37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, wliich may yield fi-uits of increase. 38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly ; and suf- fereth not their cattle to decrease. 39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, af- fliction, and sorrow. 40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. 41 Yet settcth he the poor on high fi-om affliction, and maketh him fami- lies like a flock. 42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice : and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoso is Avise, and will observe these things, even they shall under- stand the lovingkindness of the Lord. PSALM CVIII. 1 David encourageth himself to praise God : 5 fte prayeth for God's assistance according to his promise : 11 his eoi^fiderice in God's help. 5[ A Song or Psalm of David. OGOD, my heart is fixed ; I will sing and give praise, even Mitli my glory. 2 Awake, psaltery and harp ; I myself w\\\ awake early. 3 i will praise thee, O Lord, among the people : and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens : and tliy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens : and thy glory above all the earth ; 6 That thy beloved may be deliver- ed : save with thy right hand, and answer me. 7 God hath spoken in his holiness ; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the vallev of Succoth. David complaineth of his enemies. PSALMS. 8 Gilead is mine ; Manasseh is mine ; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head ; Judah is my lawgiver ; 9 Moab is my washpot ; over Edom will I cast out my shoe ; over Philistia will I triumph. 10 Who will bring me into the strong city ? who will lead me into Edom ? 1 1 Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts ? 12 Give us help from trouble : for vain is the help of man. 13 Through God we shall do va- liantly : for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. PSALM CIX. 1 David, complaining of his slanderous enemies, under the person of Judas devoteth them : 16 he sheweth their sin: 21 complaining of his own misery, he prayeth for help : 30 he promiseth thankfulness. % To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. XT OLD not thy peace, O God of my •*-■*• praise ; 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me : they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. 3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred ; and fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adver- saries : but I give myself unto prayer. 5 And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. 6 Set thou a wicked man over him : and let Satan stand at his right hand. 7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned : and let his prayer be- come sin. 8 Let his days be few ; and let an- other take his office. 9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. 10 Let his children be continually va- gabonds, and beg : let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places. 1 1 Let the extortioner catch all that he hath ; and let the strangers spoil his labour. 12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him : neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children. 13 Let his posterity be cut off; and 636 He prayeth for help, in the generation follomng let their name be blotted out. 14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the Lord; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. 15 Let them be before the liORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth. 16 Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart. 17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him. 18 As he clothed himself with curs- ing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones. 19 Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually. 20 Let this he the reward of mine adversaries from the Lord, and of them that speak evil against my soul. 21 But do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name's sake : because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. 23 I am gone like the shadow when it decline th : I am tossed up and down as the locust. 24 My knees are weak through fast- ing ; and my flesh faileth of fatness. 25 I became also a reproach unto them : tvhen they looked upon me they shaked their heads. 26 Help me, O Lord my God : O save me according to thy mercy : 27 That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, Lord, hast done it. 28 Let them curse, but bless thou; when they arise, let them be ashamed ; but let thy servant rejoice. 29 Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover them- selves with their own confusion, as with a mantle. 30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth ; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. 31 For he shall stand at the right Tfw priesthood, ^c. of Christ. PSALMS. Tlie gain of godlinest. and are done in truth and upright- ness. 9 He sent redemption unto his peo- ple : he hath commanded his covenant for ever : holy and reverend is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the be- ginning of wisdom : a good understand- ing have all they that do his command- ments : his praise endureth for ever. PSALM CXII. 1 Godliness hath the promises of this life, 4 and of the life to come : 10 the prosperity of tlut godly shall be an eyesore to the wicked. pRAISE ye the Lord. Blessed is -*- the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his com- mandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth : the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house : and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness : he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteousk 5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth : he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever : the righteous shall be in ever- lasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings : his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor ; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be grieved ; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away : the desire of the -wick- ed shall perish. PSALM CXIII. 1 An exhortation to praise God for his excellency, 6 for his mercy. PRAISE ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. PSALM ex. 1 The kingdom. 4 the priesthood, 5 the conquest, 7 and the passion of Christ. ^ A Psalm of David. 'T'HE Lord said unto ray Lord, Sit -■- thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion : rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morn- ing : thou hast the dew of thy youth. 4 The Lord hath sworn, and wall not repent. Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shalljudge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies ; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook in the way : therefore shall he lift up the head. PSALM CXI. 1 The psalmist by his example inciteth others to praise God for his glorious, 5 and gracious works : 10 the fear of God breedeth true wisdom. TDRAISE ye the Lord. I will praise -*■ the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have plea- sure therein. 3 His work is honourable and glo- rious : and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him : he will ever be mind- ful of his covenant. 6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. 7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment ; all his commandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever and ever, ye the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. 8 From the rising of the sun unto 687 An exhortation to fear God. PS^ALMS. The vanity of idols. the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all na- tions, and his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, - 6 Who humbleth/RAI8E ye the Lord. Praise ye -*- the name of the Lord ; praise liim, O ye servants of the Lord. 3 Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of oiu* God, 3 Praise the Lord ; for the Lord is good : sing praises unto his name ; for it is pleasant. 4 For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his pecu- liar treasure. 5 For 1 know that the Lord w great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. 7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth ; he maketh lightnings for the rain ; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. 8 Who smote the firstborn df Egypt, both of man and beast. 9 Who sent tokens and wonders in- to the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. 10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings ; 11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the king- doms of Canaan : 1.'2 And gave their land /br an herit- age, an heritage unto Israel his people. "l3 Thy name, O Lord, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, 0 Lord, throughout all generations. 14 For the Lord will jiulge his jm?©- ple, and lie will repent himself con- cerning his servants. 15 The idolsof the heathen ^r^ silver and o-old. the work of men's hands. 647 Exhortations to thanksgiviiig. PSALMS. The Jews' constancy in captivity. 16 They have mouthsjbut they speak not ; eyes have they, but they see not ; 17 They have ears, but they hear not ; neither is there any breath in their mouths. 18 They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trust- eth in them. 19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron : 20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi : ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord. 21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CXXXVI. An exhortation to give thanks to God for parti- cular mercies. r\ GIVE thanks unto the Lord; ^-^ for he is good : for his mercy en- dureth for ever. 2 O give thanks unto the God of gods : for his mercy endureth for ever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords : for his mercy endureth for ever. 4 To him who alone doeth great won- ders : for his mercy endureth for ever. 5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. 6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters : for his mercy endureth for ever. 7 To him that made great hghts: for his mercy endureth for ever : 8 Thtf sun to rule by day : for his mercy endureth for ever : 9 The moon and stars to rule by night : for his mercy endureth for ever. 10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn : for his mercy endureth for ever: 11 And brought out Israel from a- mong them : for his mercy endureth for ever : 12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm : for his mercy en- dureth for ever. 13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts : for his mercy endureth for ever : 14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it : for liis mercy endureth for ever: 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his G4S host in the Red sea : for his mercy en- dureth for ever. 16 To him which led his people through the wilderness : for his mercy endureth for ever. 17 To him which smote great kings : for his mercy endureth for ever : 18 And slew famous kings : for his mercy endureth for ever : 19 Sihon king of the Amorites : for his mercy endureth for ever : 20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever : 21 And gave their land for an herit- age : for his mercy endureth for ever : 22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant : for his mercy endureth for ever. 23 Who remembered us in our low estate : for his mercy endureth for ever : 24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy ewc?i LESSED be the Lord my sti-ength, ^-^ which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight : 2 My goodness, and my fortress ; my high tower, and my deliverer ; my shield, and he in whom I trust ; who subdueth my people under me. 3 liORD, what is man, that thou takest Icnowledge of him ! or the son of man, that thou makest accoimt of him ! 4 Man is like to vanity : his days are as a shadow that passeth away. 5 Bow thy heavens, () Lord, and come down : touch the mountains, and they sliall smoke. 6 Cast forth lightning, and scatter them : shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. 7 Send thine hand from above ; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children ; 8 Whose mouth speaketh vanitj', and their right hand is a right haml of falsehood. 9 I will sing a new song unto thee, 0 God : upon a psaltery and an in- strument of ten strings wiW. I sing praises unto thee. 10 // is he that giveth salvation unto kings : who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 1 1 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vah.ity, and their right liand is a right hand of falsehood : 12 That our sons may he as plants grown up in their youth ; that our daughters may he as corner stones, pol- ished after the similitude of a palace : 13 That our garners may he full, aiFording all manner of store : that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets : 14 That our oxen may he strong to labour ; that there he no breaking in, nor going out ; that tltere be no com- plaining in our streets. 15 Happy is that people, that is in sucli a case : yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Loud. PSALM CXLV. 1 David praiseth God for his fame, Sfor his good- ness, U for his kingdom, U for his providence, M for his saving mercy. fi.'il David praiseth God. PSALMS. God only worthy to be trusted. ^ David's Psalm of praise. T WILL extol thee, my God, O king ; -■- and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. 2 Every day Avill I bless thee ; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is un- searchable. 4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts : and I will declare thy greatness. 7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion ; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all : and his tender mercies are over all his works. 10 All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord ; and thy saints shall bless thee. 1 1 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power ; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. 14 The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait upon thee ; and thou givest them their meat in due season. 16 Thou openest thine hand, and sa- tisfiest the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. 18 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. 19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him : he also will hear their cry, and will save them. '20 The Lord preserveth all them 652 that love him : but all the wicked will he destroy. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord : and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. PSALM CXLVI. 1 The psalmist voweth perpetual praises to Gods 3 he exhorteth not to trust in man : 5 God, for his power, justice, mercy, and kingdom, is only worthy to be trusted. pRAlSE ye the Lord. Praise the ■*- Lord, O my soul. 2 While I live will I praise the Lord : I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. 3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His breath goeth forth, he return- eth to his earth ; in that very day his thoughts perish. 5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God : 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is : which keepeth truth for ever : 7 Which executeth judgment for the oppressed : which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners : 8 The Lord openeth the eyes o/the blind : the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down : the Lord loveth the righteous : 9 The Lord preserveth the stran- gers ; he relieveth the fatherless and widow : but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. 10 The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all gener- ations. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CXLVII. 1 The prophet exhorteth to praise God/or his care of the church, 4 his power, 6 and his mercy : 7 to praise him for his providence : 12 to praise him for his blessings upon the kingdom, 15 for his power over the meteors, 19 and for his ordi' nances in the church. IDRAISE ye the Lord : for it is good -■- to sing praises unto our God ; for it is pleasant ; and praise is comely. 2 The Lord doth build up Jerusa- lem : he gathereth together the out- casts of Israel. 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. All creatures exhorted PSALMS 4 He telle th the number of the stars ; he calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power : his understanding is infinite. 6 The Lord lifteth up the meek : he casteth the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing unto the Lord with thanks- giving ; sing praise upon the harp unto our God : 8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. 9 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. 10 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse : he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem ; praise thy God, O Zion. 13 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates ; he hath blessed thy children within thee. 14 He maketh peace in thy bor- ders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sendeth forth his command- ment upon earth : his word runneth very swiftly. 16 He giveth snow like wool : he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. 17 He casteth forth his ice like morsels : who can stand before his cold? 18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them : he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow. 19 He sheweth his word unto Ja- cob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation : and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CXLVIII. 1 The psalmist exhorteth the celestial, 7 the ter- restrial, II and the rational creatures to praise God. P RAISE ye the Lord. Praise ye -'- the Lord from the heavens : praise him in the heights. to praise God. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, sun and moon : praise him, all ye stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of hea- vens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord : for he commanded, and they were created. 6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever : he hath made a decree which shall not pass. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps : 8 Fire, and hail ; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word : 9 Mountains, and all hills ; fruitful trees, and all cedars : 10 Beasts, and all cattle ; creeping things, and flying fowl : 1 1 Kings of the earth, and all peo- ple ; princes, and all judges of the earth : 12 Both young men, and maidens ; old men, and children : 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord : for his name alone is excellent ; his glory is above the earth and heaven. 14 lie also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints ; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CXLIX. 1 The prophet exhorteth to praise God for his love to the church, 5 and for that power which he hath yiven to the church. PRAISE ye the Lord. Sing unto fVip T.r>T?r» n iipw «nn(T niirl liis the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him : let the children of Zion be joy- ful in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in the dance : let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people : he will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory : let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 I^t the high praises of (iod be in their mouth, and a twoedgcd sword in their hand ; 7 To execute vengeance upon tlie liea- then,rt/?r/ punishments upon fhr]i<'oplc; 653 .in exhortation to praise God 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron ; 9 To execute upon them the judg- ment Avritten : this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord. PSALM CL. 1 An exhortation to praise God, 3 with all kind 0^ instruments. T) RAISE ye the Lord. Praise God -'- in his sanctuary : praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts : PSALMS. with all kind of instruments^ praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet : praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance : praise him with stringed in- struments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cym- bals : praise him upon the high sound- ing cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. THE PROVERBS. CHAPTER I. 1 The use of the proverbs: 7 ati exhortation to fear God, and believe his word : 10 to avoid the enticings of sinners : 2() wisdom complaineth of her contempt : '24 she threateneth her con- temners. T^HE proverbs of Solomon the son -*- of David, king of Israel ; 2 To know Avisdom and instruction ; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wis- dom, justice, and judgment, and equity ; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and dis- cretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will in- crease learning ; and a man of imder- standingshall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation ; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 ^ The fear of the Lord is the be- ginning of knowledge : but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother : 9 For they tiliall he an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 10 ^ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say. Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause : 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave ; and whole, as those that go down into the pit : 13 We shall find all precious sub- 654 stance, we shall fill our houses with spoil : 14 Cast in thy lot among us ; let us all have one purse : 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them ; refrain thy foot from their path : 16 For their feet run to evil, arwi make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lay wait for their own blood ; they lurk privily for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain ; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. 20 ^f Wisdom crieth without ; she uttereth her voice in the streets : 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates:' in the city she uttereth her words, saxfing, 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge ? 23 Turn you at my reproof : behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 ^ Because I have called, and ye refused ; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my re- proof : 26 I also will laugh at y otrr calamity ; I will mock when your feai* Cometh ; Wisdom jyromiseth godliness. CHAP. II. III. Exhortation to obedience. 27 When your fear cometh as de- solation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; when distress and an- guish cometh upon you. 28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me : 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord : 30 They w^ould none of my coun- sel : they despised all my reproof 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own Avay, and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the pros- perity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. CHAPTER n. 1 Wiidom promiseth godliness to her children, 10 and safety from evil company, 20 and direction in good ivays. IVrY son, if thou Avilt receive my •^'-'- words, and hide my command- ments with thee ; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after know- ledge, and liftest up thy voice for un- dei*standing ; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; 6 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the know- ledge of God. 6 For the Lord giveth Avisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous : lie is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepetii the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand rij^ht- eousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 H When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasajit unto thy soul ; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee : 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speak- eth froward things ; 13 Who leave the paths of upright- ness, to walk in the ways of darkness ; 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and de- light in the frowardness of the wicked ; 15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths : 16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words ; 17 Which forsaketh tlie guide of her youth, and forget teth the covenant of her God. 18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life. 20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. CHAPTER III. 1 An exhortation to obedience. 5 to faith, 7 to mor- tification, 9 to devotion, 11 to patience : V6 thv happy gain of uisdoin : 19 the power, 21 and the benefits of u-isdo-m: Ti an exhortation to charitableness, ^Jpeaceableness, 31 and content- edness : 33 the cursed state of the wicked. MY son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my com- mandments : 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee : bind them about thy neck ; -vviite them upon the table of thine heart : 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 K Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 H Be not wise in thine own eyes : fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be heahli to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 9 Honour the Lord ^nth thy snb- 665 The happy gain of wisdom. PROVEEBS. Solomon exhorteth to stance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase : 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new Avine. 11^ My son, despise not the chast- ening of the Lord ; neither be weary of his correction : 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth ; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 11 Happy is the man that find- eth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies : and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand ; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasant- ness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her : and happy is every one that retaineth her. 19 The Lord by wdsdom hath founded the earth ; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds diop down the dew. 21 ^ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes : keep sound wisdom and discretion : 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid : yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wick- ed, when it cometh, 26 For the Lord shall be thy con- fidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. 27 1[ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, 656 and come again, and to morrow I will give ; when thou hast it by thee. 29 Devise not evil against thy neigh- bour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 30 % Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. 31 ^ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the froward is abomination to the Lord : but his secret is with the righteous. oS ^ The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked : but he bless- eth the habitation of the just. 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners : but he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory : but shame shall be the promotion of fools. CHAPTER IV. 1 Solomon, to persuade obedience,?, sheuethwhat instruction he had of his parents, 5 to study wis- dom, 14 and to shun the path of the wicked: 20 he exhorteth to faith, 23 and sanctification. TTEAR, ye children, the instruction -^-'- of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine, for- sake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words : keep my commandments, and live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not ; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee : love her, and she shall keep thee. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing ; therefore get wisdom : and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee : she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace : a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings ; and the years of thy life shall be many. Ill have taught thee in the way of wisdom ; I have led thee in right paths. the study of wisdom. CHAP 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not he straitened ; and when thou rimnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go : keep her ; for she is thy life. 14 ^ Enter not into the path of the wicked,andgonotinthewayofeviljne«. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief ; and their sleep is taken awav, unless they cause some to fall. IT For they eat the bread of -wacked- ness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the pathof the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness : they know not at what they stumble. 20 % My son, attend to my words ; incline thine ear \uito my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes ; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 i[ Keep thy heart with all dili- gence ; for out of it are the issues of life. 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids" look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left : remove thy foot from evil. CHAPTER V. 1 Solomon exlwrteth to the study of wisdom : 3 he sheueth the mischief of whoredom tmdriot: I.) he exhorteth to cotitentedness, .liberality, and chastity : 22 the wicked are overtaken with their own sins. MY son, attend unto my wisdom, attd bow thine ear to my under- standing : 2 That thou mayest regard discre- tion, and that thy hps may keep know- ledge. 3 ^ For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth i> smoother than oil : 2 u y. The mischief of tchoredom nndriof.. 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death ; her steps take hold on hell. 6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the pathof life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not knoAv them. 7 Hear me now therefore, O ye chil- dren, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house : 9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years niito the cruel : 10 Lest strangers be tilled with thy wealth ; and thy labours he in the house of a stranger ; 1 1 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 12 And say. How have I hated in- struction, and my heart despised re- proof; 13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me ! 14 I Avas almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly. 15 51 Drink waters out of thine OAvn cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed a- broad, «;/hty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers ; 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually ; he sow- eth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly ; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. IQ % These six things doth the Lord hate : yea, seven are an abomin- ation unto liim : IT A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness Ihat speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.- 2-0 % My son, keep thy father's 658 ERBS. The mischiefs of whoredom. commandment, and forsake not the law^ of thy mother : 21 Bind themcontinually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee ; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee ; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light ; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life : 24 To keep thee from the evil avo- man, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart ; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a whorish wo- man a man is brought to a piece of bread : and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bo- som, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned ? 29 So he that goeth in to his neigh- bour's wife ; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. 30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry ; 31 But //' he be found, he shall re- store sevenfold ; he shall give all the substance of his house. 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he tiiat doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get ; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man : thercfoi-e he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He Avill not regard any ransom ; neither will he rest content, thousrh thou givest many gifts. CHAPTER VII. 1 Solo?non persi/adeth to u si?tcere and kind fa- miliarity with ivisdom : G i>i an example of his own experience, he sheueih ]U the cnnninrj of an whore, 22 and the desjjerate sitnplicity of u young wanton : 21 he dehorteth from such wickedness. 1%/T Y son, keep my words, and lay up -'--"- my commandments with thee. 2 Kpcp my commandments, and live; Solomon persucideth to ■wisdom. CHAP and my law as the apple of thine eye. - 3 Bind tliem upon thy iingevs,Avrite them upon the table of thine heart. 4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister ; and call understanding tltt/ kinswoman : 5 That they may keqj thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words. 6 ^ For at the AvindoAV of my house 1 looked through my casement, 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner ; and he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in tlic black and dark night : 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11 (She w loud and stubborn ; her feet abide not in her house : 12 Now is she without, now in the streets,andlieth in wait at every corner.) 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, 14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16 I have decked my bed with co- verings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. IT I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning : let us solace our- selves with loves. 19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey : 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flatter- ing of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaugliter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks ; 23 Till a dartstrike through liis: liver ; 2 iJ 2 VIII. Th£ oxcellenrif of wisdom. as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. 24 51 Hearken unto me now there- fore, O ye children, and attend to thb words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heart decline to her Avays, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. CHAPTER VIII. I The fame. G and evidence of wisdom: 10 the ex- cellency, 12 the nature, io the power. 18 the riches, •12 and the eteruiti/ of wi.-.dom : 3'2 wis- dom is to he desired for the blessedness it bringeth. l^OTH not wisdom cry? and under- *-^ standing put forth her voice t 2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4 Unto you, O men, I call ; and my voice is to the sons of man. 5 O ye simple, iinderstand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understand- ing heart. 6 Hear ; for I will speak of excel- lent things ; and the opening of my lips sliall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth ; and Avickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness ; there is nothing fro- ward or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him that un- derstandeth, and right to thriii that find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver ; and knowledge rather tlian choice gold. 1 1 For wisdom is better than rubies ; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12 I Avisdom dwell Avith prudence, and find out knoAvledge of Avitty in- A-entions. 13 The fear of the I-ord is to hate evil: pride, and anogancy,and the evil Avay,and the froAvard mouth, ■ mine, and soiinfl wis- The eternity of wisdom. dom : I am understanding strength. 15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold ; and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment : 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; and I will fill their treasures. 22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth ; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth : 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there : when he set a compass upon the face of the depth : 28 When he established the clouds above : when he strengthened the fountains of the deep : 29 When he gave to the sea his de- cree, that the waters should not pass his commandment : when he appoint- ed the foundations of the earth : 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him : and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were Avith the sons of men. 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 660 PROVERBS I have The doctrine of wisdom. 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watcliing daily at my gates, wait- ing at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul : all they that hate me love death. CHAPTER IX. 1 The discipline, 4 and doctrine of wisdom : 13 t/ie custom, 16 and error of folly. Ty^ISDOM hath builded her house, ** she hath hewn out her seven pillars : 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine ; she hath also furnished her table. 3 She hath sent forth her maidens : she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither : as for him that wanteth un- derstanding, she saith to him, 5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 6 Forsake the foolish, and live ; and go in the way of understanding. 7 He that reproveth a scorner get- teth to himself shame : and he that rebuketh a wicked man geiteth him- self a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee : rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser : teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the be- ginning of wisdom : and the know- ledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 12 If thou be v/ise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but ?/thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 13 ^ A foolish Avoman is clamorous : she is simple, and knoAveth nothing. 14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 To call passengers Avho go right on their Avays : 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn Moral virtues, and in hither : and an for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18 But he knoAveth not that the dead are there ; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. CHAPTER X. From this chapter to the fire and twentieth are sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices. T^HE proverbs of Solomon. A wise son ■*• maketh a glad father : but a foolish son ifi the heaviness of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit no- thing : but righteousness delivereth from death. 3 The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish : but he cast- eth away the substance of the wicked. 4 He become th poor that dealeth with a slack hand : but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 5 He that gatliereth in summer is a wise son : but he that sleepeth in har- vest is a son that causeth shame. 6 Blessings are upon the head of the just : but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. T The memory of the just is blessed : but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments : but a prating fool shall fall. 9 He that walketh uprightly walk- eth surely : but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow : but a prating fool shall fall. 11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life : but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 13 In the lips of him that hath un- derstanding wisdom is found : but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 14 Wise 7nen lay up knowledge : but the mouth of the foolish is near de- struction. 15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city : the destruction of the poor is their poverty. CHAP. X. XI. their contrary vices. 16 The labour of the righteous tcndeth to life : the fruit of the wicked to sin. 17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction : but he that re- fuseth reproof erreth. 18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin : but he that refrain- eth his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver : the heart of the wicked is little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow Avith it. 23 // is as sport to a fool to do mis- chief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. 24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him : but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more : but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days : but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous shall he gladness : but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright : but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be re- moved : but the wicked shall not in- habit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just biingeth forth wisdom : but the froward tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable : but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness. CHAPTER XI. A FALSE balance is abomination to the Lord : but a just weight is his delight. 661 Moral virtues, and PROVERBS. their contrary vices. 2 When pride conietli, then cometli shame : but with the lowly in wisdom. o The integrity of" the upright shall jruide them : but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches profit not in the day of Avrath : but righteousness delivereth from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect ishall direct his Avay : but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them : but transgressors shall be taken in ///e/>'0jf7« naughtiness. T When a wicked man dieth, Jiis expectation shall perish : and the hoj^e of unjust men perisheth, 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 9 An hypocrite with his mouth de- stroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth : and when the wicked perish, tliere is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted : but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that is void of wi&dom de- spise th his neighbour : but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. 13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit con- cealeth the matter. 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall : but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 15 He that is si^-ety for a stranger shall smart /or it: .and he thathateth suretiship is sure. 16 A gracious woman retaineth hon- our : and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul : but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18 The wicked Avorketh a deceitful work : but to him that soweth right- eousness sit all be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tendeih to life : so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord : but such as are vipright in their way are his delight. 21 I'hoiir/h hand join in hand, the Avicked shall not be impunished : but the seed of the righteous shall be de- livered. 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wick- ed is wrath. 24 There is that scattercth, and yet increaseth ; and there is that with- holdeth more than is meet, but it tend' eth to poverty. 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that Avatereth shall be Avatcred also himself. 26 He that Avithholdeth corn, the people shall curse him : but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour : but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. 28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall : but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29 He that troubleth his OAvn house shall inherit the Avind : and the fool shall be servant to the Avise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of Hie ; and he that Avinneth souls is Avise. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth : much more the Avicked and the sinner. CHAPTER XII. \\/^HOSO loveth instruction loveth ' ^ knoAvledge : but het that hateth reproof is brutish. 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord : but a man of Avicked de- vices Avill he condemn. 3 A man shall not be established by Avickedness : but the root of the right-' eous shall not be moved. 4 A virtuous AAoman is a crown to her husband : but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.'' 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right : but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Moral virtues, and 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood : but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not : but the house of the right- eous shall stand. 8 A man shall be commended ac- cording to his wisdom : but he that is of a perverse heart shall be de- spised. 9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honour- eth himself, and lacketh bread. 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast : but the tender mer- cies of the wicked are cruel. 1 1 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread : but he that fol- loweth vain jiersons is void of under- standing. 12 The wicked desireth the net of evil wen : but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. 13 The wicked is snared by the transgi-ession of his lips : but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth : and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes : but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. 16 A fool's wrath is presently known : but a prudent man covereth shame. ■ 17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness : but a false wit- ness deceit. 18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: hut the tongue of the wise is health. 19 The lip of truth shall be estab- lished for ever : but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil : but to the counsel- lors of peace is joy. 21 There shall no evil happen to the just : but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. 22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord : but they that deal truly are his delight. 23 A prudent man concealeth know- CHAP. XIII. iheir cordrary vices. ledge : but the heart of fools proclaim- eth foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop : but a good word maketh it glad. 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. 27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting : but the substance of a diligent man is precious. 28 In the way of righteousness is- life ; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. CHAPTER XIII. A WISE son heareth his father's -^-*- instruction : but a scorner hear- eth not rebuke. 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth : but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3 He that keepeth his mouth keep- eth his life : hnt he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. 4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing : but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 5 A righteous man hateth lying : but a Avicked man is loathsome, and Cometh to shame. 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way : but Avickcdness overthroweth the sinner. 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing : there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches : but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous re- joiceth : but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. 11 AYealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished : but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick : but it'hen the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoso despiseth the Avord shall 66^ Moral virtues, and PROVERBS. their contraru vices. be destroyed : but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding giveth fa- vour : but the way of transgressors is hard. 16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge : but a fool layeth open his folly. 17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 1 8 Poverty and shame shall he to him that refuseth instruction : but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19 Tlie desire accomplished is sweet to the soul : but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursueth sinners : but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22 A good man leaveth an inherit- ance to his children's children : and the Avealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor : but there is that is destroy- ed for want of judgment. 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son : but he that loveth him chast- eneth him betimes. 25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul : but the belly of the wicked shall want. CHAPTER XIV. TDVERY wise woman buildeth her -*-^ house : but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 2 He that walketh in his upright- ness feareth the Lord : but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride : but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean : but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie : but a false witness Avill utter lies. 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and 664 findeth it not : but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, Avhen thou perceivcst not in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The Avisdom of the prudent is to understand his way : but the folly of fools is deceit. 9 Fools make a mock at sin : but among the righteous there is favour. 10 The heart knoweth his own bit- terness ; and a stranger doth not in- termeddle with his joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown : but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish. 12 There is a way which seemeth right mito a man, but the end thereof are the Avays of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful ; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways : and a good man shall he satisjied from himself. 15 The simple believeth every word : but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 16 A wise man feareth, and depart- eth from evil : but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly : and a man of wicked de- vices is hated. 18 The simple inherit folly : but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good ; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour : but the rich hath many friends. 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth : but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. 22 Do they not err that devise evil ? but mercy and truth shall he to them that devise good. 23 In all labour there is profit : but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches : hut the foolishness of fools is folly. Moral virtues, and CHAP. XV. ttieir contrary vices. 25 A true witness delivereth souls : but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence : and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a foun- tain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour : but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. 29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh : but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He that oppresseth the poor re- proacheth his Maker : but he that hon- oureth him hath mercy on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness : but the righteous hath hope in his death. S, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. 27 For a whore is a deep ditch ; and a strange woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men. 29 Who hath woe ? who hath sor- row ? Avho hath contentions ? who hath babbling ? who hath wounds without cause ? who hath redness of eyes ? 672 30 They that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a ser- pent, and stingeth like an adder. ^^ Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. ob They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick ; they have beaten me, and, I felt it not : when shall I awake ? I Avill seek it vet again. CHAPTER XXIV. 13 E not thou envious against evil men, -*-^ neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruc- tion, and their lips talk of mischief. 3 Through wisdom is an house builded ; and by understanding it is established : 4 And by knowledge shall the cham- bers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong ; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war : and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool : lie openeth not his mouth in the gate. 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin; and the scorner is an abomination to men. 10 //" thou faint in the day of ad- versity, thy strength is small. 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain ; 12 If thou sayest. Behold, we knew it not ; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? and shall not he render to every man ac- cording to his works ? 13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good ; and the honeycomb, which ; is sweet to thy taste : Moral virtues, S^c. CHAP 14 So shall the knowledge of wis- doDi be unto thy soul : when thou hast found it, then there shall be a re- ward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. 15 Lay not wait, O wicked ma 71, against the dwelling of the righteous ; spoil not his resting place : 16 For a just mail falleth seven times, and riseth up again : but the wicked shall fall into mischief. IT E-ejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth : 18 Lest the Lokd see it, and it dis- please him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked ; 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man ; the candle of the wick- ed shall be put out. 21 My son, fear thou the Lord and the king : and meddle not with them that are given to change : 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly ; and who knoweth the ruin of them both ? 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous ; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him : 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them. 26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. 27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field ; and afterwards build thine house. 28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause ; and deceive twt with thy lips. 29 Say not, I will do so to him as he liath done to me : I will rendtn* to the man according to his woik. oO I went by the field of the sloth- ful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding ; 31 And, lo, it was all gi-own over with thorns, and nettles had covered . XXV. Of avoiding strife. the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered it well : I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slum- ber, a little folding of the hands to sleep : 34 So shall thy poverty come a.^ one that travelleth ; and thy want as an armed man. CHAPTER XXV. 1 Observations about kings, 8 and about avoiding causes of quarrels, and sundry causes thereof. T^HESE are also proverbs of Solo- -*- mon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing : but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the sil- ver, and there shall come forth a ves- sel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from be- fore the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the pre- sence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men : 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee. Come up hither ; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince Avhom thine eyes have seen. 8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thoK. know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neigh- bour himself; and discover not a se- cret to another : 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 1 1 A word fitly spoken is like ap- ples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an or- nament of fine gold, so is a wise re- prover upon an obedient ear. 13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful mes.senger 673 observations about fools, to them that send him : for he refiesh- eth the soul of his masters. 14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind with- out rain. 15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 16 Hast thou found honey ? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. IT Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house ; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 18 A man that bcareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a SAvord, and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 20 As he that taketh away a gar- ment in cold Aveather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is lie that singeth songs to an heavy lieart. 21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat ; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink : 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall re- ward thee. 23 The north wind driveth away rain : so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling Avoman and in a Avide house. 25 As cold Avaters to a thirsty soul, so is good neAVS from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling doAvn before the Avicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 27 It is not good to eat much honey : so for men to search their OAvn glory is not glory. 28 He that hath no rule over his OAvn spirit is like a city that is broken down, and Avithout walls. CHAPTER XXVI. 1 Observations about fools, 13 about sluggards, 17 and about contentious busybodies. AS snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by Avandering, as the 674 PROVJERBS. sluggards, and busybodies. swalloAv by flying, so the curse cause- less shall not come. 3 A Avhip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. 4 AnsAver not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be Avise in his OAvn conceit. 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth ofl" the feet, and drinketh damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal : so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rcAvardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 12 Seest thou a man wise in his OAvn conceit ? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 13 The slothful man saith, Tliere is a lion in the Avay ; a lion is in the streets. 14 Js the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom ; it grieve th him to bring it again to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his OAvn conceit than scA'en men that can render a reason. 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth Avith strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. 18 As a mad man Avho casteth fire- brands, arroAvs, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith. Am not I in sport? 20 Where no Avood is, tliere the fire goeth out : so Avhere tltere is no tale- bearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and Avood to fire ; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as Avounds, and they go doAvn into the innermost parts of the belly. Observations of self love, CHAP. XXV 28 Burning lips and a Avicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. 24 He that hatetli dissembleth with his lips,and layeth up deceit within him ; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not : for tliere are seven abomin- ations in his heart. 26 Whose hatred is covered by de- ceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the wliole congregation. 27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein : and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. 28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it ; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. CHAPTER XXVII. 1 Observations of self love, 5 of true love, \\ of cuie to avoid offences, 23 and of the houshold can . l^OAST not thyself of to morrow; ^-^ for thou knowest not what a day may brbg forth. 2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth ; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 5 A stone is lieavy, and the sand weighty ; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is out- rageous ; but who is able to stand be- fore envy ? 5 Open rebuke /.9 better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend ; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loatheth an honey- comb ; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that Avandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart : so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 10 Thine own friend, and thy fa- ther's friend, forsake not ; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity -.for better is a neiglibour that is near than a brother far off. 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me. 2x2 II. XXVIII. and of the houshold care. 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; hut the simple pass on, and are punished. 13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange Avoman. 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morn- ing, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bcAvrayeth itself. 17 Iron sharpeneth iron ; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof : so he that Avait- eth on his master shall be honoured. 19 As in Avater face answer eth to face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full ; so the eyes of man are never sa- tisfied. 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold ; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among Avheat with a pestle, yet Avill not his foolishness de- part from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look Avell to thy herds. 24 For riches are not for ever : and doth the croAAii endure to CA^ery ge- neration l 25 The hay appeareth, and the ten- der grass shcAveth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy houshold, andyor the maintenance for thy maidens. CHAPTER XXVIII. General observations of impiety and religious integrity. T^HE Avicked flee Avhen no man pur- -^ sueth : but the righteous are bold as a lion. 675 observations on impiety PROVERBS. 2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state tliereof shdiXX be prolonged. 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked : but such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men understand not judg- ment : but they that seek the Lord understand all tilings. 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than lie that is per- verse in his ways, though he be rich. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son : but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. 8 He that by usury and unjust gain increasethhis substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit : but the upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit ; but the poor that hath under- standing searcheth him out. 12 When righteous 7nen do rejoice, there is great glory : but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : but whoso confesseth and forsake th them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man that feareth alway : but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. 15 As a. roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth under- standing is also a great oppressor : but he that hateth covetousness shall pro- long his days. 17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of ani/ person shall flee to the pit ; let no man stay him. 18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved : but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 676 a?7d religious integrity. 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread : but he that fol- loweth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings : but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To have respect of persons is not good : for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. 23 He that rebulceth a man after- wards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith. It is no transgres- sion ; the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He that is of a proud heart stir- reth up strife : but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat. 26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool : but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack : but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves : but when they perish, the righteous increase. CHAPTER XXIX. 1 Observations of piiblick government, 15 and of private : 22 of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice, and corruption. TTE, that being often reproved hard- -■--^ eneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in autho- rity, the people rejoice : but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father : but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth Iris substance. 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land : biit he that receiveth gifts over thro we th it. 5 A man that flattereth his neigh- bour spreadeth a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare : but the right- eous doth sing and rejoice. 7 The righteous considereth the Observations on government. CHAP. cause of the poor : hut the wicked re- gardeth not to know it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare : but wise men turn away wrath. 9 7/" a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the up- right : but the just seek his soul. 1 1 A fool uttereth all his mind : but a wise man keepeth it in till after- wards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together : the Lord lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be establish- ed for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wis- dom : but a child left to himselfhring- eth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multi- plied, transgression increaseth : but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest ; yea, he shall give de- light unto thy soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish : but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. 19 A servant will not be correct :d by words : for though he understand he will not answer. 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words ? there is more hope of a fool than of him. 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become ?iis son at the length. 22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in trans- gression. 23 A man's pride shall bring him low : but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. 24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul : he heareth curs- ing, and bewrayeth it not. 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare : but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favour ; XXX . Agur's confession andpraijer. but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomina- tion to the just : and he that is up- right in the way is abomination to the wicked. CHAPTER XXX. 1 Agur's confession of his faith: 7 the two ponits of his prayer: 10 the meanest are not to be wronged: ll four wicked generations : lb four things insatiable : 17 parents are not to be iIp- spised : \% four things hard to be known. 21 four things intolerable : 24 four things exceed- ing wise : 29 four things stately : 32 wrath i» to be prevented. T^HE words of Agur the son of Ja- -*- keh, eve?i the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the under- standing of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into hea- ven, or descended ? who hath gather- ed the wind in his fists ? who hath bound the waters in a garment ? who hath established all the ends of the earth ? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell ? 5 Every word of God is pure : he IS a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7 Two things have I required of thee ; deny me them not before I die : 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies : give me neither poverty nor riches ; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say. Who is the Lord ? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. 10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. 1 1 There is a generation that curs- eth their father, and doth not bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation, O how 677 Parents to be honoured. PROVERBS and their eyelids lofty are their eyes ! are lifted up. 14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 The horseleech hath two daugh- ters, crying. Give, give. There are tl}ree things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough : 16 The grave ; and the harren womb ; the earth that is not filled with water ; and the fire tliat saith not. It is enough. 17 The eye that mocketh at his fa- ther, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. 18 There be three things whicJi are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not : 19 The way of an eagle in the air ; the way of a serpent upon a rock ; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea ; and the way of a man with a maid. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman ; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. 21 For three things the earth is dis- quieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth ; and a fool when he is filled with meat ; 23 For an odious woman when she is married ; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. 24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are ex- ceeding wise : 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer ; 26 The conies are hut a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks ; 27 The locusts have no king, yet go tl:ey forth all of them by bands ; 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. 29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going : 30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any ; 31 A greyhound ; an he goat also ; 678 LennieVs lesson of chastity. and a king, against whom there is no rising up. 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lift- ing up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk bring- eth forth butter, and the Avringing of the nose bringeth forth blood : so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. CHAPTER XXXI. 1 Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance : C the afflicted are to be comforted and defended: 10 the praise and properties of a good icife. nPHE words of king Lemuel, the pro- -*- phecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb ? and what, the son of my vows ? 3 Give not thy strength unto wo- men, nor thy ways to that which de- stroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine ; nor for princes strong drink : 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his po- verty, and remember his misery nomore. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteous- ly, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 il Who can find a virtuous wo- man ? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh avooI, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships ; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her hous- hold, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buy- eth it : with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. The praise and properties CHAP. 17 She girdeth lier loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceive th that her mer- chandise is good : her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spin- dle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor ; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her houshold : for all her houshold are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry ; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the eld- ers of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and sell- eth it ; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. XXXI. of a good wife. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing ; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom ; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her houshold, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done vir- tuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain : hut a woman that feareth the Loud, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands ; and let her own works praise her in the gates. ECCLESIASTES CHAPTER I. or, THE PREACHER. 1 The preacher sheiceth that all htnnan courses are vain ; 4 because the creatures are restless m their courses, 9 they bring forth nothing 7iew, and all old things are forgotten, 12 andbecausi he hath found it so in the studies of wisdom. 'T^HE Avords of the Preacher, the son ■^ of David, king of Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preach- er, vanity of vanities ; all is vanity. 3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun ? 4 One generation passeth away, and atiother generation cometh : but the earth abideth for ever. 5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. 6 The Avind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the nortli ; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. 7 All the rivers run into the sea ; yet the sea is not full ; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. 8 All things are full of labour ; man cannot utter it : the eye is not satis- fied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be ; and that which is done is that which shall be done : and there is no new thittff under the sun. 10 Is there anp thing whereof it may be said. See, this is new .'' it hath been already of old time, Avhich was before us. 11 There is no remembrance of for- mer things ; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. 12 ^ I the Preacher Avas king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by Avisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised thercAvith. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun ; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15 That ivliich is crooked cannot be made straight : and that Avhich is wanting cannot be nximbered. 16 I communed Avith mine OAvn heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and ha\'e gotten more Avisdom than all they that have been before 679 The vanity of pleasure, me in Jerusalem : yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and know- ledge. 17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly : I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth know- ledge increaseth sorroAV. CHAPTER II. 1 The vanity of human courses in the works of pleasure : 12 though the wise be better than the fool, yet both have one event: 18 the vanity of /imnan labour, in leaving it they knuw not to whom : 21 nothing better'thanjoy in our labour ; but that is God's gift. I SAID in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee Avith mirth, there- fore enjoy pleasure : and, behold, this also is vanity. 2 I said of laughter. It is mad : and of mirth, What doeth it ? 3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom ; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what luas that good for the sons of men, which they should do under tlie hea- ven all the days of their life. 4 I made me great works ; I builded me houses ; I planted me vineyards : 5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all hind of fruits : 6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees : 7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house ; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me : 8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces : I gat me men sing- ers and women singers, and the de- lights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. 9 So I was great, and increased more than all that Avere before me in Jerusalem : also my Avisdom remained Avitli me. 10 And Avhatsoever mine eyes de- sired I kept not from them, I Avithheld not my lieart from anv jov ; for mv GSO ECCLESIASTES. and of human labour. heart rejoiced in all my labour : and this Avas my portion of all my labour. . 11 Then I looked on all the Avorks that my hands had Avrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do : and, behold, all ivas vanity and A^ex- ation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. 12 ^ And I turned myself to behold Avisdom, and madness, and folly : for Avhat can the man do that cometh after the king ? even that Avhich hath been already done. Vo Then I saw that Avisdom excel- leth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14 The Avise man's eyes are in his head ; but the fool Avalketh in dark- ness : and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. 15 Then said I in my heart. As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me ; and why Avas I then more Avise ? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. 16 For there is no remembrance of the Avise more than of the fool for ever ; seeing that Avhich noAV is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the Avise man 'i as the fool. 17 Therefore I hated life ; because the Avork that is Avrought under the sun is grievous unto me : for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 18 ^ Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun '. because 1 should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. 19 And who knoweth AA-hether he shall be a Avise ^nan or a fool ? yet shall he have rule over all my labour Avherein I have labomed, and Avherein I have shewed myself Avise under the sun. This is also vanity. 20 Therefore I Avent about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour Avliich I took under the sun. 21 For there is a man Avhose labour is in Avisdom, and in knoAvledge, and in equity ; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For A\hat hath man of all his A time for all things. CHAP. labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun ? 23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity. 24 *jj There is nothing better for a man, tlian that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul en- joy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten Jiereunto, more than 1 1 26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight Avisdom, and know- ledge, and joy : but to the sinner he givetli traA-ail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. CHAPTER in. 1 By the necessary change of times, vanity is added to human travail: 11 there is an excellency in God's works : 16 but as for man, God shall judge his works there, and here he shall be like a beast. nnO every thing there is a season, -*- and a time to every purpose under the heaven : 2 A time to be born, and a time to die ; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that whicJi is planted ; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up ; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh ; a time to mourn, and a time to dance ; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together ; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing ; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose ; a time to keep, and a time to cast away ; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to ke(>p silence, and a time to speak ; 8 A time to love, aird a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What profit hath he that Avorketh in that wherein he laboureth ? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 lie hath made every tiling beau- tiful in his time : also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man III. IV. The excellency of GocTs works. can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that, Avhatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever : nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it : and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now ; and tliat Avhich is to be hath already been ; and God requireth that Avhich is past. 16 *fi And moreover I saAv under the sun the place of judgment, that wicked- ness ivas there ; and the place of right- eousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the Avicked : for there is a time there for every pur- pose and for every Avork. 18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them : as the one dieth, so dieth the other ; yea, they have all one breath ; so that a man hath no preemi- nence aboA-e a beast : for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place ; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upAvard, and the spirit of the beast that goeth doAvnAvard to the earth ? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own Avorks ; for that is his portion : for Avho shall bring him to see Avhat shall be after him ? CHAPTER IV. 1 Vanity is increased unto men by oppression, 4 by envy, 5 hy idleness, 7 by covetousness, 9 by solitariness, 13 by wilftilness. Q O I returned, and considered all the ^ oppressions that are done under the sun : and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their 681 of oppression, ertmj, 8fc. ECCl.ESIASTES. Vanities in divine service. oppressors there tvas power ; but they had no comforter. 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. 3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done un- der the sun. 4 51 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work , that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. 5 The fool foldeth his hands toge- ther, and eateth his own flesh. 6 Better is an handful with quiet- ness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. 7 ^ Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second ; yea, he hath neither child nor brother : yet is there no end of all his labour ; neither is his eye satisfied w^th riches ; neither saitli he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good ? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail. 9 ^ Two are better than one ; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow : but woe to him that is alone when he falleth ; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat : but how can one be warm alone ? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him ; and a three- fold cord is not quickly broken. 13 "^I Better is a poor and a Avise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. 14 For out of prison he cometh to reign ; whereas also lie that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. 15 1 considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. 16 There is no end of all the peo- ple, even of all that have been before them : they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. 682 CHAPTER V. 1 Vanities in divine service, 8 in murmuring against oppression, D and in riches : 18 joy in riches is the gift of Gad. T7" EEP thy foot when thou goest to -*-^ the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacri- fice of fools : for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God : for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth : there- fore let thy words be few. 3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business ; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it ; for he hath no pleasure in fools : pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. 6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin ; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error : where- fore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands ? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many Avords tliere are also divers vanities : but fear thou God. 8 ^ If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter : for he that is higher than the highest regardeth ; and tliere he higher than they. 9 % Moreover the profit of the earth is for all : the king himself is served by the field. 10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver ; nor he that loveth abundance with increase : this is also vanity. 11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them : and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much : but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. I 13 There is a sore evil ?^7//^VA I have Vanity of riches without use. CHAP. VI. VII seen under the sun, namely ,T\Qhe& kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. 14 But those riches perish hy evil travail : and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. 16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go : and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind I 17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. 18 ^ Behold that which I have seen : it is good and comely /or one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, Avhich God giveth him : for it is his portion. 19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath giv&n him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour ; this is the gift of God. 20 For he shall not much remem- ber the days of his life ; because God answereth Jiini in the joy of his heart. CHAPTER VI. 1 The vanity of riches without use : 3 of children, 6 a7id old age without riches : 9 the vanity of sight and wandering desires : 11 the conclusion of vanities. nPHERE is an evil which I have seen -*- under the sxm, and it is common among men : 2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it : this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. 3 5[ If a man beget an hundred chil- dren, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial ; I say, that an un- timely birth is better than he. 4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness. Remedies against vanity. 5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing : this hath more rest than the other. 6 ^ Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good : do not all go to one place ? 7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. 8 For what hath the wise more than the fool ? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living ? 9 ^ Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire : this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. 10 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man : neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. 11^ Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better ? 12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, aU the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a sha- dow ? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun ? CHAPTER VII. 1 Remedies against vanity are, a good name, 2 mortification^ 7 patience, 11 wisdom: '23 thte difficulty of wisdom. \ GOOD name is better than pre- -^~*- cious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. 2 ^ It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting : for that is the end of all men ; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter : for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning ; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool : this also is vanity, 7 5[ Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad ; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than 683 Remedies against vanity. ECCLESIASTES. Kings to be respected. the beginning thereof: and the pa- tient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry : for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these ? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. 11 ^ Wisdom is good with an in- heritance : and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence : but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 13 Consider the work of God : for who can make that straight, wliich he hath made crooked ? 14 In the day of prosperity be joy- jul, but in the day of adversity con- sider : God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man ' should find nothing after him. 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity : there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his M'ickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much ; neither make thyself over wise : why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, nei- ther be thou foolish : why shouldest thou die before thy time ? 18 /i5 is good that thou shouldest take hold of this ; yea, also from this w^ithdraw not thine hand : for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. 21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken ; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee : 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself like- wise hast cursed others. 23 ^ All this have I proved by wis- dom; I said, I will be wise; but it «('^/v far from me. 684 24 That which is far off, and ex- ceeding deep, who can find it out ? 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of fool- ishness and madness : 26 And I find more bitter than death the Avoman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands «.s' bands : whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her ; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account : 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not : one man among a thousand have I found ; but a woman among all those have I not found. 29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. CHAPTER VIII. 1 Kings are greatly to he respected : 6 the divine provideyice is to be observed: 12 it is better with the godly in adversity, than wi$h the wick- ed in prosperity : 16 ttie work of God is un- searchable. TXT'HO is as the wise man ? and who ' ' knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. o Be not hasty to go out of his sight : stand not in an evil thing ; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 4 Where the wordof a king is, there is power : and who may say unto him. What doest thou ? 5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing : and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. 6 ^ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him. 7 For he knoweth not that which shall be : for who can tell him when it shall be ? 8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit ; nei- ther ItaiJi he power in the day of death : T%e work of God is unsearchable. CHAP. IX. All things come alike to all. and there is no discharge in that war ; neither shall Avickedness deliver those that ai-e given to it. 9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun : there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. 10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done : this is also vanity. 1 1 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, there- fore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 ^ Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be pro- longed, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him : 13 But it shall not be Avell with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, tvhich are as a shadow ; because he feareth not before God. 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth ; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked ; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the right- eous : I said that this also is vanity. 15 Then I commended mirth, be- cause a man hath no better thing un- der the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry : for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. 16 ^ When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the busi- ness that is done upon the earth : (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes :) IT Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun : be- cause though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it ; yea far- ther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find //. CHAPTER IX. 1 Like things happen to good and bad: 4 t/iere is a necessity of death unto men : 7 comfort is all their portion in this life: 11 God's providence ruleth overall: \?,wisdom isbetterlhan strength. T70R all this I considered in my -*- heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God : no man knoweth either love or hatred hy all that is before them. 2 All things come alike to all : there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked ; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean ; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not : as is the good, so is the sinner ; and he that sweareth, as he that fear- eth an oath. 3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all : yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 % For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope : for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they shall die : but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is noAv perished ; nei- ther have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 7 IT Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart ; for God now accepteth thy works. 8 Let thy garments be always white ; and let thy head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity : for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor Avisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 11 If I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race i? not to the SA-vift, G85 Observations of ECCLESIASTES nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet fa- vour to men of skill ; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time : as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare ; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. 13 ^ This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me : 14 There was a little city, and few men within it ; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it : 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city ; yet no man re- membered that same poor man. 16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength : nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words ai-e not heard. 17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools, 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war : but one sinner destroyeth much good. CHAPTER X. 1 Observations of wisdom and folly : 16 of riot. If' slot/if idness, W and money : 20 men's thou ff /its of i-ings ought to be reverent. Tr\EAD flies cause the ointment of -*-' the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour : so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand ; but a fool's heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom fail- eth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place ; for yielding pacifieth great offences. 5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which pro- ceedeth from the ruler : 6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. 686 ivisdom and folly. 7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. 8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it ; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith ; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. 10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he pvit to more strength : but wisdom is pro- fitable to direct. 11 Surely the serpent will bite with- out enchantment ; and a babbler is no better. 12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious ; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness : and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 14 A fool also is full of words : a man cannot tell what shall be; and Avhat shall be after him, who can tell him ? 15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he know- eth not how to go to the city. 16 ^ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning ! 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness ! 18 U By much slothfulness the build- ing decayeth ; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 If A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry : but money answereth all things. 20 % Curse not the king, no not in thy thought ; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber : for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. CHAPTER XI. 1 Directions for charity : 7 death in life, 9 and the day of Judgment in the days of youth, are to be thought on. C^AST thy bread upon the waters: '' for thou shalt find it after many I days. 1 2 Give a portion to seven, and also The Creator to be remembered. CHAP. XII to eight ; for thou knowest not Avhat evil shall be upon the earth. 3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth : and if the tree fall toward the south, or to- ward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. 4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow ; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do groiv in the womb of her that is with child : even so thou knowest not the works of God Avho maketh all. 6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. 7 ^ Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant tiling it is for the eyes to be- hold the sun : 8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him re- member the days of darkness ; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9 ^ Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth ; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the w^ays of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes : but know thou, that for all these tilings God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh : for childhood and youth are vanity. CHAPTER XII. 1 The Creator is to be remembered in due tims : 8 the preacher's care to edify : 13 the fear of God is the chief antidote of vanity. TJEMEMBER now thy Creator in ^ the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years di-aw nigh, when thou sbalt say, I have no pleasure in them ; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain : 3 In the day when the keepers of The preacher s care to edify. the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are fcAv, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grind- ing is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daugh- ters of musick shall be brought low ; 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail : because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets : 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was : and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 8 If Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher ; all is vanity. 9 And moreover, because the preach- er was wise, he still taught the people knowledge ; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to And out acceptable words : and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened bg the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished : of making many books there is no end : and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 ^ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments : for this is the whole dutg of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, Avith every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 687 The SONG of SOLOMON. CHAPTER 1. I The church's love unto Christ : 5 she confesseth her deformity, 7 and prayeth to he directed to hisjlock : 8 Christ direct eth her to the shepherds' tents ; 9 and shewing his love to her, 11 giveth her gracious promises : 12 the church and Christ congratulate one another. T^HE song of songs, which is Solo- -*- mon's. 2 Let him kiss me AAdth the kisses of his mouth : for thy love is better than wine. 3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. 4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers : we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine : the upright love thee. 5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. 6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me : my mother's children Avere angry Avith me ; they made me keeper of the vineyards ; hnf mine own vine- yard have I not kept. T Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy jiock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions I 8 1[ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy Avay forth by the tootsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents. 9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots. 10 Thy cheeks are comely with roAvs of jewels, thy neck Avith chains of gold. 11 We Avill make thee borders of gold with studs of silver. 12 II While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. 13 A bundle of myrrh is my Avell- beloved unto me ; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. 14 My beloved is unto me as a 688 cluster of camphire in the vineyards of En-gedi. 15 Behold, thou art fair, my love ; behold, thou art fair ; thou hast doves' eyes. 16 Behold, thou art fair, my belovedj yea, pleasant : also our bed is green. 17 The beams of our house are ce- dar, a}id our rafters of fir. CHAPTER 11. 1 The mutual love of Christ and his church : 8 the hope, 10 and calling of the church : 14 Christ's care of the church : 16 the profession of the church, her faith and hope. T AM the rose of Sharon, and the -■- lily of the valleys. 2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. 3 As the apple tree among the trees of the Avood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat doAvn under his sha- doAv Avith great delight, and his fruit tvas SAveet to my taste. 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner OAer me was love. 5 Stay me Avith flagons, comfort me Avith apples : for I (O/i sick of love. 6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. 7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor aAvake my \oxe, till he please. 8 51 The voice of my beloved ! be- hold, he Cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping tipon the hills. 9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart : behold, he standeth behind our Avail, he looketh forth at the AvindoAvs, shcAving himself through the lattice. 10 My beloved spake, and said unto me. Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 1 1 For, lo, the Avinter is past, the rain is over and gone ; 12 The flowers appear on the earth ; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land ; 13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the ten- der grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come aAvay. The church glorieth m Christ. CHAP. 14 ^ O my dove, iliat art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret 'places of the stairs, let me see thy coinite-- nance, let me hear thy voice ; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. 15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines : for our -vines have tender grapes. 16 % My beloved is mine, and I am his : he feedeth among the lilies. IT Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether. CHAPTER III. 1 The church's fight and victory in temjHation : ti the church glorieth in Christ. "D Y night on my bed I sought him -*-^ whom my soul loveth : I sought him, but I found him not. 2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad Avays I will seek him Avhom my soul loveth : I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me : to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth ? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth : I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. 6 il Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant .'' T Behold his bed, which is Solo- mon's ; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8 They all hold swords, heinfj ex- pert in war : every man liaili his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. 9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof o/'gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst 2 T III. W . Tlie graces of the church. thereof being paved tcifh love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 1 1 Go forth, 0 ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the caown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. CHAPTER IV. 1 Christ setteth forth the graces of the church : 8 he sheiveth his love to her: IG the church pray- eth to be made fit for his presence. l^EHOLU, thou art fair, my love ; ^-^ behold, thou art fair ; thou hasf doves' eyes within thy locks : thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. 2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, Avhich came up from the washing : Avhereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. 3 Thy lips are like a thread of scar- let, and thy speech is comely : thy temples are like a piece of a pome- granate within thy locks. 4 Thy neck is like the tower of Da- vid builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. 5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day break, and the sha- dows flee aAvay, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. 7 Thou art all fair, my love ; there is no spot in thee. 8 ^ Come with me from Lebanon, nil/ spouse, with me from Lebanon : look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, imj spouse ; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, ?ni/ spouse ! how much better is thy love than wine ! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices ! 11 Thy lips, O Jtty spouse, drop as the honeycomb : honey and niilk are under thv tongue ; and the smell of 689 Christ aicakelh the church. SOLOMON'S SONG. A description of Christ. tliy garments is like the smell of Le- banon. 12 A garden inclosed is my sister, vti/ spouse ; a spring shut up, a foun- tain sealed. 13 Thy plants ore an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits ; camphire, with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saifron ; calamus and cinnamon, Avith all trees of frank- incense ; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices : 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. 16 % Awake, O north wind ; and come, thou south ; blow upon riiy gar- den, Ihnl the spices thereof may llo«' out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. CHAPTER V. 1 Christ awaketh the church with his caUing : 2 the church having a taste of Christ's love is sick of love: 9 a description of Christ by his graces. T AM come into my garden, my sis- -*- ter, mt/ spouse : I have gathered my myrrh with my spice ; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey ; I have drunk my wine with my milk : eat, O friends ; drink, yea, drink abundantly, 0 beloved. 2 'II I sleep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knock- eth, sfii/iiK/, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled : for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. 3 T have put off my coat ; how shall 1 put it on ? I have washed my feet ; how shall I defile them ? 4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. 5 I rose up to open to my beloved ; and my hands dropped with myi-rh, and my fingers tciih sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the loclc . 6 I opened to my beloved ; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, attd was gone : my soul failed when he spake : I sought him, but I could not find him ; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen that went about the citv found me, they smote me, (J90 they w(ninded me ; the keepers of the walls took away my \c{\ from me. 8 I charge you, O daughters of Je- rusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love. 9 ^f What is thy beloved more than anotJier beloved, O thou fairest among women ? what is thy beloved more than (inotJier beloved, that thou dost so charge us ? 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. 1 1 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks /7/-£'bushy,rty/(/black as a raven. 12 His eyes are as llie eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed -with milk, and fitly set. 13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers : his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. 14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl : his belly is as bright ivory overlaid nnlh sapphires. 15 His legs are as pillars of mar- ble, set upon sockets of fine gold : his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. 16 His mouth /.? most sweet: yea/, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. CHAPTER VI. 1 The church pro/esset/i her faith in Christ: 4 Christ shewetli the graces of the church, JU and his love towards her. \\/^HITHER is thy beloved gone, ' * O thou fairest among women i* whither is thy beloved turned aside ? that Ave may seek him Avith thee. 2 ]My beloved is gone doAvn into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine : he feedeth among the lilies. 4 % Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, ter- rible as an armij Avith banners. 5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me : thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. 6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep Avhich go up from the washing, Avhere- of every one bcareth tAvins, and there is not one barren among them. Tfw graces of the church. CHAP. 7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks. 8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins with- out number. 9 My dove, my undefiled is hut one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her ; yea, the queens and the concu- bines, and they praised her. 10 % Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, a)id terrible as an army Avith banners ? Ill went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded. 12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Ammi- naiUb. 13 Return, return, O Shulamite ; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shu- lamite ? As it were the company of two armies. CHAPTER VII. 1 A further description of the church's graces : 10 the church pro/esseth her faith and desire. 1 J OW beautiful are thy feet Avith -^■*- shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning- workman. 2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor : thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about Avith lilies. 3 Thy tAvo breasts are like two young roes that are tAvins. 4 Thy neck is as a toAver of ivory ; thine eyes like the fishpools in Hesh- bon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim : thy nose is as the tOAver of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. 5 Thine head upon thee is like Car- mel, and the hair of thine head like purple ; the king isheld in the galleries. 6 How fair and hoAv pleasant art thou, O loA^e, for delights ! 7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. 2 T 2 VII. VIII. Her love to Christ. 8 I said, I Avill go up to the palm tree, I Avill take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples ; 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best Avine for my beloA^ed, that goeth down SAveetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. 10 ^ I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. 11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field ; let us lodge in the villages. 12 Let us get up early to the vino- yards ; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth : there Avill I give thee my loves. 13 The mandrakes giA'e a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant /)•««/.?, ncAv and old, nhich I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. CHAPTER VIII. 1 The lore of the church to Christ: G the vehe- mency of love : 8 the calling of the Gentiles : 14 the church prayeth for Christ's connny. OTHAT thou tvert as my brother. that sucked the breasts of my mother ! tchen I should find thee Avith- out, I Avould kiss thee ; yea, I should not be despised. 2 1 Avould lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me : I Avould cause thee to drink of spiced Avine of the juice of my pomegranate. 3 His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. 4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor aAvake wy love, initil he please. 5 Who is this that cometh up from the Avilderness, leaning upon her be- loved ? I raised thee up under the apple tree : there thy mother brought thee forth : there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 6 ^1 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm : for love is strong as death ; jealousy is cruel as the grave : the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 691 Isaiah complaineth of 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it : if a man would give all the substance of hishouse for love, it would utterly be contemned. 8 ^f We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts : what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for ? 9 If she he a wall, we Avill build upon her a palace of silver : and if she he a door, we will inclose her Avith boards of cedar. 10 1 am a wall, and my breasts like towers : then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. ISAIAH. Judahfor her rebellion. 1 1 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal- hamon ; he let out the vineyard unto keepers ; every one for the fruit there- of was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me : thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. 13 Thou that dwellest in the gar- dens, the companions hearken to thy voice : cause me to hear '//. 14 \ Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. The Book of the Prophet ISAIAH. CHAPTER 1. I Isaiah complaineth of Judah for her 7-ehellion : 5 he lamenteth her judgments : \0 he upbraideth their whole service : IG he exhorteth to repent- ance, with promises and threateninys : '21 be- tvailing their wickedness, he de.nounceth God's judgments : 25 he promiseth grace, 28 and threateneth destruction to the wicked. T^HE vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, -■- which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth : for the Lord hath spoken, I liave nourished and brought up chil- dren, and they have rebelled againstme. 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib : hift Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. 4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden •with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, chil- dren that are corrupters : they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. 5 ^ Why should ye be stricken any more ! ye Avill revolt more and more : the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot e\en unto the head there is no soundness in it ; hut wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores : they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mol- lified with ointment. 7 Your country is desolate, your 692 cities are burned with fire : your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. 8 And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. 9 Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. 10 ^ Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom ; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 To Avhat purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me ? saith the Lord : I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts ; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts ? 13 Bring no more vain oblations ; incense is an abomination unto me ; the new moons and sabbaths, the call- ing of assemblies, I cannot away with ; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your ap- pointed feasts my soul hateth : they are a trouble unto me ; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you : yea, when ye make many prayers, I He denounceth Oo(Vs judgments. CHAP. II. I'he coming of Christ's kingdom Avill not hear : your hands are full of blood. 16 ^ Wash you, make you clean ; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes ; cease to do evil ; 17 Learn to do well; seek judg- ment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let u:5 reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land : 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 21 ^ How is the faithful city be- come an harlot! it was full of judg- ment ; righteousness lodged in it ; but now murderers. 22 Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water : 23 Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves : every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards : they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. 24 Therefore saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies : 25 ^ And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin : 26 And I Avill restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning : afterward thou shalt be called. The city of righteousness, the faithful city. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with right- eousness. 28 % And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners sJinll be together, and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed. 29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the gar- dens that ye have chosen. 30 For ve shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. 31 And the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark, and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. CHAPTER II. 1 Isaiah prophesieth the coming of Christ's king' dom : (J iiickedness is the cause of God's for- saking : 10 he exhorteth to fear, because of the pouer/ul effects of God's majesty. T^HE word that Isaiah the son of -*- Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills ; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths : for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many peo- ple : and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us Avalk in the light of the Lord. 6 ^ Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be i-eplenished from the east, and arc soothsayers like the Philis- tines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. 7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures ; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots : 8 Their land also is full of idols ; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made : 9 And the mean man boAveth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not. 693 Tlw terrible day of the Lord. 10 ^ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty. 1 1 Tlie lofty looks of man shall he humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall he bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the Lord of hosts shdll be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one ihat is lifted up ; and he shall be brought low : 13 And upon all the cedars of Le- banon, t/idt (ire high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14 And upon all the high moun- tains, and upon all the hills t/tal are lifted up, 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16 And upon all the ships of Tar- shish, and upon all pleasant pictures. 17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low : and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. 18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish. 19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made eac/i o;?(? for himself to Avorship, to the moles and to the bats ; 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils : for Avherein is he to be accounted of ? CHAPTER III. 1 The great confusion which, cometh by sin : 9 the impudency of the people : VI the oppression and covetousness of the rulers: 16 the judgments which shall be for the pride nf the women. ipOR, behold, the Lord, the Lord of ■*- hosts, doth take away from Jeru- salem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, 2 The mighty man, and the man of 694 ISAIAH . The covfusion which cometh by sin war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, 3 The captain of fifty, and the hon- ourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. 4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. 5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbour : the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable. 6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, sayiny, Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let this ruin be under thy hand : T In that day shall he sweat, say- ing, I will not be an healer ; ^bv in my house is neither bread nor clothing: make me not a ruler of the people. 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Ju- dah is iallen : because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of his glory. 9 51 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them ; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide /■/ not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. 10 Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him : for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked ! it shall he ill willi him : for the reward of his hands shall be given him. 12 ^ As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. 13 The Lord standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people. 14 The Lord will enter into judg- ment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten \ip the vineyard ; the spoil of the poor /.• our lawgiver, the Lord is our king ; he will save us. 23 Thy tacklings are loosed ; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail : then is the prey of a great spoil divided ; the lame take the prey. 24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick : the people that dwell there- in shall be forgiven tJieir iniquity. CHAPTER XXXIV. 1 The judgments wherewith God revengeth his church: 11 the desolation of her enemies: l(j the certainty of the prophecy. /^U)ME near, ye nations, to hear ; and ^^ hearken, ye people : let the earth hear, and all that is therein ; the world, and all things that come forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies : he hath utterly de- stroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. 3 Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. 4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll : and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling Jig from the fig tree. 5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven : behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment. 6 The sword of the Lord is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams : for the Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea. 7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls ; and their land shall be soaked 719 8 The highways lie waste, the way- faring man ceaseth : he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man. 9 The earth mourneth and lan- guisheth : Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down : Sharon is like a wilder- ness ; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. 10 Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted ; now will I lift up myself 11 Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble : your breath, as fire, shall devour you. 12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime : as thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire. 13 ^ Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done ; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might. 14 The sinners in Zion are afraid ; fearfulness hath surprised the hypo- crites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire ? who among us shall dwell with everlasting bmn- ings i 15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly ; he that de- spiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil ; 16 He shall dAvell on high : his place of defence shall he the munitions of rocks : bread shall be given him ; his waters shall he sure. IT Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty : they shall behold the land that is very far off. 18 Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is tlie scribe ? where is the re- ceiver ? where is he that counted the towers ? 19 Thou shalt not see a fierce peo- ple, a people of deeper speech than thou canst perceive : of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand. 20 Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities : thine eyes shall see Je- rusalem a quiet habitation, a taberna- cle that shall not be taken down ; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be The certainty of the prophecy with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness. 8 For it is the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year of recom- pences for the controversy of Zion. 9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. 10 It shall not be quenched night nor day ; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever : from generation to generation it shall lie waste ; none shall pass through it for ever and ever. 11 ^ But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it ; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it : and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. 12 They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none sArt/Zie there, and all her princes shall be nothing. 13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court lor owls. 14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow ; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. 15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow : there shall the vul- tures also be gathered, every one with her mate. 16 f Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read : no one of these shall fail, none shall Avant her mate : for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. 17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line : they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein. CHAPTER XXXV. 1 The joyful flourishing of C/trist's kingdom: 3 the weak are encouraged by the virtues and privileges of the gospel. THE wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them ; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 720 ISAIAH. The blesslvgs of the gospel 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even Avith joy and singing : the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. 3 ^ Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, i3e strong, fear not : behold, your God will come ^vith vengeance, even God with a recompence ; he will come and save you. 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing : for in the Mdlderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water : in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall he grass Avith reeds and rushes. 8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness ; the unclean shall not pass over it ; but it shall he for those : the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there ; but the re- deemed shall walk there : 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion Avith songs and everlasting joy upon their heads : they shall obtain joy and glad- ness, and sorroAV^ and sighing shall flee aAvay. CHAPTER XXXVI. 1 Sennacherib invadeth Judah : 4 Rabshakeh, sent by Sennacherib, by blasphemous persua- sions solicitelh the people to revolt : 22 his words are told to Hezekiah. "IVrOW it came to pass in the four- ■^^ teenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them. 2 And the king of Assyria sent Rab- shakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah Avith a great army. And he stood by the conduit Sennaclicrib invadcth Judu'i. CliAP. of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field. 3 Then came forth unto him Elia- kim, Hilkiali's son, which was over the house, and Shcbna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder. 4 51 And Rahshakeh said unto them. Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the gi-eat king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest .'' 5 I say, sayefit tJiou, (but iJiey are but vain Avords) / luive counsel and strength for war : now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against mo ? 6 Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt ; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it : so is Pharaoh king of [Egypt to all that trust in him. 1 7 But if thou say to me, \ye trust 'in the Lord our God: is it not he, [whose high places and whose altars [Hezekiah hath taken away, and said jto Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall 'worship before this altar? I 8 Now therefore give pledges, I I pray thee, to my master the king of I Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. 9 How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen ? 10 And am I now come up without the Lord against this land to destroy jit ? the Lord said unto me, Go up jagainst this land, and destroy it. !| 11 ^1 Then said Eliakim and Sheb- jina and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language ; for we understand \it : and speak not to us in the Jews' llanguage, in the ears of the people jthat are on the wall. 12 II But Rahshakeh said, Hath my i master sent me to thy master and to i thee to speak these words ? hath he not \sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss Avith you ? 13 Then Rahshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' lau- 3 A XXX\'iI. Rabshakelis blasphemy. guage, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. 11 Thus saith the king, I,et not Hezekiah deceive you : fur he shall not be able to deliver you. 15 Neitlier let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying. The Lord will surely deliver us : this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 16 Hearken not to Hezekiah : for thus saith the Icing of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me : and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his OAvn cistern ; 17 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine^ a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying. The Lord Avill deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the na- tions delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria i 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad ? where are the gods of Sepharvaim ? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand I 20 Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand ? 21 But they held their peace, and answered him not a word : for the king's commandment was, saying. An- swer him not. 22 ^ Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiali, that ivas over the houshold, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Heze- kiah with their clothes rei)t, and told him the words of Rahshakeh. CHAPTER XXXVII. 1 Hezekiah moiirniny sendeth to Isaiah to pray for them : 6 Isaiah comforieth them : 8 Senna- cherib, (jninc; to encounter Tirhakah, sendeth a bluspheniof.s letter to Hezekiah : 1 1 Hezekiult's prayer: 21 Isaiah's prophecy of the pride aud^ destruction of Sennacherib, and the good of Zion: 3(j an angel slayeth the Assyrians: 37 Sennacherib is slain at Nineveh by his otvn sons. \ ND it came to pass, Avhen king -^ Hezekiah heard if. that he rent 721 Hezekiah sendeth to Isaiah. his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who icas over the houshold, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered Avith sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. S And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blas- phemy : for the children are come to the birth, and tliere is not strength to bring forth. 4 It may be the I^ord thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyriahis master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard : Avherefore lift up tJnj prayer for the remnant that is left. 5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 ^ And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, where- with the servants of the king of As- syria have blasphemed me. 7 Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land. 8 ^ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah : for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 9 And he heard say concerning Tir- hakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying. Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 1 1 Behold, thou hast heard Avhat the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly ; and shalt thou be delivered ? 12 Have the gods of the nations de- livered them which mv fathers ]iR\e 722 ISxilAH. Isaiah's prcrphecy of the destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar ? 1 3 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah ? 14^ And Hezekiah received the let- ter from the hand of the messengers, and read it : and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 16 0 Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest beltveen the chcrubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth : thou hast made heaven and earth. 17 Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear ; open thine eyes, O Lord, and see : and hear all the words of Senna- cherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. 18 Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, 19 And have cast their gods into the fire ■ for they ivere no gods, but the work of men's hands, Avood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. 20 Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only. 21 ^1 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Where- as thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria : 22 This is the word which the Lord hath spoken concerning him ; The vii"gin, the daughter of Zion, hath de- spised thee, and laughed thee to scorn j the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. 23 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed ? and against Avhom hast thou exalted tin/ voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high ? even against the Holy One of Israel. 24 By thy servants hast thou re- proached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to tlie height of the mountains, to deitniction of Sennacherib. CHAP. XXXVIII. Hezekiah's life Lengthened. the sides of Lebanon ; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will en- ter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel. 25 I have dig<^ed, and dnmk water ; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places. 26 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it ; and of ancient times, that I have formed it ? now have I brought it to pass, that thou should- est be to lay Avaste defenced cities into ruinous heaps. 27 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded : they were as the grass of the field, and r^.s•the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. 28 But I knoAV thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. 29 Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I Avill turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. 30 And this shall be a sign unto thee. Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same : and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof. 31 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward : 32 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion : the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this. 33 Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it. 34 By the Avay that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, suith the Lord. 35 For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. 3 A 2 36 Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand : and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 37 ^ So Sennacherib king of Assy- ria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. 38 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sha- rezer his sons smote him Avith the sword ; and they escaped into the land of Armenia : and Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead. CHAPTER XXXVni. 1 Heze.kiah, hav'mg received a message of death, hy prayer hath his life lengthened : 8 the sun goeth ten degrees backuurd, for a sig7i uf that promise : 9 his song of thanksgiving. TN those days was Hezekiah sick un- -■- to death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order : for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, 3 And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked be- fore thee in truth and Avith a perfect heart, and have done that ivhich is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah Avept sore. 4 51 Then came the Avord of the Loud to Isaiah, saying, 5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears : behold, I Avill add un- to thy days fifteen years. 6 And I Avill deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria : and I will defend this city. 7 And this shall be a sign unto thee from the Lord, that the Lorb avIU do this thing that he hath spoken ; 8 Behold, I Avill bring again the shadow of the degrees, Avhich is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten de- grees backAvard. So the sun returned ten degrees, by Avhich degrees it Avas prone down. 723 Hezekiah's song of thanksgiving. ISAIAK. The Babylonish captimty foretold, 22 Hezekiali also had said, What is the sign tliat I shall go up to the house of the Lord ? 9 ^ The writing of Hozekiah king of Judah, Avheu lie had been sick, and ivas recovered of his sickness : 10 I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave : I am deprived of the residue of ray years. Ill said, I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of the living : I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world. 12 Mine age is departed, and is re- moved from me as a shepherd's tent : I have cut off like a weaver my life : he will cut mc off Avith pining sick- ness : fi-om day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. lo I reckoned till morning, tliat, as a lion, so will he break all my bones : from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. 14 Like a crane or a swalloAv, so did I chatter : I did mourn as a dove : mine eyes fail tvitlt looking upward : O Lord, I am oppressed ; undertake for me. 15 What shall I say ? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it : I shall go softly all my years \\\ the bitterness of my soul. 16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit ; so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live. 17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness : but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the ])it of corruption : for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. 18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee : they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day : the fa- ther to the children shall make known thy truth. 20 The Lord was ready to save me : therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord. 21 For Isaiah had said. Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a piaister upon the boil, and he shall recover. 724 CHAPTER XXXIX. 1 Merodach-haladan, sending to visit Hezekiah be- cause of the xconder, hath notice of his treasures: 3 Isaiah, vnderstunduig thereof, foretelleth the Babylonian captivity. A T that time Merodach-baladan, the •^-^ son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah : for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. 2 And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his pre- cious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oint- ment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shew- ed them not. 3 % Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him. What said these men ? and from whence came they unto thee ? And Hezekiah said. They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. 4 Then said he, What have they seen in thine house I And Hezekiah an- SAAcicd, All that is in mine house have they seen : there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. 5 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the Avord of the Lord of hosts : 6 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon : nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. 7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, Avhich thou shalt beget, shall they take away ; and they sliall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 8 Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord Avhich thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and truth in my days. CHAPTER XL. 1 The promulgation of the Gospel : 3 the preach- ing of John Baptist : 9 the preaching of the apostles : 1 2 the prophet, by the omiiipotency of God, !8 a7id his incomparableness, 2H comfort- eth the people. The go.ipel promulgated. CHAP /^OMFORT ye, comfort ye my peo- ^-^ pie, saith your God. 2 8peak ye comfortably to Jerusa- lem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her ini(iuity is pardoned : for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 ^[ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LoKD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall bo made straight, and the rough places plain : 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 6 The voice said. Cry. And he said, What shall I cry ? All flesh ?'.v grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field : 7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth : because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it : surely the people is grass. 8 The grass Avithereth, the flower fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for ever. 9 U O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high moun- tain ; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength ; lift it up, be not afraid ; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God ! 10 l>ehold, the Lord God Avill come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him : behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd : he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, a)id shall gently lead those that are with young. 12 ^ Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and com- prehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance ? 13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him ? XL. God^s incomparable power. 14 With whom took he counsel, and icho instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding ? 15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. 16 And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. IT All nations before him are as nothing ; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. 18 ^1 To Avhom then will ye liken God? or what hkeness will ye com- pare unto him ? 19 The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains. 20 He that is so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree tliat will not rot ; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, that shall not be moved. 21 Have ye not known ? have ye not heard ? hath it not been told you from the beginning ? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth ? 22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of <^he earth, and the inhabitants thereof ai e as grasshoppers ; that stretcheth oxit the heavens as a curtain, and spread- eth them out as a tent to dwell in : 23 That bringeth the princes to nothing ; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. 24 Yea, they shall not be planted ; yea, they shall not be sown : yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth : and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the Avhirlwind shall take them away as stubble. 25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal ? saith the Holy One, 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by num- ber : he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power ; not one faileth. 27 Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel. Mv way is hid from 7?5 God exhorteih the churc/\,to ISAIAH. tnist in hhn tcithoutfear. the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God t 28 If Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard, tliat the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? tliere is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint ; and to lliem ihat have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall : 3 1 But they that wait upon the LoR D shall renew iheir strength ; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ; they shall run, and not be weary ; and they shall walk, and not faint. CHAPTER XLI. 1 God exposhilatelh icith his people, about his mercies to the church, ]U about his promises, 21 and about the vanity of idols. 17"EEP silence before me, O islands; -*-^ and let the people renew tlteir strength : let them come near ; then let them speak : let us come near to- gether to judgment. 2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made Jtim rule over kings ? he gave them, as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow. 3 He pursued them, and passed safely ; even by the way ihat he had not gone with his feet. 4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the be- ginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last ; I am he. 5 The isles saw it, and feared ; the ends of the earth Avere afraid, drew near, and came. 6 They helped every one his neigh- bour ; and every one said to his bro- ther. Be of good courage. 7 So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth witli the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying. It is ready for the soder- ing : and he fiistcned it with nails, that it should not be moved. 8 l^ut thou, Israel, art my servant, 726 Jacob Avhom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. 9 TitOH whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee. Thou art my servant ; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 ^ Fear thou not ; for I am with thee : be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 11 Behold, all they that were in- censed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded : they shall be as no- thing ; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that con- tended Avith thee : they that war a- gainst thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. 13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not ; I will help thee. 14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel ; I Avill help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth : thou shalt thresh the moun- tains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. 16 Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirhA-ind shall scatter them : and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. 17 JVhen the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, / the God of Israel will not forsake them. 18 1 will oi)en rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the val- leys : I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. 19 1 will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree ; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together : The vanity of idols. CHAP. 20 That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. 21 Produce your cause, saith the Lord ; hring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. 22 Let them bring tliem forth, and shew us what shall happen : let them shew the former things, Avhat they he, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them ; or declare us things for to come. 23 Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods : yea, do good, or do evil, tJiat we may be dismayed, and behold it together. 24 Behold, ye are of nothing, and your Avork of nought : an abomination is he that chooseth you. 25 I have raised up 07ie from the north, and he shall come : from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name : and he shall come upon princes as npori morter, and as the potter tread- eth clay. 26 Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know .'' and be- foretime, that we may say. He is right- eous ? yea, iJiere is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, there wnone that heareth your words. 27 The first shall say to Zion, lie- hold, behold them : and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. 28 For I beheld, and tliere was no man ; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word. 29 Behold, they are all vanity ; their works rt;-«° nothing : their molten images are wind and confusion. CHAPTER XLII. 1 77(6 office of Christ, graced u-ith meekness and constancy : 5 God's promise im/o him: 10 an exhortation to praise God for his Gospel: 17 he reproveth the people of incredulity. X>EH()LU my servant, Mhom I up- -*-^ hold ; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth ; T have put my spirit upon him : he shall bring forth judg- ment to the Gentiles. XLH. Christ's mission to the Geiitiles. 2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench : he shall bring forth judg- ment unto truth. 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall Avait for his law. 5 % Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out ; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it ; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein : 6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, aiwl give thee for a covenant of the peoplo, for a light of the Gentiles ; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the Lord : that is my name : and my glory -will I not give to an- other, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I de- clare : before they spring forth I tell you of them. 10 Sing vuito the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein ; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. 11 Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their mice, the villages tliat Kedar doth inhabit : let the in- habitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory unto the Lord, and declare his praise in the islands. 13 The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war : he shall cry, yea, roar ; he shall prevail against his enemies. 14 I have long time holden my peace ; I have been still, and refrained 727 Israel reproved for unbelief. ISAI myself: now will I cry like a travail- ing woman ; I will destroy and devour at once. 15 I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs ; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools. 16 And I will bring the blind by a way thdt they knew not ; I will lead them in paths lliat they have not known : I will make darkness light be- fore thern. and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. 17 «!I They sliall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. 18 Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. 19 Who ?■? blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent ? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant? 20 Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not. 21 The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake ; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable. 22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled ; they are all of them snared in holes, and they arc hid in prison houses : they are for a prey, and none delivercth ; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. 23 Who among you will give ear to this ? who will hearken and hear for the time to come ? 24 Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers ? did not the Lord, he against whom we have sin- ned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law. 25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle : and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not ; and it burned Irim, yet he laid it not .to heart. CH.APTER XLIII. 1 The Lord comforUth the church uith his pro- misea : 8 lie appealelh to the people for witness of his omnipotency : 14 he foretelleth them the destruction of Baln/lon, 18 and his icondrrful 728" AH. God comforteth the church. deliverance of his people : 22 he reproveth t/a 2'eople as incvcusable. "OUT now thus saith the Lord that -^-^ created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, () Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name ; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the Avaters, I will bevcith thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest tlirough the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour : I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. 4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee : therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not : for I am Avith thee : I Avill bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the Avest ; 6 I Avill say to the north, Give up ; and to the south. Keep not back : bring iny sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth ; 7 Ere?i every one that is called by my name : for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him ; yea, I have made him. 8 ^ Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears. 9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assem- bled : Avho among them can declare this, and shcAv us former things ? let them bring forth their Avitnesses, that tliey may be justified : or let them hear, and say, // is truth. 10 Ye are my Avitnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant Avhom I have chosen : that ye may know and belicA'c me, and understand that I am he : be- fore me there Avas no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Ill, eve)i I, am the Lord ; and beside me there is no saA'iour. 12 I have declared, and have saA'ed, and I haAC sheAved, Avhen there was no strange god among you : therefore ye are my AA'itnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. The fall of Babylon foretold. CHAP. XLIV God comforteth the church. 13 Yea, before the day was I am he ; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand : I will Avoik, and who shall let it ? 14 ^ Thus saith the Lord, your re- deemer, the Holy One of Israel ; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. 15 1 am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King-. 16 Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters ; 17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power ; tliey shall lie down together, they shall not rise : they are extinct, they are quenched as tow. 18 ^ Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the thingsof old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth ; shall ye not know it ? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. 20 The beast of the field shall hon- our me, the dragons and the owls : be- cause I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. 21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. 22 % But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob ; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. 23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings ; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. 24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me Avith thine iniquities. 25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. 26 Put me in remembrance : let us plead together : declare thou, that thou mayest be justified. 27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgi-essed against me. 28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches. CHAPTER XLIV. 1 God comforteth the church with his promises: 7 the vanity of idols, 9 and folly of idol makers: 21 he exhort eth to praise God for his redemp- tion and oninipolency . ^TET now hear, O Jacob my servant ; -■- and Israel, whom I have chosen: 2 Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, ichich will help thee ; Fear not, O Ja- cob, my servant ; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I Avill pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground : I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine ofispring : 4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. 5 One shall say, I am the Lord's ; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob ; and another shall sub- scribe tfvV/f his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself hy the name of Israel. 6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts ; I am the first, and I am the last ; and beside me lliere is no God. 7 And Avho, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people ? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid : have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it ? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me ? yea, tliere is no God ; I know not any. 9 % They that make a graven image are all of them vanity ; and their de- lectable things shall not profit ; and they are their own w'itnesses ; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. 10 Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profit- able for nothing ? 7.^9 The folUj of idol makers. 11 Behold, all his fellows shall he ashamed : and the workmen, they are of men : let them all be gathered to- gether, let them stand up ; yet they shall fear, aud they shall be ashamed together. 12 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms : yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth : he drinketh no water, and is faint. 13 The carpenter stretcheth out Itis rule ; he marketh it out with a line ; he fitteth it with planes, and he mark- eth it out with the compass, andmaketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man ; that it may remain in the house. 14 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest : he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. 15 Then shall it be for a man to burn : for he will take thereof, and Avarm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread ; yea, ho maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and faileth down thereto. 16 He burnetii part thereof in the fire ; with part thereof he eateth flesh ; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied : yea, he warmeth himself, and saith. Aha, I am warm, 1 have seen the fire : IT And the residue thereof he mak- eth a god, even his graven image : he faileth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, De- liver me ; for thou art my god. 18 They have not known nor un- derstood : for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see ; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. 19 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire ; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it : and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination ? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? 730 ISAIAH. Restoration by Cyrus promised. 20 He feedeth on ashes : a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand I 21 If Remember these, O Jacob and Israel ; for thou art my servant : I have formed thee ; thou «j7 my serv- ant: O Israel, thou shalt not be for- gotten of ine. 22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins : return unto me ; for I have redeemed thee. 23 Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it : shout, ye lower parts of the earth : break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein : for the Lokd hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. 24 Thus saith the liORD, thy re- deemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things ; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone ; that spreadeth cabroad the earth by myself; 25 That'frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad ; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish ; 'iiQ That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers ; that saith to Jerusa- lem, Thou shalt be inhabited ; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I Avill dry up thy rivers : 28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure : even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built ; and to the tem- ple. Thy foundation shall be laid. CHAPTER XLV. 1 God calleth Cyrus for his church's sake : 5 hyhia omnipotency he chullengeth obedience : 20 he con- vinceth the idols of X'unity by his saving poiver. T^HUS saith the Lord to his anoint- -*- ed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him ; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before liim the two leaved gates ; and the gates shall not be shut ; 2 1 will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight : I will Oods omnipotency asserted. break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron : 3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of se- cret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call lltee bj- thy name, am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name : I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5^1 am the Lord, and Ihere is none else, tliere is no God beside me : I girded thee, though thou hast not known me : 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that i/tere is none beside me. I a7Ji the Lord, and iliere is none else. 7 I form the light, and create dark- ness : I make peace, and create evil : I the Lord do all these 1 kings. 8 Drop down, ye heavens,from above, and let the skies pour down righteous- ness : let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let right- eousness spring up together ; I the Lord have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker ! Let the potsherd sirii:e MTth the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou ? or thy work. He hath no hands ? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto his father. What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth ? 11 Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 12 1 have made the earth, and cre- ated man upon it : I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. 13 I have raised him up in right- eousness, and I will direct all his ways : he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor re- ward, saith the Lord of hosts. 14 Thus saith the Lord, The la- bour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of CHAP. XLV. Idcds convinced of vanity. statui'e, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine : they shall come after thee ; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication un- to thee, saying, Surely God is in thee ; and tliere is none else, there is no God. 15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour 16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them : they shall go to confusion together thai are makers of idols. 17 But Isi-ael shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation : ye shall not be ashamed nor confound- ed world without end. 18 For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens ; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited : I am the I^ORD ; and there is none else. 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth : I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain : I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. 20 ^ Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations : they have no know- ledge that set up the Avood of their graven image, and pray unto a god thai cannot save. 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, h^t them take counsel together : who hath declared this from ancient time? wlio hath told it from that time ? Iiare not I the Lord? and tJiere is no God else beside me ; a just God and a Saviour ; there is none beside me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth : for I am God, and ihere is none else. 23 I have sworn by myself, the Avord is gone out of my mouth in righteous- ness, and shall not return. That unto me every knee shall boAv, every tongue shall SAvear. 24 Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength : even to him shall men come ; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. 731 Idols not comparable to God. 25 In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. CHAPTER XLYI. 1 The idols of Babylon could not save themselves : 3 God savet/i his people to the end ; 5 idols are not comparable to God for power, 12 or present salvation. "DEL boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, ^^ their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle : your carriages were heavy loaden ; they are a burden to the Aveary beast. 2 They stoop, they bow down toge- ther ; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity. 3 ^ Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the liouse of Israel, -which are borne by we from the belly, which are carried from the womb : 4 And even to your old age I am he ; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear ; even I will carry, and will deliver you. 5 ^ To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like ? 6 They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and\i\ve a goldsmith ; and he maketh it a god : they fall down, yea, they worship. 7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth ; from his place shall he not remove : yea, one shall cry unto him, )^et can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble. 8 Hemember this, and shew your- selves men : bring it again to mind, 0 ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old : for I am God, and tliere isnowe else; / am God, and tliere is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the be- ginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure : 1 1 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my coun- sel from a far country : yea, I liave spoken it, I will also bring it to pass ; 1 have purposed //, I Avill also do it. 12 ^I Hearken unto me, ye stout- hearted,tliat are far from righteousness : 732 ISALAH. God's judgments upon Babyton. 13 1 bnng near my righteousness ; it shall not be for oft", and my salvation shall not tarry : and I Avill place sal- vation in Zion for Israel my glory. CHAPTER XLVII. 1 God's judgment upon Babylon and Chaldea, 6 far their unmercifidness. 7 pride, lU and over- boldness, 11 shall be itnresistible. /^OME down, and sit in the dust, 0 ^-^ virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground : tliere is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans : for thou shaft no more be called tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Thy nakedness shall be uncover- ed, yea, thy shame shall be seen : I will take vengeance, and I will not meet tJiee as a man. 4 As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is\ns name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chal- deans : for thou shalt no more be call- ed. The lady of kingdoms. 6 51 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand : thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke. 7 ^ And thou saidst, I shall" be a lady for ever: so that thou didst not lay these iJnuys to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it. 8 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me ; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children : 9 But these two tilings shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood : they shall come upon thee in their perfec- tion for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments. 10 ^ For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee ; and thou hast The intent of prophecy. CHAP. XLVIII said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. 1 1 51 Therefore shall evil come upon I tlicc ; thou shalt not know from whence lit riseth : and mischief sli all fall upon I thee ; thou shalt not he able to put it off : and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, ichich thou shalt not know. \ 12 Stand now with thine enchant- ments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboiu'ed I from thy youth ; if so be thou shalt be j able to profit, if so be thou mayest pre- |vail. \o Thou art wearied in the multi- tude of thy counsels. Let now the [astrologers, the stargazers, the month- 'ly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from iliese tJiiiKjs; that shall come I upon thee. i 14 Behold, they shall be as stubble ; jthe fire shall burn them; they shall I not deliver themselves from the power ]of the flame : iltere shall not he a coal I to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. I 15 Thus shall they be unto thee jwith whom thou hast laboured, even 'thy mercliants, from thy youth : they I shall wander every one to his quarter; I none shall save thee. J CHAPTER XLVIII. !1 God, to convince the people of their forcknoicn obstinaci/, revealed /its prophecies : & he saveth them for his own sake : 12 he exhortetti them to \ obedience, because of his potver and providence : i ]6 he lamentcth their backwardness: 2U he I pnwerftitli/ deltvereth his out of Babylon. |TTEAR ye this, O house of Jacob, j-*--^ which are called by the name of I Israel, and are come forth out of the hvaters of Judah, which swear by the I name of the Lord, and make mention jof the God of Israel, hut not in truth, jnor in righteousness. I 2 For they call themselves of the iholy city, and stay themselves upon the I God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is his name. 3 I have declared the former things from the beginning ; and thcv went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them ; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. 4 Because I knew that thou art ob- stinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thv brow brass : God deltvereth his people. 5 I have even from the beginning declared it to thee ; before it came to pass I shewed it thee : lest thou should- est say. Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my moltenimage, hath commanded them. G Thou hast heard, see all this ; and will not ye declare it ? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. 7 They are created now, and not from the beginning ; even before the day when thou heardest them not ; lest thou shouldest say. Behold, I knew them. 8 Yea, thou heardest not ; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened : for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacher- ously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. 9 ^ For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. 10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver ; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it : for how should 77?// name be polluted .'' and I will not give my glory unto another. 12 II Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called ; I am he ; I am the first, I also am the last. 13 Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens : when I call imto them, they stand up together. 14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath de- clared these tJiinys ? The Lokd hath loved him : he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall he on the Chaldeans. 15 1, even I, have spoken ; yea, I have called him : I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous. 16 ^ Come ye near unto me, hear ye this ; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning ; from tlie time that it was, there am I : and now the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me» IT Thus saith the Lord, thv Re- 7.33 ' Christ compUiineth of the Jews. ISAIAH. deemer, the Holy One of Israel ; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee hy the nay tliat thou shouldest go. 18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments ! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy right- eousness as the Avaves of the sea : 19 Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offs])ring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor de- stroyed from before me. 20 K Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth ; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob. 21 And they thirsted not wJien he led them through the deserts : he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them : he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. 22 There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. CIL^PTER XLIX. 1 Christ, being sent to the Jeiv.f, complaineth of Ihem: 5 he is sent to the Gentiles with gracious promises: 13 God's love is perpetual to his church : 18 the ample restoration of the church : 24 the powerful deliverance out of captivittj. T I8TEN, O isles, unto me ; and -^ hearken, ye people, from far ; The Lord hath called me from the Avomb ; fiom the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. 2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword ; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft ; in his quiver hath he hid me ; 3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. 4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain : yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work Avith my God. 5 ^ And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to he his servant, to bring Jacob again to him. Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorioxis in the eves of 734 He is sent to the Gentiles. the Lord, and my God shall be my strength. 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to re- store the preserved of Israel : I w-ill also give thee for a light to the Gen- tiles, that thou mayest be my salva- tion unto the end of the earth. T Thus saith the Lord, the Re- deemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him Avhom the nation abhorreth, to a serv- ant of rulers. Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. 8 Thus saith the Lord, In an ac- ceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee : and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to in- herit the desolate heritages ; 9 That thou mayest say to the pri- soners. Go forth ; to them that are in darkness. Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. 10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them : for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them. 11 And I will make all my moun- tains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. 12 Behold, these shall come from far : and, lo, these from the north and from the west ; and these from the land of Sinim. 13 •[ Sing, O heavens ; and be joy- ful, O earth ; and break forth into singing, O mountains : for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. 14 But Zion said. The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath for- gotten me. 15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have com- passion on the son of her womb I yea, •hey may forget, yet will I not forget thee. The restoration of the church 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands ; thy walls are continually before me. IT Thy children shall make haste ; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee. 18 5[ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold : all these gather them- selves together, and come to thee. Af< I live,saith the Loud, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on tliee, as a bride iloeth. 19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swal- lowed thee up shall be far away. 20 The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears. The place is too strait for me : give place to me that I may dwell. 21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart. Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro I and who hath brought up these ? Behold, I was left alone ; lese, where liad they b 22 Thus saith the Lord God, Be- hold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people : and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried vipon their shoulders. 23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers : *they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet ; and thou shalt know that I «;«. the LoRD : for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. 24 % Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawfid captive de- livered ? 25 But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terri- ble shall be delivered : for I will con- tend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. 26 And I will feed them that op- CHAP. L. Christ's patient suffering. press thee with their own flesh ; and they shall be driuiken with their own blood, as with sweet wine : and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. CHAPTER L. 1 Christ sheiveth that the dereliction of the Jews 16- not to be imputed to him, by his- ability to nave, 5 by his obedience in that ivork, 7 and by /lis confidence in that assistance : lU aji exhortation to trust in God, and not in ourselves. nPHUS saith the Lord, Where is the -*- bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away ? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your trans- gressions is your mother put away. 2 Wlierefore, when I came, teas there no man ? when I called, teas there none to ansAver ? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot re- deem ? or have I no power to deliver ? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness : their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. S I clothe the heavens with black- ness, and I make sackcloth their co- vering. 4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary : he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. 5 ^ The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off" the hair : I hid not my face from shame and spitting. 7 ^ For the Lord God will help me ; therefore shall I not be confound- ed : therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. 8 He is near that justifieth me ; who will contend with me ? let us stand together: who is mine adver- sary ? let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord God will help me : who is he that shall condemn me ? 735 An exhortation to trust in Christ. ISAIAH. TTie vanity of/earing man. lo, they all shall wax old as a garment ; the moth shall oat thorn up. 10 ^ Who is among you that foar- eth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that Avalketh in dark- ness, and hath no light ? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. 1 1 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselres about with sparks : walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. CHAPTEll LI. 1 An exhortation, after the pattern of Abraham, to trust in Christ, .S bij reason of his comfortable promises, 4 of his righteous salration, 7 and man's mortality : 9 Christ by his sanctijied arm defendeth his from the fear of man : 17 he be- waileth the afflictions of Jerusalem, 21 and pro- miseth deliverance. TTEARKEN to me, ye that folhnv -■--*■ after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord : look unto the rock wheitce ye ai*e hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you : for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. 3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion : he will comfort all her waste places ; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. 4 W Hearken luito me, my people ; and give ear rmto me, O my nation : for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. 5 My righteousness is near ; my sal- vation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people ; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm sliall they trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath : for the heavens sliall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell tlierein shall die in like manner: but my sal- vation shall be for ever, and my right- pousness shall not be abolished. 736 7 ^ Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law ; fear ye not the re- ]jroach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. 8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool : but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation. 9 ^i Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord ; auake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon ? 10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the Avaters of the great deep ; that hath made the de})ths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over ? il Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion ; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head : they shall obtain gladness and joy ; and sor- row and mourning shall flee away. 12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the sou of man which shall be made as grass ; 13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth ; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to de- stroy I and where is the fury of the oppressor ? 14 The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should i'ail. 15 iiut 1 am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose Avaves roared : The Lord of hosts is his name. 16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people. 17 II Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury; The welcome news thou hast drunken the flregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out. 18 There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth ; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up. 19 These two things are come unto thee ; who shall be sorry for thee ? de- solation, and destruction, and the fa- mine, and the sword : by whom shall I comfort thee ? 20 Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net: they are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God. 21 ^ Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine : 22 Thus saith thy I>ord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people. Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury ; thou shalt no more drink it again : 23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee ; which have said to thy soul. Bow down, that we may go over : and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. CHAPTER LII. 1 Christ per suadeth the church to believe his free redemption, 7 to receive the ministers thereof, 9 to joy in the power thereof 11 and to free them- selves from bondage: 13 Christ's kingdom shall be exalted. \ WxiKE,awake ; put on thy strength, •^-*- O Zion ; put on thy beautiful gar- ments, O Jerusalem, the holy city : for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. 2 Shake thyself from the dust ; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem : loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. 3 For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. 4 For thus saith the Lord God, My people went down aforetime into Eg)-pt to sojourn there ; and the Assyrian op- pressed them without cause. 5 Now therefore, what have I here, 3 B CHAP. LII. Llil. of Christ's kingdom. saith the Lord, that my people is taken away for nought ? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the Lord ; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. 6 Therefore my people shall know my name : therefore thet/ shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak ; behold, it is I. 7 ^ How beautiful upon the moun- tains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace ; that bringeth good tidings of good,- that publisheth salvation ; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth ! 8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; Avith the voice together shall they sing : for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. 9 ^ Break forth into joy, sing toge- ther, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his peo- ple, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. 11^ Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing ; go ye out of the midst of her ; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. 12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight : for the Lord will go before you ; and the God of Israel will be your rereward. 13 ^ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and ex- tolled, and be very high. 14 As many Avere astonished at thee ; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men : 15 So shall he sprinkle many na- tions ; the kings shall shut their mouths at him : for tliat which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. CHAPTER LIII. 1 The prophet, complaining of incredulity, excus- eth the scandal of the cross, 4 by the hen^t of passion, 10 and the good success thereof. HO hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ? 737 W Chrisfs sufferings foretold. ISAIAH. Amplitude of the Gentiles'' church. 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground : he hath no form nor comeliness ; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men ; a man of sorrows, and acquaint- ed with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him ; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 *[[ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our trans- gressions, he tiHis bruised for our ini- quities : the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and M'ith his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way ; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. T He was oppressed, and he was af- flicted, yet he opened not his mouth : he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment : and who shall declare his generation ? for he was cut off out of the land of the living : for the trans- gression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and Avith the rich in his death ; because he had done no violence, nei- ther was any deceit in his mouth. 10 % Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him ; he hath put liim to grief: "when thou shalt make his soul an offer- ing for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Loud shall prosper in his hand. 1 1 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied : by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the s])oil with the strong ; be- cause he hath poured out his soul unto death : and he was numbered with the transgressors ; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. CHAPTER LIV. 1 The prophet, for the comfort of the Gentiles, propliesieth the amplitude of their church, 4 their safety, 6 their certain deliverance out of affliction, 11 their fair edification, 15 and their sure preservation. C ING, O barren, thou thai didst not ^ bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child : for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations : spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes ; 3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left ; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4 Fear not ; for thou shalt not be ashamed : neither be thou confounded ; for thou shalt not be put to shame : for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the re- proach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy Maker is thine husband ; the Lord of hosts is his name ; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel ; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. 6 For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spi- rit, and a Avife of youth, when thou Avast refused, saith thy God. 7 For a small moment have I for- saken thee ; but with great mercies Avill I gather thee. 8 In a little Avrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but Avith everlast- ing kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Kedeemer. 9 For this is as the Avaters of Noah unto me : for as I have SAvorn that the Avaters of Noah should no more go over the earth ; so haA'e I sworn that 1 Avould not be Avroth Avith thee, nor rebuke thee. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace Their sure preservation. CHAP. LV. LVI. be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. 11 ^ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall he taught of the Lord ; and great shall he the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established : thou shalt be far from oppression ; for thou shalt not fear : and from terror ; for it shall not come near thee. 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, hut not by me : whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work ; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17 % No weapon that is formed a- gainst thee shall prosper ; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. CHAPTER LV. 1 The prophet, ivith the promises of Christ, call- eth to faith, 6 and to repentance : 8 the happy success of them that believe. "LTO, every one that thirsteth, come -^-■- ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat ; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread ? and your labour for that tahich satisfieth not ? hearken diligently unto me, and eat yc that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me : hear, and your soul shall live ; and I will make an everlasting covenant ■with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 3 B 2 The happy state of believers. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel ; for he hath glorified thee. 6 ^ Seek ye the Lord Avhile he mav be found, call ye upon him while he is near : 7 Let the Avicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him ; and to our God, for he will abund- antly pardon. 8 ^ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my Avays higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and re- turneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater : 11 So shall my word be that goetli forth out of my mouth : it shall not re- turn unto me void, but it shall accom- plish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the tiling whereto I sent it. 12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth wdth peace : the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap tlteir hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree : and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. CHAPTER LVI. 1 The prophet exhorteth to sanctification : .3 he promiseth it shall be general wit/tout respect of persons : 9 he inveigheth against blind ivatchmen. ^HUS saith the Lord, Keep ye -*- judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it ; that keepeth the sabbath 739 Exhortation to holiness of life. ISAIAH. from polluting it, and keepeth his The idolatry of the Jbws. hand from doing any evil 3 ^ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people : neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 4 For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my coveiaant ; 5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters : I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keep- eth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant ; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer : their burnt offer- ings and their sacrifices shall be ac- cepted upon mine altar ; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 8 The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him. 9 ^ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. 10 His watchmen are blind : they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark ; sleeping, ly- ing down, loving to slumber. 1 1 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand : they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink ; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. CHAPTER LVIL 1 The blessed death of the righteous : 3 God re- proveth the Jews for their whorish idolatry: 13 he giveth evangelical promises to the penitent. 740 T^HE righteous perisheth, and no -L man layeth it to heart : and mer- ciful men are taken away, none con- sidering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come- 2 He shall enter into peace : they shall rest in their beds, each one walk- ing m his uprightness. 3 H But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adul- terer and the whore. 4 Against whom do ye sport your- selves ? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue ? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, 5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks ? 6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion ; they, they a7-e thy lot : even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive com- fort in these ? 7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed : even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice. 8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance : for thou hast discovered thyself to an- other than me, and art gone up ; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them ; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. 9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messen- gers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. 10 Thou art wearied in the great- ness of thy way ; yet saidst thou not. There is no hope : thou hast found the life of thine hand ; therefore thou wast not grieved. 11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart ? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not ? 12 1 will declare thy righteousness, and thy works ; for they shall not pro- fit thee. Mercy pro7nised to the penitent. CHAP. 13 ^ When thou criest, let thy com- panies deliver thee ; but the wind shall carry them all away ; vanity shall take them : but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall in- herit my holy mountain ; 14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. 15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to re- vive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 16 For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth : for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. 17 For the iniquity of his covetous- ness was I wroth, and smote him : I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him : I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. 19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord ; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. CHAPTER LVIII. 1 The prophet, being sejit to reprove hypocrisy, 3 expresseth a counterfeit fast and a true : 8 Ae declareth what promises are due unto godliness, 13 and to the keeping of the sabbath. /^RY aloud, spare not, lift up thy ^-^ voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily, and de- light to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God : they ask of me the ordinances of justice ; they take delight in approaching to God. 3 1[ Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not ? wlierefore LVIII. The fast which God accepteth. have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge ? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours, 4 Behold, ye fast for strife and de- bate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness : ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen ? a day for a man to afflict his soul ? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes un- der him ? Avilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord ? 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands of wicked- ness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke ? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house ? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him ; and that thou hide not thyself fiom thine own flesh ? 8 ^ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily : and thy right- eousness shjill go before thee ; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt cry, and he shall say. Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity ; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul ; then shall thy light rise in ob- scurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day : 11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones : and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose wa- ters fail not. 12 And they that shall he of thee shall build the old waste places : thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations ; and thou shalt be called. The repairer of the breach. The re- storer of paths to dwell in. 741 Tlie sins of the Jews. IS AI 13 f If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honour- able ; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking tit ineown words : 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord ; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Ja- cob thy father : for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. CHAPTER LIX. 1 The damnable nature of sin : 3 the si7is of the Jeius : 9 calamity is for sin : 16 salvatioii is only of God: 20 the covenant of the Redeemer. "OEHOLD, the Lord's hand is not -"-^ shortened, that it cannot save ; nei- ther his ear heavy, that it cannot hear : 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth : they trust in vanity, and speak lies ; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. 5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and v/eave the spider's web : he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. 6 Their webs shall not become gar- ments, neither shall they cover them- selves with their works : their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood : their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity ; wasting and destruction are in their paths. 8 The way of peace they know not ; and there is no judgment in their goings : they have made them crooked paths : whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. 9 ^ Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity ; for brightness, hut we walk in darkness. 742 AH. Salvation cometh of God only. 10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and Ave grope as if ue had no eyes : we stumble at noon day as in the night ; we are in desolate places as dead men. 1 1 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves : we look for judgment, but there is none ; for salvation, b2d it is far off from us. 12 For our transgressions are mul- tiplied before thee, and our sins testi- fy against us : for our transgressions are with us ; and as for our iniquities, we know them ; 13 In transgressing and lyingagainst the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and re- volt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. 14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 15 Yea, truth faileth ; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey : and the Lord saw it, and it dis- pleased him that /Acre t^Jrt.snojudgment. 16 If And he saw that there was no man, and m ondered that there was no intercessor : therefore his arm brought salvation unto him ; and his righteous- ness, it sustained him. 17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salva- tion upon his head ; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. 18 According to their deeds, accord- ingly he will repay, fury to his adver- saries, recompence to his enemies ; to the islands he will repay recompence. 19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. 20 ^ And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord ; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not de- The glorioics access of the CHAP. LX. Gentiles into the church. part out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. CHAPTER LX. 1 The glory of the church in the abundant access of the Gentiles, 15 and the great blessings after a short affliction. \ RISE, shine ; for thy light is come, ■^-^ and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness • shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people : but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. o And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see : all they gather themselves together, they come to thee : thy sons shall come from far, and thy daugh- ters shall be nursed at thy side. 5 Then thou shalt see, and flow to- gether, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. 6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of ^lidian and Ephah ; all they from Sheba shall come : they shall bring gold and in- cense ; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. 7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee : they shall come up Avith acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. 8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows ? 9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. 10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee : for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. 1 1 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually ; they shall not be shut day nor night ; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings viay be brought. 12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish ; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. 1 3 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary ; and I wiU make the place of my feet glorious. 14 The sons also of them that af flicted thee shall come bending unto thee ; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves do'.vn at the soles of thy feet ; and they shall call thee. The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I Avill make thee an eternal ex- cellency, a joy of many generations. 16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings : and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Re- deemer, the mighty One of Jacob. 17 For brass I Avill bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron : I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. 18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders ; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. 19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day ; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee : but the Lord shall be unto thee an ever- lasting light, and thy God thy glory. 20 Thy sun shall no more go down ; neither shall thy moon Avithdraw it- self: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. 21 Thy people also shall he all righteous : they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. 748 The office of Christ. ISAIAH 22 A little one shall become a thou- sand, and a small one a strong nation : I the Lord will hasten it in his time. CHAPTER LXI. 1 The office of Christ: 4 the forwardness, 7 and blessings of the faithful. HHHE Spirit of the Lord God is upon -*- me ; because the Lord hath a- nointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of tlie Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God ; to comfort all that mourn ; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of hea- viness ; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. 4 ^ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. 6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord : men shall call you the Ministers of our God : ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. T ^ For your shame ye shall have double ; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion : therefore in their land they shall possess the double : everlasting joy shall be unto them. 8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known a- mong the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people : all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed tvhich the Lord hath blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in tlie Lord, my soul sliall be jovful in my God ; 744 The jjrophet's zeal for the church. for he hath clothed me with the gar- ments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 1 1 " For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. CHAPTER LXIL ] The fervent desire of the prophet to confirm the church in God's promises : 5 the office of the ministers (unto which they are incited) in preaching the Gospel, 10 and preparing the people thereto. T^OR Zion's sake will I not hold my -*- peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp //ia^burneth. 2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. 3 Thou shalt also be a croAvn of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken ; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate : but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah : for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. 5 ^ For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee : and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. 6 I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night : ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, 7 And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 8 The Lord hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to he meat for thine enemies ; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink Christ sheweth who he is. thy wine, for the which thou hast la- boured : 9 But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the Lord ; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. 10 ^ Go through, go through the gates ; prepare ye tlie way of the peo- ple ; cast up, cast up the highway ; gather out the stones ; lift up a stand- ard for the people. 11 Behold, the Lord hath proclaim- ed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy sal- vation Cometh ; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 12 And they shall call them. The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord : and thou shalt be called. Sought out, A city not forsaken. CHAPTER LXIII. 1 Christ sheweth who he is, 2 what his victory over his enemies, 7 and what his mercy toward his church : lU iti his just wrath he remembereth his free mercy: 15 the church in their prayer, 17 and complaint, profess their faith. 'Y\7^H0 is this that cometh from " ~ Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah ? this tJiat is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in right- eousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments hke him that treadeth in the winefat ? 3 I have trodden the winepress a- lone ; and of the people there toas none with me : for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury ; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeem- ed is come. 5 And I looked, and there was none to help ; and I wondered that there was none to uphold : therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me ; and my fury, it upheld me. 6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. 7^1 will mention the lovingkind- CHAP. LXIII. ChrisCs power and mercies. nesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and ac- cording to the multitude of his loving- kindnesses. 8 For he said. Surely they are my people, children that will not lie : so he was their Saviour. 9 In all their affliction he was afflict- ed, and the angel of his presence saved them : in his love and in his pity he redeemed them ; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. 10 If But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit : therefore he was turn- ed to be their enemy, and he fought against them. 11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock ? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him ? 12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, divid- ing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name ? 13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble ? 14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest : so didst thou lead thy peo- ple, to make thyself a glorious name. 15 If Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holi- ness and of thy glory : where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me ? are they restrained ? 16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not : thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer ; thy name is from everlasting. 17 ^f O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. 18 The people of thy holiness have 745 TTie church prayeth to God. IS AT possessed it but a little while : our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. 19 We are thine : thou never barest rule over them ; they were not called by thy name. CHAPTER LXIV. 1 The church prayeth for the illustration of God's power: 5 celebrating God's mercy, it maketh confession of their natural corruptions : 9 it complaineth of their affliction. /^H that thou wouldest rend the ^^ heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, 2 As when the melting fire burn- eth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may trem- ble at thy presence ! 3 Wlien thou didst terrible things tchich we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. 4 For since the beginning of the world me?i have not heard, nor per- ceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, tohat he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. 5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy Avays : behold, thou art wroth ; for we have sinned : in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. 6 But we are all as an unclean thine/, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up him- self to take hold of thee : for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. 8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father ; we ai-e the clay, and thou our potter ; and we all are the work of thy hand. 9 ^ Be not WTOth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever : behold, see, we beseech thee, we art- all thy people. 10 Thy holy cities are a wilderness, 146 AH. The calling of the Gentiles. Zion is a Avilderness, Jerusalem a de- solation. 1 1 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burn- ed up with fire : and all our pleasant things are laid waste. 12 Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O Lord ? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore ? CHAPTER LXV. 1 The calling of the Gentiles: 2 the Jews, for their increduUty, idolatry, and hypocrisy, are rejected: 8 a retntiant shall be saved: 11 .judg- ments on the wicked, and blessings on the godly : 17 the blessed state of the new Jerusalem. T AM souglit of them that asked not -*- for me; I am found of them that sought me not : I said, Behold me, be- hold me, unto a nation thai w^as not called by my name. 2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts ; 3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face ; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burnetii in- cense upon altars of brick ; 4 Which remain among the graAes, and lodge in the monuments, whicli eat swine's flesh, and broth of abo- minable things is in their vessels ; 5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me ; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burncth all the day. 6 Behold, it is written before me : I wall not keep silence, but wdll re- compense, even recompense into their bosom, 7 Your iniquities, and the iniqui- ties of your fathers together, saith the Lord, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blaspliem- ed me upon the hills : therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom. 8 51 Thus saith the Lord, As the neAv wine is found in the cluster, and one saith. Destroy it not ; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all. 9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains : and mine elect shall The blessed state inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. 10 And Sharon shall he a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. 11 H But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy moun- tain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number, 12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter : because when I call- ed, ye did not answer ; when I spake, ye did not hear ; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose tlial Avherein I delighted not. 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry : behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty : behold, my servants shall re- joice, but ye shall be ashamed : 14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. 15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen : for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name : 16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth ; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. 17 ^ For, behold, I create new hea- vens and a new earth : and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create : for, be- hold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people : and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days : for the child CHAP. LXVL of the neio Jerusalem. shall die an hundred years old ; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit ihem ; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit ; they shall not plant, and an- other eat : for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long- enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble ; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that be- fore they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock : and dust fiJiall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy moun- tain, saith the Lord. CHAPTER LXYI. 1 The glorious God ivill he served in humhle sin- cerity: 5 he comforteth the httmhle ivith the marvellous generation, 10 and with the gracious benefits of the church : 15 God's severe judg- ments against the wicked : 19 the Gentiles shall have an holy church, 24 and see the damnation of the wicked. nPHUS saith the Lord, The heaven -"- is my throne, and the earth is my footstool : where is the house that ye build unto me ? and where is the place of my rest ? 2 For all those tilings liath mine hand made, and all those iliiyigs have been, saith the Lord : but to this vian will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. 3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man ; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck ; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood ; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them ; because when I called, none did an- swer; when I spake, they did not hear : 747 The gathering of all nations ISAIAH. but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 ^ Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Yonr brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified : but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to his enemies, 7 Before she travailed, she brought forth ; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. 8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things ? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once ? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth ? saith the Lord : shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb ? saith thy God. 10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her ; rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her : 1 1 That ye may suck, and be satis- fied with the breasts of her consola- tions ; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. 12 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream : then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. 13 As one whom his mother com- forteth, so will I comfort you ; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14 And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb : and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies. 15 For, behold, the Lord will come together into one church. with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger Avith fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh : and the slain of the Lord shall be many. 17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed to- gether, saith the Lord. 18 For I know their works and their thoughts : it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues ; and they sliall come, and see my glory. 19 And I will set a sign among them, and I Avill send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar ofl", that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. 20 And they shall bring all your brethren /br an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. 21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the Lord. 22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. 24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me : for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched ; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. 748 The Book of the Prophet JEREMIAH. CHAPTER I. 1 The time, 3 and the calling of Jeremiah : 11 his prophetical virions of a/i almond rod and a seething pot ; 15 his heavy message against Ju- dah : 17 God encourageth him ivith his promise of assistance. nnHE words of Jeremiah the son of -*- Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathotli in the land of Benjamin : 2 To whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoi- akim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Ju- dah, imto the carrying away of Jeru- salem captive in the fifth month. 4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee ; and before tbou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God ! be- hold, I cannot speak : for I am a child. 7 % But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatso ever I command thee thou shalt speak ing pot ; and the face thereof is toward the north. 14 Then the Lord said unto me. Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, lo, I Avill call all the fami- lies of the kingdoms of the north, saith the Lord ; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about,and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wick- edness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands. 17 ^ Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee : be not dis- mayed at their faces, lest 1 confound thee before them. 18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19 And they shall fight against thee ; 8 Benot afraid of their faces: for I am \ but they shall not prevail against thee with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to de- stroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. 11^ Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou ? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 12 Then said the Lord unto me. Thou hast well seen : for I will hasten my word to perform it. 13 And the word of the Lord came unto me the second time, saying. What seest thou ? And I said, I see a seeth- for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee. CHAPTER IT. 1 God, having shewed his former kindness, erpos- tulateth with the Jews their causeless revolt, 9 beyond any example : 1 1 they are the causes of their own calamities : 20 the sitts of Judah : 31 her confidence is rejected. IV/rOREOVER the word of the Lord -'-"-*■ came to me, saying, 2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusa- lem, saying, Thus saith the Lord ; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilder- ness, in a land that was not sown. 3 Israel was holiness unto the Lord, ajtd the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the Lord. 4 Hear ye the word of the Lord, 749 God expostulateth with the Jews, JEREMIAH, and reproveth them of idolatry. O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel : 5 If Thus saith the Lord, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked alter vanity, and are become vain ? 6 Neither said they, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt ? 7 And I brought yovi into a plen- tiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination. 8 The priests said not. Where is the Lord ? and they that handle the law knew me not : the pastors also trans- gressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after thinr/s that do not profit. 9 ^I Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your children's children will I plead. 10 For pass over the isles of Chit- tim, and see ; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing. 11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods ? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. 12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. 13 For my people have committed two evils ; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 14 ^I Is Israel a servant he homeborn slave ? why is he spoiled ? 15 The young lions roared upon him, and yelled, and they made his land waste : his cities are burned with- out inhabitant. 16 Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head. 750 17 Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, Avhen he led thee by the way { 18 And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor ? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river ? 19 Thine own wickedness shall cor- rect thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee : know therefore and see that it is an evil thiny and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts. 20 ^ For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands ; and thou saidst, I will not transgress ; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, play- ing the harlot. 21 Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed : how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me ? 22 For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much sope, pet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord God. 23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim ? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done : thou art a swift dromedary traversing her Avays ; 24 A wild ass used to the wilder- ness, that snufFeth up the wind at her pleasure ; in her occasion who can turn her away ? all they that seek her will not weary themselves ; in her month they shall find her. 25 Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst : but thou, saidst. There is no hope : no ; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed ; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 27 Saying to a stock. Thou art my father ; and to a stone. Thou bast brought me forth : for they have turn- JudaWs mle whoredom. CHAP. III. Israel less criminal than Judah^ ed their back unto me, and not their face : but in the time of their trouble they Avill say, Arise, and save us. 28 But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee ? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble : for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. 29 Wherefore will ye plead with me ? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the Lord. 30 In vain have I smitten your chil- dren ; they received no correction : your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 31^0 generation, see ye the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilder- ness unto Israel ? a land of darkness ? wherefore say my people. We are lords ; we will come no more unto thee? 32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire ? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. o3 Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast tlaou also taught the wicked ones thy Avays. 34 Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor inno- cents : I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. 35 Yet thou say est. Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. 36 Why gaddest thou about s(^ much to change thy way ? thou also shalt be ashamed of Egypt, as thou wast ashamed of Assyria. 37 Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head : for the Lord hath rejected thy confi- dences, and thou shalt not prosper in them. CHAPTER in. 1 God's great mercy in Judah' s rile ivhoredom: 6 Judah is worse than Israel: 12 the promises of the Gospel to the penitent: 20 Israel reproved, and called hy God, maketh a solemn confession of their sins. T^iIEY say, If a man put away liis wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again ? shall not that land be gicatly polluted ? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers ; yet re- turn again to me, saith the Lord. 2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high ])laces, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the -ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness ; and thou hast polluted the land vfith thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness. 3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain ; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed. 4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth ? 5 Will he reserve his an r/er for ever ? Avill he keep it to the end ? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest. 6 ^ The Lord said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done ? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. 7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacher- ous sister Judah saw it. 8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce ; yet her treacher- ous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. y And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adul- tery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all this her trea- cherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. 12 ^ Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Ileturn, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord ; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you : for I arn merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. 751 Promises to the penitent. JEREMIAH. 13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord ; for I am married un- to you : and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion : 15 And I will give you pastors ac- cording to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and under- standing. 16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the Lord : neither shall it come to mind : neither shall they re- member it ; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. 17 At that time they shall call Je- rusalem the throne of the Lord ; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jeru- salem : neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. 18 In those days the house of Ju- dah shall walk with the house of Is- rael, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. 19 But I said. How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations I and I said, Thou shalt call me. My father ; and shalt not turn away from me. 20 ^ Surely as a wdfe treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. 21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel : for they have perverted their way, and they have for- gotten the Lord their God. 22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Be- 752 Jiidah threatened with rear hold, we come unto thee ; for thou art the Lord our God. 23 Truly ni vain is salvation hoped ybr from the hills, and from the multi- tude of mountains : truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. 24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth ; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. 25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us : for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. CHAPTER IV. 1 God calleth Israel hy his promise : 3 fie exhort- eth Judah to repentance by fearful judgments : 19 a grievous lamentation for the miseries of Judah. TF thou wilt return, O Israel, saith -*- the Lord, return unto me : and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove. 2 And thou shalt swear. The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness ; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. 3 ^ For thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabit- ants of Jerusalem : lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. 5 Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say. Blow ye the trumpet in the land : cry, gather toge- ther, and say. Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities. 6 Set up the standard toward Zion : retire, stay not : for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruc- tion. 7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gen- tiles is on his way ; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land de- The prophet Inmenteth hilWrUj CHAP. IV. solate ; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant. 8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl : for the tierce anger of the Lord is not turned back from us. 9 And it shall come to pass at that day, saith the Lord, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes ; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder. 10 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying. Ye shall have peace ; whereas the sword reach- eth unto the soul. 11 At that tnne shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilder- ness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse, 12 Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me : now also will I give sentence against them. 13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots sJudl he as a Avhirhvind : his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. 14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee i 15 For a voice declareth from Dan, and publisheth affliction from mount Ephraim. 16 Make ye mention to the nations ; behold, publish against .Jerusalem, tJtat Avatchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah. 17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about ; because she hath been rebellious against me, saith the Lord. 18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these tJilngs unto thee ; tliis is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart. 19 ^ ]My bowels, my bowels ! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me ; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. o c the afflictions of his comitrij. 20 Destruction upon destruction is cried ; for the whole land is spoiled : suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment. 21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet ? 22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me ; they are sottish children, and they have none under- standing : they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. 23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it ivas without form and void ; and the heavens, and they had no light. 24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. 25 I beheld, and, lo, tltere teas no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. 26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place ivas a wilderness, and all the cities thereof Avere broken down at the presence of the Lord, and by his fierce anger. 27 For thus hath tlie Lord said, The whole land shall be desolate ; yet will I not make a full end. 28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black : be- cause I have spoken it, I have pur- posed it, and Avill not repent, neither will I turn back from it. 29 The whole city shall flee for tlie noise of the horsemen and bowmen ; they shall go into thickets, and climl^ up upon the rocks : every city shall he forsaken, and not a man dwell therein. 30 And wJteu thou art spoiled, Avhat wilt thou do i Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face Avith painting, in vain shalt thou make thy- self fair ; thy lovers will despise thee, they Avill seek thy life. 31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, tJiat bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying. Woe is for my soul is Avearied he- me noAv cause of murderers. 753 God's Judg/neji is upori tJie CHAPTER V. I The Judgynents of God upon the Jews, for their pervemeness, 7 for their adultery, 11) for their impiety, 19 for their contempt of God, 2b and for their great corruption in the civil state, 30 and ecclesiastical. "DUN ye to and fro througli the -*-^ streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be anp that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth ; and 1 will pardon it. 2 And though they say, The Lord liveth ; surely they swear falsely. o O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth ? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved : thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction : they have made their faces harder than a rock ; they have refused to return. 4 Therefore 1 said. Surely these are poor ; they are foolish : for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judg- ment of their God. 5 1 will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto thcmi; for they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God : but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. 6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the even- ings shall spoil them, a leopard sliall watch over their cities : every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces : because their transgressions are many, a)id their backslidings are increased. 7 % Ilowbhall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and SAvorn by i/iea/ tliat are no gods : Avhen I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. 8 They -were as: fed horses in the morning^: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife. 9 Shall I not visit for these tliinc/s? saith the Lord: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this I 10 ^ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements ; for they aj-e not the Lord's. 754 JEIIEMLIH. Jews for their variotis sins 11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very trea- cherously against me, saith the Lord. 12 They have belied the Lord, and said. It is not he ; neither shall evil come upon us ; neither shall we see sword nor famine : 13 And the prophets shall become wind, and the w^ord is not in them : thus shall it be done mito them. 14 Wherefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. 15 Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the Lord : it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose lan- guage thou knowest not, neither un- derstandest what they say. 16 Their quiver is as an open sepul- chre, they are all mighty men. 17 And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, iclnch thy sons and thy daughters should eat : they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees : they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword. 18 Nevertheless in those days, saith the Lord, I will not make a full end with you. 19 ^i And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the Lord our God all these t'ltinys unto us? then shalt thou answer them. Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land tliai is not your's. 20 Declare this in the house of Ja- cob, and publish it in Judah, saying, 21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding ; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not : 22 Fear ye not me? saith the Lord : will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual de- cree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail ; though they Enemies sent against Judah. CHAP. VI. The evils that would follow . and let us go up at noon. Woe unto us ! roar, yet can they not pass over it? 23 But this people hath a revolting and a rehellious heart ; they are re- volted and gone. 24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season : he reservcth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. 25 ^ Your iniquities have turned away these thiitr/s, and your sins have withholden good thinr/s front you. 26 For among my people are found wicked men : they lay wait, as he that sctteth snares ; they set a trap, they c^tch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit : therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. 28 They are waxen fat, they shine : yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked : they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they pros- per; and the right of the needy do they not judge. 29 Shall I not visit for these things i saith the Lord : shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this ? SO ^ A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land ; o\ The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means ; and my people love to hare it so : and what will ye do in the end thereof? CHAPTER VL 1 The enemies sent against Judah 4 encourage themselves : 6 God setteth them on work because qf their sins : 9 the prophet lamenteth the judg- ments of God because of their sins : 18 he pro- claimeth God's urath : 26 he calleth the people to mourn for the judgment on their sins. C\ YE children of Benjamin, gather ^-^ yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of lire in Beth-haccerem : for evil appearcth out of the north, and great destruction. 2 I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. 3 The shepherds with their flocks shall come unto her ; they shall pitch their tents against her round about ; they shall feed every one in his place. 4 Prepare ye war against her ; arise. 3 c 2 for the day goeth away, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out. 5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces. 6 ^i For thus hath the Lord of hosts said. Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem : this is the city to be visited ; she is wholly op- pression in the midst of her. 7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wicked- ness : violence and spoil is heard in her ; before me continually is grief and wounds. 8 Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee ; lest 1 make thee desolate, a land not in- habited. 9 ^ Thus saith the Lord of hosts. They shall throughly glean the rem- nant of Israel as a vine : turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets. 10 To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear ? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken : behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach ; they have no delight in it. 1 1 Therefore I am full of the fury of the Lord ; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the chil- dren abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together : for even tlie husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with Jiim that /.sfull of days. 12 And their houses shall be turned inito others, with their fields and wives together : for I will stretch out my hand u])on the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord. 13 For from the least of them even mito the greatest of them every one e'v given to covetousness ; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 14 Tliev have healed also the hurt of the dau«//iier of my people shghtly, saying, I'cace, peace ; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination ? nay, they were not at all ashamed, iicither 755 God's wrath proclaimed. could they blush : therefore they shall fall among them that fall : at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. 16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where la the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Rut they said. We will not walk therein. 17 Also I set watchmen over you, sayitH/, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said. We will not hearken. 18 ^ Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, 0 congregation, what is among them. 19 Hear, O earth: beliold, I will bring evil upon this people, eren the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my Avords, nor to my law, but rejected it. 20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country ? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me. 21 Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks be- fore this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them ; the neighbour and his friend shall perish. 22 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. 23 They shall lay hold on bow and spear ; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea ; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for Mar against thee, O daughter of Zion. 24 We have heard the fame thereof: our hands Avax feeble : anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail. 25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way ; for the SAvord of the enemy and fear is on every side. 26 If O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and walloAv thy- self in ashes : make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lament- 756 JEREMIAH. The Jews called to repentance. ation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us. 27 I have set thee /or a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way. 28 They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders : they are brass and iron ; they are all corrupters. 29 The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire ; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. .30 Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them. CHAPTER VH. 1 Jeremiah is sent to call for true repentcmce, to 2Jrevent the Jews' captivity : 8 he rejecteth their vain confidence, I'J bi/ the example of Shiloh : J 7 he threateneth them for their idolatry: 21 he rejecteth the sacrifices of the disobedient : 29 he exhorteth to mourn for their abominations in Tophet, 32 atid the judgments for the same. npiIE word that came to Jeremiali -■- from the Lord, saying, 2 Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say. Hear the word of the Lord, all ye o/" Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the Lord. 3 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 Trust ye not in lying words, say- ing. The temple of the Lord, The tern- pie of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these. 5 For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings ; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour ; 6 If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widows and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt : 7 Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever. 8 ^[ Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. 9 Will ye steal, murder, and com- mit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not ; 10 And come and fjtand before me Their idolatry threatened. CHAP in tliis house, wbicli is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations ? 1 1 Is this house, Avhich is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes ? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord. 12 But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the Avickedness of my people Israel. 13 And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not ; and I called you, but ye answered not ; 14 Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, Avherein ye trust, and unto the place Avhich I gave to you and to your fa- thers, as I have done to Shiloh. 15 And I Avill cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your bre- thren, eveti the whole seed of iSphraim. 16 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me : for I will not hear thee. IT % Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem ? 1 8 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that tliey may provoke me to anger. 19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord : do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces I 20 Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poiu-ed out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground ; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched. 21 ^ Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel ; Put your burnt offer- ings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh. 22 For I spake not unto your fa- thers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the VII. The abominations in Tophet. land of Egypt, concerning burnt offer- ings or sacrifices : 23 But this thing commanded I them, saying. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall b€ my people : and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. 24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. 25 Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent luito you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them : 26 Yet they hearkened not luito me, nor inclined their ear, but hard- ened their neck : they did worse than their fathers. 27 Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them ; but they Avill not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them ; but they will not an- swer thee. 28 But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor re- ceiveth correction : truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. 29 ^ Cut off thine hair, O Jerusa- lem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places ; for the Lord hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. 30 For the children of Judah have done evil in my sight, saith the Lord : they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to pollute it. 31 And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the val- ley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire ; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. 32 ^ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter : for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place. 757 The Jews' impenitence yphraided, JEREINIIAII. and their judgment denounced. 33 And the carcases of tliis people shall be meat for the foAvls of the hea- ven, and for the beasts of the earth ; and none shall fray them away. 34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride : for the land shall be desolate. CHAPTER VIII. 1 The calamity of the Jews, both dead and alive : 4 he uphraidcth their foolish and shameless im- penitency : 13 he sheiveth their grievous judg- ment, 18 and bewaileth their desperate estate. A T that time, saith the Lord, they -^-^ shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of his princes, and the bones of tlie priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusa- lem, out of their graves : 2 And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and Avhom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worship- ped : they shall not be gathered, nor be buried ; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth. 3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the Lord of hosts. 4 % Moreover thou shalt say unto them. Thus saith the Lord ; Shall they fall, and not arise ? shall he turn away, and not return ? 5 Why til en is this people of Jeru- salem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. 6 I hearkened and heard, hut they spake not aright : no man repented him of his wickedness, saying. What have I done ? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. 7 Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth lier appointed times ; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming ; but my people know not the judgment of the Lord. 758 8 How do ye say. We are wise, and the law of the liORD is with us ? Lo, certainly in vain made he it ; the pen of the scribes is in vain. 9 The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken : lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord ; and what wisdom is in them ? 10 Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them : for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the pro- phet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 11 For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace ; when there is no peace. 12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush : therefore shall they fall among them that fall : in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. 13 ^ I will surely consume them, saith the Lord : there shall he no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade ; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them. 14 Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there : for the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the Lord. L5 \\i'e looked for peace, but no good came ; and for a time of health, and behold trouble ! 16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan : the whole land trem- bled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones ; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it ; the city, and those that dwell therein. 17 For, behold, I \\\\\ send sei-pents, cockatrices, among you, Avhich will not be charaied, and they shall bit« you, saith the Lord. 18 ^ When I Avould comfort myself The prophet beioaileth the sins CHAP against sorrow, my lieart is faint in me. 19 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them tliat dwell in a far country: Is not the Lord in Zion I is not her king in her ? Wliy have they provoked me to anger with their graven images, and with strange vanities ? 20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and Ave are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt ; I am black ; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead ; is there no physician there ? why then is not the health of tlie daughter of my people recovered ? CHAPTER IX. 1 Jeremiah lamenteth the Jews for their manifold nins, 9 and for their judgment : 12 disobedience is the cause of their bitter calamity : 17 he e.r- hortelh to mourn for their destruction, %^ and to trust not in themselves, but in God : 25 he threateneth both Jews and Gentiles. /^H that my head were waters, and ^-^ mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might Aveep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people ! 2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of Avay firing men ; that I might leave my people, and go from them ! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. o And they bend their tongues like their boAv for lies : but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth ; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord. 4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother : for every brother Avill utterly supplant, and every neighbour Avill walk Avith slanders. 5 And they Avill deceive every one his neighbour, and Avill not speak the truth : they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and Aveary themselves to commit iniquity. 6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit ; through deceit they refuse to knoAv me, saith the Lord. 7 Therefore thus saith the Loud of hosts, Behold, I Avill melt them, and try them ; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people ? IX. and miseries of the people. 8 Their tongue is as an arroAV shot out ; it speaketh deceit : one spcaketh peaceably to his neighbour Avith his mouth, but in heart he laycth his Avait. 9 % Shall I not vidt them for these thi//f/s y saith the Lord : shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this i 10 For the mountains Avill I take up a Aveeping and Availing, and for the ha- bitations of the Avildcrness a lamenta- tion, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through thei?i ; nei- ther can men hear the voice of the cattle ; both the fowl of the heaA'ens and the beast are fled ; they are gone. 11 And I Avill make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons ; and I Avill make the cities of Judah desolate, Avithout an inhabitant. 12 *|j Who is the wise man, that may understand this ( oxidiicho is he to\v\\oxi\ the moutli of the Lord hath spoken, that he may declare it, for Avhat the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness, that none passeth through? 13 And the Lord saith. Because they have forsaken my law Avhich I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither Avalked therein ; 14 But have Avalked after the ima- gination of their own heart, and after Baalim, AAhich their fathers taught them : 15 Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel ; Behold, I Avill feed them, even this people, Avith AvorniAvood, and give them water of gall to drink. IG I Avill scatter them also among the heathen, Avhom neither they nor their fathers have knoAvn : and 1 Avill send a SAvord after them, till I have consumed them. 17 *fi Thus saith the Lord of hosts. Consider ye, and call for the mourning Avomen, that they may come ; and send for cunning women, that they may come : 18 And let them make haste, and take up a Availing for us, that our eyes may run doAvn Avitli tears, and our eyelids gush out Avith Avaters. 19 For a voice of Availing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled ! we 759 The great dispardij JEREMIAH. beticeen God and idols. are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out. 20 Yet hear the Avord of the Lord, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation. 21 For death is come up into our windows, and, is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets. 22 Speak, Thus saith the Lord, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them. 23 ^ Thus saith the Lord, Let not the Avise man glory in his Avisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches : 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knowethme, that I am the Lord Avhich exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth : for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. 25 ^ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I Avill punish all them which are circumcised Avith the uncir- cumcised ; 26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the cliildren of Amnion, and Moab, and all tliatare'ni the utmost corners, that dAvell in the Avilderness : for all these nations are uneircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uneircum- cised in the heart. CHAPTER X. 1 The unequal comparison of God and idols: 17 the prophet exhorteth to.fleefrom the calamity to come : 19 /le lamenteth the spoil of the tabernacle bii foolish pastors : 2.3 he maketh an hnnihle supplication. TTEAR ye the Avord Avhich the Lord -*--^ speaketh unto you, O house of Israel : 2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the Avay of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven ; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain : for one cutteth a tree out of the 760 forest, the Avork of the hands of the Avorkman, Avith the ax. 4 They deck it Avith silver and Avith gold ; they fasten it Avith nails and Avith hammers, that it move not. 5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not : they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them ; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. 6 Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord ; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. 7 Who Avould not fear thee, O King of nations ? for to thee doth it apper- tain : forasmuch as among all the Avise men of the nations, and in all theii* kingdoms, there is none like mito thee. 8 But they are altogether brutish and foolish : the stock is a doctrine of vanities. 9 Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Ilpbaz, the Avork of the Avorkman, and of the hands of the founder : blue and pur- ple is their clothing : they are all the Avork of cunning men. 10 But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlast- ing king : at his Avrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. 11 Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. 12 He hath made the earth by his poAver, he hath established the world by his Avisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. 13 When he uttereth his voice, tliere is a multitude of Avaters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth ; he maketh lightnings Avith rain, and bringeth forth the Avind out of his treasures. 14 Every man is brutish in Jiis knoAA'ledge : every founder is confound- ed by the graven image : for his molten image is falsehood, and iJiere is no breath in them. The spoil of t/ie tabernacle, ^^c. CHAP 15 They a>-e vanity, and the work of errors : in the time of their visitation they shall perish. 16 The portion of Jacob is not like them : for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance : The Lord of hosts is his name. 17 *f| Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress. 18 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and Avill distress them, that they may find it so. 19 ^ Woe is me for my hurt ! my wound is grievous : but I said. Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it. 20 My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken : my children are gone forth of me, and they are not : tJiere is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. 31 For the pastors are become brut- ish, and have not sought the Lord : therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. 22 Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons. 23 5[ O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that Avalketli to direct his steps. 24 O Lord, correct me, but with judgment ; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. 25 Pour out thy fury upon the hea- then that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name : for they have eaten up Jacob, and de- voui-ed him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate. CHAPTER XL 1 Jeremiah proclaimeth God's covenant, 8 rebuk- eth the Jews' disobeying thereof, 1 1 prophesieth evils to come upon them, 18 ayid upon the men of Anathoth, for conspiring to kill Jeremiah. T^HE Avord that came to Jeremiah -*- from the Lord, saying, 2 Hear ye the Avords of this coA^e- nant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem ; 3 And say thou unto them. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel ; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the AVords of this covenant. . XI. God's covenant proclaimed. 4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying. Obey my voice, and do them, according to all Avhich I command you : so shall ye be my peo- ple, and I Avill be your God : 5 That I may perform the oath Avhich I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land floAving Avith milk and honey, as it is this day. Then ansAvered I, and said, So be it, O Lord. 6 Then the Lord said unto me. Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jeru- salem, saying. Hear ye the Avords of this covenant, and do them. 7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even un- to this day, rising early and protest- ing, saying. Obey my voice. 8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but Avalked every one in the imagination of their evil heart : there- fore I Avill bring upon them all the Avords of this coAcnant, Avhich I commanded litem to do ; but they did them not. 9 And the Lord said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, AA^hich refused to hear my words ; and thev Avent after other gods to serA-e them : the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant Avhich I made Avith their fathers. 11 1[ Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, Avhich they shall not be able to escape ; and though they shall cry unto me, I Avill not hearken unto them. 12 Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto Avhom they ofler incense : but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. 13 For according to the number of thy cities Avere thy gods, O Judah ; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem haAC ye set up 701 Great evils prophesied- JEREMIAH. altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. 14 Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them : for I will not hear iJiem in the time that they cry inito me for their trouble. 15 AVhat hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee ? when tliou doest evil, then thou rejoicest. 16 The Lord called thy name, A. gi-een olive tree, fair, at^d of goodly fruit : with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken. 17 For the Lord of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against them- selves to provoke nie to anger in offer- ing incense unto Baal. 18 ^ And the liORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it : then thou shewedst me their doings. 19 But I was like a lamb or an ox t/int is brought to the slaughter ; and I knew not that they had devised de- vices against me, sayitu/, Let us de- stroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. 20 But, O Lord of hosts, that judg- est righteously, that triest the reins avid the heart, let me see thy venge- ance on them : for unto thee have I revealed my cause. 21 Therefore thus saith the Lord of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying. Prophesy not in the name of the Lord, that thou die not by our hand : 22 Therefore thus saith the IjOrd of hosts. Behold, I will punish them : the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine : 23 And there shall be no remnant of them : for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation. God's heritage forsaken of him. CHAPTER XII. I Jeremiah, complaining of the ivicked's pros- perity, by faith seeth their ruin : 5 God adman- isheth him of his brethren's treachery against him, 7 and lamenteth his heritage: 14 he pra- miseth to the penitent return from captivity. T3IGHTE0U8 art thou, O Lord, -^^ when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of tliy judgments : Wherefore doth the way of the Avicked prosper ? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously ? 2 Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root : they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit : thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins. 3 But thou, O Lord, knowest me : thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee : pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. 4 How long shall the land mourn, and the lierbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein ? the beasts are consumed, and the birds ; because they said, He shall not see oin* last end. 5 ^ If thou hast run with tlie foot- men, and they have wearied thee, theii how canst thou contend with horses i and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they ire