The .viij. Chapter.
Of the things which we have spoken, this is the pith: that we have such an high priest that is sitten on the right hand of the seat of majesty in heaven, and is a minister of wholy things, and of the very tabernacle, which God pyght, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity, that this man have some what also to offer. For he were not a priest, if he were on the earth where are priests that according to the law offer gifts, which priests serve unto the ensample and shadow of heavenly things: even as the answer of God was given unto Moses when he was about to finish the tabernacle: For take heed (said he) that thou make all things according to the patrone shewed to thee in the mount.
Now hath he obtained a more excellent office, in as much as he is the mediator of a better testament, which was made for better promises. For if that first testament had been such a one that no man could have found fault with it: then should no place have been sought for the second. For in rebuking them he saith: Behold the days will come (saith the lord) and I will finish upon the house of Israhel, and upon the house of Iudah, a new testament: not like the testament that I made with their fathers at that time, when I took them by the hands, to lead them out of the land of Egypt, for they continued not in my testament, and I regarded them not saith the lord.
For this is the testament that I will make with the house of Israhell: After those days (saith the lord:) I will put my laws in their minds, and in their hearts, I will write them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying: know the lord: For they shall know me, from the least to the most of them: For I will be merciful over their iniquities: and on their sins and on their unrighteousness, will I not think any more. In that he saith a new testament, he hath abrogate the old. Now that which is disannulled and waxed old, is ready to vanish away.
The .ix. Chapter.
That first tabernacle verily had justifyings, and servings of God, and worldly holiness. For that first tabernacle was made, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread, which is called wholy. Within the second veil was the tabernacle, which is called holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the testament overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot with Manna, and Aaron's rod that sprung, and the tables of the testament. Over the ark were the cherubims of glory shadowing the seat of grace. Of which things, we will not now speak particularly.
When these things were thus ordained, the priests went allways into the first tabernacle and executed the service of God: Into the second went the high priest alone, once every year: but not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the ignorance of the people: The holy ghost this signifying, that the way of holy things was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing, which was a similitude of {for} this present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered, which can not make them that minister perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, with meats only and drinks, and divers washings, and justifyings of the flesh, which were ordained until the time of reformation.
But Christ being an high priest of good things to come, came by a greater, and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands: that is to say, not of this manner building, neither by the blood of goats, and calves: but by his own blood, he entered once for all into the wholy place, and found eternal redemption. For if the blood of oxen, and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer, when it was sprinkled, purified the unclean, as touching the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ (which thorow the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God) purge our {your} consciences from dead works, for to serve the living God?
And for this cause is he the mediator of the new testament, that as sone (as his death was fulfilled for the redemption of those transgressions that were in the first testament) they which were called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For wheresoever is a testament, there must also be the death of him that maketh the testament. For the testament taketh authority when men are dead: For it is of no value as long as he that made it is alive. For which cause also, neither that first testament was ordained without blood. For when all the commandments were read of Moses unto all the people, he took the blood of calves, and of goats, with water and purple wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, saying this is the blood of the testament, which God hath appointed unto you. Moreover, he sprinkled the tabernacle with blood also, and all the ministering vessels. And almost all things, according to the law, are cleansed with blood, and without effusion of blood, is no remission.
It is then need that the similitudes of heavenly things, be purified with such things: but the heavenly things themselves are purified with better sacrifices than are these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places, that are made with hands, which are but similitudes of true things: but is entered into very heaven, for to appear now in the sight of God for us. Not to offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with strange blood: for then must he have often suffered since the world began: But now in the end of the world, hath he appeared once for all, to put sin to flight, by the offering up of himself. And as it is appointed unto men that they shall once die, and then cometh the judgment, even so Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him, shall he appear again, without sin unto their health.
The .x. Chapter.
For the law which hath but the shadow of good things to come, and not the things in their own fashion, can never with the sacrifices which they offer year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For would not then those sacrifices have ceased to have been offered? because that the offerers once purged, should have had no more consciences of sins. Nevertheless in those sacrifices is there mention made of sins every year. For it is unpossible that the blood of oxen, and of goats should take away sins.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith: Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not have: but a body hast thou ordained me, holocaustes and sacrifice for sin thou hast not allowed. Then I said: Lo I come, In the beginning of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will, o God. Above when he sayeth sacrifice, and offering, and holocaustes, and sacrifice for sin, thou wouldest not have, neither hast allowed (which are offered by the law) then he said: Lo I am ready do thy will o God: he taketh away the first to stablish the latter. By the which will we are sanctified, by the offering of the body of Iesu Christ once for all.
And every priest is ready daily ministering, and often times offereth one manner of offering, which can never take away sins: but this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat him down for ever on the right hand of God, and from henceforth tarrieth till his foes be made his footstool. For with one offering hath he made perfect for ever them that are sanctified. And the holy ghost also beareth us record of this, even when he told before: This is the testament that I will make unto them after those days saith the lord. And I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds I will write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. And where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for sin.
Seeing brethren that by the means of the blood of Iesu, we may be bold to enter into that holy place, by the new and living way, which he hath prepared for us, through the veil, that is to say by his flesh. And seeing also that we have an high priest which is ruler over the house of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full faith sprinkled in our hearts, from an evil conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure water, and let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering (for he is faithful that promised) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works: and let us not forsake the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but let us exhort one another, and that so much the more, because ye see that the day draweth nigh.
For if we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins: but a fearful looking for judgment, and violent fire, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despiseth Moses' law, dieth without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be counted worthy, which treadeth under foot the son of God: and counteth the blood of the testament as an unholy thing, wherewith he was sanctified, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. For we know him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense saith the lord. And again: the lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Call to remembrance the days that are passed in the which, after ye had received light, ye abode a great fight in adversities, partly while all men wondered and gazed at you for the shame and tribulation that was done unto you, and partly while ye became companions of them which so passed their time. For ye suffered also with my bonds, and took a worth the spoiling of your goods, and that with gladness, remembering in yourselves how that ye had in heaven a better, and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great reward to recompense. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a very little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry: But the just shall live by faith. And if he withdraw himself, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. We are not which withdraw ourselves unto damnation, but pertain to faith, for to the win our souls.
The .xj. Chapter.
Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen. By it the elders were well reported of. Thorow faith we understand that the world was ordained, by the word of God: That by the means of things which appear, things which are invisible might be known. By faith Abel offered unto God a more plenteous sacrifice than Cain: by which, he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: by which also he being dead, yet speaketh.
By faith was Enoch translated that he should not see death: neither was he found: for God had taken him away. Before he was taken away, he obtained record, that he had pleased God: but without faith it is unpossible to please him. For he that cometh to God, must believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him.
By faith Noah honoured God, after that he was warned of things which were not seen, and prepared the ark to the saving of his household, thorow the which ark he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which cometh by faith.
By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed to go out into a place, which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he should go.
By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Iacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God.
Thorow faith Sara also received strength to be with child, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful which had promised.
And therefore sprang there of one (and of one which was as good as dead) so many in multitude, as the stars of the sky, and as the sand of the sea shore which is innumerable.
And they all died in faith, and received not the promises: but saw them afar off, and believed them, and saluted them: and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They that say such things, declare that they seek a country. Also if they had been mindful of that country, from whence they came, they had leisure to have returned again. But now they desire a better, that is to say a celestial. Wherefore God is not ashamed of them, even to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
In faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was tempted, and he offered him being his only son, in whom he had received the promises: Of whom it was said, in Isaac shall thy seed be called: for he considered, that God was able to raise up again from death. Wherefore received he him, as an ensample of the resurrection. In faith Isaac blessed Iacob and Esau, as concerning things to come.
By faith Iacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Ioseph, and worshipped on the top of his sceptre.
By faith Ioseph when he died, remembered the departing of the children of Israhel, and gave commandment of his bones.
By faith Moses when he was born, was hid three months of his father and mother, because they saw he was a proper child: neither feared they the king's commandment.
By faith Moses when he was of a great age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and esteemed the rebuke of Christ greater riches, than the treasure of Egypt. For he had a respect unto the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, and feared not the fierceness of the king. For he endured, even as he had seen him which is invisible. Thorow faith he ordained the ester lamb, and the effusion of blood, lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them.
By faith they passed thorow the reed sea as by dry land, which when the egyptians had assayed to do, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Iericho fell down after they were compassed about, seven days.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, after she had received the spies to lodging peaceably.
And what shall I more say, the time would be too short for me to tell of Gideon, of Barach, and of Samson, and of Iephthae. Also of David and Samuel, and of the prophets, which thorow faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained the promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, of weak were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. The women received their dead raised to life again.
Other were racked, and would not be delivered, that they might receive a better resurrection. Other tasted of mockings, and scourgings, moreover of bonds and prisonment: were stoned, were hewn asunder, were tempted, were slain with swords, walked up and down in sheep skins, in goat skins, in need, tribulation, and vexation, which the world was not worthy of: They wandered in wilderness, in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
And these all thorow faith obtained good report, and received not the promise, God providing a better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
The .xij. Chapter.
Wherefore let us also (seeing that we are compassed with so great a multitude of witnesses) lay away all that presseth down, and the sin that hangeth on us, and let us run with patience, unto the battle that is set before us, looking unto Iesus, the author and finisher of our faith, which for the joy that was set before him, abode the cross, and despised the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God. Consider therefore how that he endured such speaking against him of sinners, lest ye should be wearied and faint in your minds. For ye have not yet resisted unto bloodshedding, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the consolation which speaketh unto you, as unto children: My son despise not the chastening of the lord, neither faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the lord loveth, him he chasteneth: yee, and he scourgeth every son that he receiveth.
If ye shall endure chastening, God offereth himself unto you, as unto sons. What son is that whom the father chasteneth not? If ye be not under correction (where of all are part takers) then are ye bastards and not sons. Moreover seeing we had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall not we much rather be in subjection unto the father of spiritual gifts that we might live? And they verily for a few days, nurtured us after their own pleasure: but he learneth us unto that which is profitable, that we might receive of his holiness. No manner learning for the present time seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it bringeth the quiet fruit of righteousness unto them which are therein exercised.
Stretch forth therefore again the hands which were let down, and the weak knees, and see that ye have straight steps unto your feet, lest any halting turn out of the way: yee, let it rather be healed. Embrace peace with all men, and wholiness: without the which, no man shall see the lord. And see that no man be destitute of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up and trouble: and thereby many be defiled. That there be no fornicator, or unclean person, as Esau, which for one breakfast sold his right that belonged unto him, in that he was the eldest brother. Ye know how that afterward when that he would have inherited the blessing, he was put by. His repentance found no grace, no though he desired that blessing with tears.
For ye are not come unto the mount that is touched, and unto burning fire, nor yet to mist and darkness and tempest of weather, neither unto the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words: which voice they that heard it, wished away, that the communication should not be spoken to them. For they were not able to abide that which was spoken. If a beast had touched the mountain, it must have been stoned, or thrust thorow with a dart: even so terrible was the sight which appeared. Moses said I fear and quake. But ye are come unto the mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the celestial Ierusalem: and to an innumerable sight of angels, and unto the congregation of the first born sons, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of Just and perfect men, and to Iesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the sprinkling of blood that speaketh better than the blood of Abel.
See that ye despise not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not which refused him that spake on earth: Much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shook the earth, and now declareth saying: yet once more will I shake, not the earth only, but also heaven. No doubt the same that he sayeth, yet once more, signifieth the removing a way of those things which are shaken, as of things which have ended their course: that the things which are not shaken may remain. Wherefore if we receive a kingdom which is not moved, we have grace, whereby we may serve God and please him with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to be kind to strangers. For thereby have divers received angels into their houses unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, even as though ye were bound with them. Be mindful of them which are in adversity, as ye which are yet in your bodies. Let wedlock be had in price in all points, and let the chamber be undefiled: for whore keepers and advoutrers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with that ye have already. For he verily said: I will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: that we may boldly say: The lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man doeth unto me. Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have declared unto you the word of God: consider the conversation of their living, and counterfeit their faith.
Iesus Christ yesterday and today, and the same continueth for ever. Be not carried thither with divers and strange learning. For it is a good thing that the heart be stablished with grace, and not with meats, which have not profited them that have had their pastime in them. We have an altar whereof they may not eat which serve in the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts (whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest to purge sin) are burnt without the tents. Therefore Iesus, to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered with out the gate. Let us go forth therefore out of the tents, and suffer rebuke with him. For here have we no continuing city: but we seek a city to come.
For by him offer we the sacrifice of laud always to God: that is to say the fruit of those lips, which confess his name. To do good, and to distribute forget not, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey them that have the oversight of you, and submit yourselves to them, for they watch for your souls, even as they should give accounts for them: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an unprofitable thing for you. Pray for us. We have confidence because we have a good conscience in all things, and desire to live honestly. I desire you therefore somewhat the more abundantly, that ye so do, that I may be restored to you quickly.
The God of peace that brought again from death our lord Iesus Christ, the great shepherd of the sheep, thorow the blood of the everlasting testament, make you perfect in all works, to do his will, and bring to pass, that whatsoever ye do, may be accepted in his sight, by the means of Iesus Christ. To whom be praise for ever while the world endureth Amen.
I beseech you brethren, suffer the words of exhortation: For we have written unto you in few words. Know the brother Timothy, whom we have sent from us, with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. Salute them that have the oversight of you, and all the saints. They of Italy, salute you. Grace be with you all Amen.
Sent from Italy by Timotheous.
The first Chapter.
Iames the servant of God, and of the lord Iesus Christ, sendeth greeting to the xij. tribes which are scattered here and there. My brethren, count it exceeding joy when ye fall into diverse temptations, remembering how that the trying of your faith bringeth patience: and let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and sound, that nothing be lacking unto you.
If any that is among you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (which giveth to all men without doubleness, and casteth no man in the teeth:) and it shall be given him: but let him ask in faith, and waver not. For he that doubteth is like the waves of the sea, tossed of the wind, and carried with violence. Neither let that man think that he shall receive any thing of God. A wavering minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, and the rich in that he is made low. For even as the flower of the grass shall he vanish away. The son riseth with heat, and the grass is withered, and his flower fallen away, and the beauty of the fashion of it is perished: even so shall the rich man perish in his abundance.
Happy is the man that endureth in temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the lord hath promised to them that love him.
Let no man say when he is tempted that he is tempted of God: for God tempteth not unto evil: he tempteth no man: But every man is tempted drawn away, and enticed of his own concupiscence. Then when lust hath conceived, she bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death.
Erre not my dear brethren. Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above and cometh down from the father of light, with whom is no variableness, neither is he changed unto darkness.
Of his own will begat he us with the word of life, that we should be the first [fruits] of his creatures.
Wherefore dear brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, all superfluity of maliciousness, and receive with meekness the word that is grafted in you, which is able to save your souls: And see that ye be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves [with sophistry]. For if any hear the word, and do it not, he is like unto a man that beholdeth his bodily face in a glass. For as soon as he hath looked on himself, he goeth his way, and hath immediately forgotten what his fashion was: but whosoever looketh in the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein (if he be not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work) he shall be happy in his deed.
If any man among you seem devout, and refrain not his tongue: but deceive his own heart, this man's devotion is in vain. Pure devotion and undefiled before God the father, is this: To visit the friendless, {fatherless} and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted from {of} the world.
The .ij. Chapter.
Brethren have not the faith of our lord Iesus Christ the lord of glory in respect of persons. If there come into your company a man with a golden ring, and in goodly apparel and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment, and ye have a respect to him that weareth the gay clothing and say unto him: Sit thou here in a good place: and say unto the poor, stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not even partial in yourselves, and have judged after evil thoughts?
Hearken my dear beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, which are rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Are not the rich they which oppress you: and they which draw you before judges? Do not they speak evil of that good name that is called on over you?
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture which saith: Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye regard one person more than another, ye commit sin, and are rebuked of the law as transgressors. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet fail in one point, he is guilty in all. For he that said: Thou shalt not commit fornication, said also: thou shalt not kill. Though thou shalt do no fornication, yet if thou kill, thou art a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For there shall be judgement merciless to him that sheweth no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against judgement: What availeth it my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, when he hath no deeds? Can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked or destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them: Depart in peace, God send you warmness and food: notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body: what helpeth it them? Even so faith, if it have no deeds is dead in itself.
But one shall say: Thou hast faith, and I have deeds: Shew me thy faith by thy deeds: and I will shew thee my faith by my deeds. Believest thou that there is one God? Thou doest well. The devils also believe and tremble.
Wilt thou understand o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified of his deeds when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought with in his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God. Ye see then how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also was not Raab the harlot justified when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? For as the body, without the spirit is dead, even so faith without deeds is dead.
The .iij. Chapter.
My brethren, be not every man a master, Remembering how that we shall receive the more damnation. For in many things we sin all. If a man sin not in word, he is a perfect man and able to tame all the body. Behold we put bits into the horses' mouths that they should obey us, and we turn about all the body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the violence of the governor will: even so the tongue is little member and boasteth great things.
Behold how great a thing a little fire kindleth, and the tongue is fire, and a world of wickedness. So is the tongue set among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth a fire all that we have of nature, and is itself set afire, even of hell.
All the natures of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and things of the sea, are meeked and tamed of the nature of man. But the tongue can no man tame. It is an unruly evil full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God the father, and therewith curse we men which are made after the similitude of God. Out of one mought proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at one place sweet water, and bitter also? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries: other a vine bear figs? So can no fountain give both salt water and fresh also. Who is wise and endued with learning among you? Let him shew the works of his good conversation in meekness that is coupled with wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, rejoice not: neither be liars against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above: but is earthy, and natural, and devilish: For where envying and strife is, there is unstableness, and all manner of evil works: but the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, and without simulation: yee, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that keep peace.
The .iiij. Chapter.
From whence cometh war, and fighting among you? come they not here hence? even of your voluptuousness that raineth in your members. Ye lust, and have not. Ye envy and have indignation, and cannot come by it. Ye fight and war, and have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask and have not, because ye ask amiss, for to consume it upon your voluptuousness. Ye advoutrers, and women that break matrimony: know ye not how that the friendship of the world is enmity to godward? Whosoever will be friend of the world, is made the enemy of God. Do ye suppose that the scripture saith in vain: The spirit that dwelleth in you, lusteth even contrary to envy: but giveth more grace.
Submit yourselves to God, and resist the devil, and he will flye from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners, and purge your hearts ye wavering minded. Suffer afflictions: sorrow ye and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Cast down yourselves before the lord, and he shall lift you up. Backbite not one another, brethren. He that backbiteth his brother, and he that judgeth his brother, backbiteth the law, and judgeth the law: but and if thou judge the law, thou art not an observer of the law: but a judge. There is one law giver, which is able to save and to destroy. What art thou that judgest another man?
Go to now ye that say: today and tomorrow let us go into such a city and continue there a year and buy, and sell, and win: and yet cannot tell what shall happen tomorrow. For what thing is your life? it is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away: For that ye ought to say: if the lord will and if we live, let us do this or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings. All such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth how to do good, and doth it not, it is sin.
The .v. Chapter.
Go to now ye rich men. Weep, and howl on your wretchedness that shall come upon you. Your riches is corrupt, your garments are motheaten. Your gold and your silver are cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness unto you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together in your last days: Behold the hire of the laborers which have reaped down your fields (which hire is of you kept back by fraud) crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the lord Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth and in wantonness. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and have killed the just, and he hath not resisted you.
Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the lord. Behold the husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience there upon, until he receive the early and the latter rain. Be ye also patient therefore, and settle your hearts, for the coming of the lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another brethren, lest ye be dampned. Behold the judge standeth before the door. Take (my brethren) the prophets for an ensample of suffering adversity, and of long patience, which spake in the name of the lord. Behold we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Iob, and have known what end the lord made. For the lord is very pitiful, and merciful.
But above all things my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by earth, neither by any other oath. Let your saying be yee yee, and nay nay: lest ye fall into hypocrisy. Is there any among of you that is evil vexed? let him pray. Is there any among you that is merry? let him sing psalms. Is there any man diseased among you? Let him call for the seniors of the congregation, and let them pray over him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Knowledge your faults one to another: and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man availeth much, if it be fervent. Helias was a man in danger to tribulation as we are, and he prayed in his prayer, that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Brethren if any of you err from the truth, and another convert him, let the same know, that he which converted the sinner from going astray out of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the multitude of sins.
The end of the pistle of Saynct Iames.
The first Chapter.
Iudas the servant of Iesus Christ, the brother of Iames. To them which are called and sanctified in God the father, and preserved in Christ Iesus. Mercy unto you, and peace and love be multiplied.
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common health: it was needful for me to write unto you, to exhort you, that ye should continually labour in the faith, which was once given unto the saints. For there are certain craftily crept in, of which it was written aforetime unto such judgement. They are ungodly, and turn the grace of our lord God unto wantonness, And deny God the only lord, and our lord Iesus Christ.
My mind is therefore to put you in remembrance, for as much as ye once know this, how that the lord (after that he had delivered the people out of Egypt) destroyed them which afterward believed not: The angels also, which kept not their first estate: but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day: even as Zodom, and Gomor, and the cities about them (which in like manner defiled themselves, with fornication, and followed strange flesh) are set forth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise these dreamers defile the flesh, despise rulers, and speak evil of them that are in authority.
Yet Michael the archangel (when he strove against the devil, and disputed the body of Moses) durst not give railing sentence, but said: The lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not. In those things which they know naturally (as beasts which are without reason) they corrupt themselves. Woe be unto them, for they have followed the way of Cain, and are spilt in the error of Balaam for lucre's sake, and are cast away in the treason of Core.
These are spots which of your kindness feast together, without fear, feeding themselves. Clouds they are without water, carried about of winds: Trees rotten in autumn, unfruitfull, twice dead, and plucked up by the roots. They are raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame. They are wandering stars, to whom is reserved the mist of darkness for ever.
Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied before of such saying. Behold, the lord shall come with thousands of saints, to give judgement against all men, and to rebuke all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakings, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, whose mouths speak proud things. They have men in great reverence because of advantage. But ye beloved remember the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our lord Iesus Christ, how that they told you that there should be beguilers in the last time, which should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These are makers of sects, naturall, {or fleshy, other carnal,} having no spirit.
But ye derly beloved, edify yourselves in your most wholy faith, praying in the wholy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our lord Iesus Christ, unto eternal life. And have compassion on some, separating them: and other save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, and hate the filthy vesture of the flesh.
Unto him that is able to keep you, that ye faule not, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with joy, that is to say, to God our saviour which only is wise, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, now and for ever Amen.
The first Chapter.
The revelation of Iesus Christe, which God gave unto him, for to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. And he sent and shewed by his angel unto his servant Ihon, which bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Iesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Happy is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein. For the time is at hand.
Ihon to the vij. congregations in Asia. Grace be with you and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come: and from the vij. spirits which are present before his throne, and from Iesus Christ which is a faithful witness, and first begotten of the dead: and lord over the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and made us kings and priests unto God his father, be glory, and dominion for evermore amen. Behold he cometh with clouds, and all eyes shall see him: and they also which pierced him. And all kindreds of the earth shall wail. Even so amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the lord almighty, which is and which was and which is to come.
Ihon your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience which is in Iesu Christ, was in the isle of Pathmos for the word of God, and for the witnessing of Iesu Christ. I was in the spirit on a son day, and heard behind me, a great voice, as it had been of a trompe saying: I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. That thou seest write in a book, and send it unto the congregations which are in Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thiatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicia.
And I turned back to see the voice that spake to me. And when I was turned: I saw vij. golden candlesticks. and in the midst of the candlesticks, one like unto the son of man clothed with a linen garment down to the ground, and gird about the paps with a golden girdle. His head, and his hairs were white, as white wool, and as snow: and his eyes were as a flame of fire: and his feet like unto brass, as though they brent in a furnace: and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand vij. stars. And out of his mouth went a two edged sword. And his face shone even as the sun in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet, even as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me: fear not. I am the first and the last, and am alive, and was dead. And behold I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of death. Write therefore the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be fulfilled hereafter: and the mystery of the vij. stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the vij. golden candlesticks. The vij. stars are the angels of the vij. congregations: And the vij. candlesticks which thou sawest are the vij. congregations.
The second Chapter.
Unto the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the vij. stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the vij. golden candlesticks. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are evil: and examinedst them which say they are apostles, and are not: and hast found them liars. And hast suffered, and hast patience: and for my name's sake hast laboured and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, for thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Or else I will come unto thee shortly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast because thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which deeds I also hate. Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst {myddes} of the paradise of God.
And unto the Angel of the congregation of Smyrna write: These things saith he that is first, and the last, which was dead and is alive. I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich: And I know the blasphemy of them which call themselves jewes and are not: but are the congregation of sathan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast of you into prison, to tempt you, and ye shall have tribulation x. days. Be faithful unto the death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
And to the angel of the congregation in Pergamos write: This saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Sathan's seat is, and thou keepest my name and hast not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful witness of mine, which was slain among you where sathan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee: that thou hast there, they that maintain, the doctrine of Balaam which taught in Balak, to put occasion of sin before the children of Israhell, that they should eat of meat dedicated unto idols, and to commit fornication. Even so hast thou them that maintain the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. But repent or else I will come to thee shortly and will fight against them with the sword of my mought. Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit sayth unto the congregations: To him that overcometh will I give to eat Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.
And unto the angel of the congregation of Thiatira write: This sayth the son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, whose feet are like brass: I know thy works and thy love, service, and faight, and thy patience, and thy deeds, which are more at the last than at the first. Not withstanding I have a few things against thee, that thou sufferest that woman Iesabell, which called herself a prophetess to teach and to deceive my servants, to make them commit fornication, and to eat meats offered up unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication and she repented not. Behold I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit fornication with her into great adversity, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death. And all the congregations shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts. And I will give unto everyone of you according to your works.
Unto you I say, and unto other of them of Thiatira as many as have not this learning, and which have not known the deepness of Satan (as they say) I will put upon you none other burden, but that which you have already. Hold fast till I come, and whosoever overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall he break them to shivers. Even as I received of my father. And I will give him the morning star. Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit says to the congregations.
The .iij. Chapter.
And write unto the angel of the congregation of Sardis: this sayth he that hath the spirit of God, and the vij. stars. I know thy works, thou hast a name that you livest, and thou are dead. Be awake and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If you shalt not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white array, and I will not put out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my father, and before his angels. Let him that hath ears hear what the spirit sayth unto the congregations.
And write unto the angel of Philadelphia: This sayth he that is holy and true, which hath the key of David: which openeth and no man shuteth, and shuteth and no man openeth. I know your works. Behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my sayings: and hast not denied my name. Behold. I make them of the congregation of Sathan, which call themselves Iewes and are not, but do lie. Behold. I will make them that they shall come and worship before thy feet: and shall know that I have loved thee.
Because thou hast kept the words of my patience, I will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to tempt them that dwell upon the earth. Behold I come shortly. Hold that which thou hast, that no man take away thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. And I will write upon him, the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, new Ierusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name. Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations.
And unto the angel of the congregation which is in Laodicia write: This saith (amen) the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creatures of God. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art between both, and nether cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mought: because thou sayst thou art rich and increased with goods, and hast need of nothing, and knowest not how thou art wretched and miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich: and white raiment, that thou mayst be clothed, that thy filthy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayst see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be fervent therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in unto him and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my seat, even as I overcame and have sitten with my father, in his seat. Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations.
The .iiij. Chapter.
After this I looked, and behold a door was open in heaven, and the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said: come up hither, and I will shew the things which must be fulfilled hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a seat was put in heaven, and one sat on the seat. And he that sat was to look upon like unto a jasper stone, and a sardyne stone: And there was a rainbow about the seat, to look upon, like unto an emerald. And about the seat were xxiiij. seats. And I saw on the seats .xxiiij. seniors sitting clothed in white raiment, and had on their heads crowns of gold.
And out of the seat proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices: and there were vij. lamps of fire, burning before the seat, which are the vij. spirits of God. And before the seat there was a sea of glass, like unto crystal, and in the midst of the seat, and round about the seat, were iiij. beats full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the iiij. beasts had each one of them vj. wings about him, and they were full of eyes within. And they had no rest day neither night saying: holy, holy, holy, lord God almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
And when those beasts gave glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the seat, which liveth evermore, the xxiiij. seniours {elders} fell down before the throne, before him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying: thou art worthy lord to receive glory, and honour, and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy will's sake they are, and were created.
The .v. Chapter.
And I saw in the right hand of him, that sat in the throne, a book written within and on the backside, sealed with vij. seals. And I saw a strong angel which cried with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven nor in earth neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because, no man was found worthy to open, and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the seniors said unto me: weep not: Behold a lion being of the tribe of Iuda, the root of David, hath obtained to open the book, and to loose the vij. seals thereof. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the seat, and of the iiij. beasts, and in the midst of the seniors, stood a lamb as though he had been killed, which had vij. horns and vij. eyes, which are the spirits of God, sent into all the world. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the seat.
And when he had taken the book, the iiij. beasts and xxiiij. seniors fell down before the lamb, having harps and golden vials full of odoures, which are the prayers of saints and they sung a new song saying: thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, for thou wast killed, and hast redeemed us by thy blood, out of all kindreds, and tongues, and people, and nations, and hast made us unto our God, kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels about the throne, and about the beasts and the seniors, and I heard thousand thousands, saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the lamb that was killed to receive power, and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing. And all creatures, which are in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all that are in them heard I saying: blessing, honour, glory, and power be unto him, that sitteth upon the seat, and unto the lamb for evermore. And the iiij. beasts said: amen. And the xxiiij. seniors fell upon their faces, and worshipped him that liveth for evermore.
The .vj. Chapter.
And I saw when the lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard one of the iiij. beasts say, as it were the noise of thunder, come and see. And I saw, and behold there was a white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and for to overcome. And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say: come and see. And there went out another horse that was red, and power was given to him that sat thereon, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. And there was given unto him a great sword.
And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say: come and see. And I beheld, and lo, a black horse: and he that sat on him, had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the iiij. beasts say: a measure of wheat for a penny, and iij. measures of barley for a penny: and oil and wine see thou hurt not.
And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say: come and see. And I looked. And behold a green horse, and his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed after him, and power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, that cometh of vermin of the earth.
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar, the souls of them that were killed for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had, and they cried with a loud voice saying: How long tarriest thou lord holy and true, to judge and to avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And long white garments were given unto every one of them. And it {hit} was said unto them that they should rest for a little season until the number of their fellows, and brethren, and of them that should be killed as they were, were fulfilled.
And I beheld when he opened the sixth seal, and lo there was a great earthquake, and the sun was as black as sack cloth made of hair. And the moon waxed even as blood: and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth from her her figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And heaven vanished away, as a scroll when it is rolled together. And all mountains and isles, were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in dens, and in rocks of the hills, and said to the hills, and rocks: fall on us, and hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, And who can endure it.
The .vij. Chapter.
And after that I saw iiij angels stand on the iiij. corners of the earth, holding the iiij. winds of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth, neither on the sea, neither on any tree. And I saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, which had the seal of the living God, and he cried with a loud voice to the iiij. angels (to whom power was given to hurt the earth and the sea) saying: Hurt not the earth neither the sea, neither the trees, till I {we} have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed, and there were sealed an C. and xliiij.M. of all the tribes of the children of Israhell. Of the tribe of Iuda were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Ruben were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Asser were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Neptalym were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed xij.M. Of the tribe of Symeon were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Levy were sealed xij. M. Of the tribe of Isacar were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Ioseph were sealed xij M. Of the tribe of Beniamyn were sealed xij M.
After this I beheld, and lo a great multitude (which noman could number) of all nations, and people, and tongues, stood before the seat, and before the lamb, clothed with long white garments, and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying: Health be to him that sitteth upon the seat of our God, and unto the lamb. And all the angels stood in the compass of the seat, and of the seniors, and of the iiij. beasts, and fell before the seat on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, amen: Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanks, and honour, and power and might, be unto our God, for evermore amen.
And one of the seniors answered, saying unto me: what are these which are arrayed in long white garments, and whence came they? And I said unto him: lord thou wottest. And he said unto me: these are they which came out of great tribulation and made their garments large, and made them white in the blood of the lamb: therefore are they in the presence of the seat of God and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sitteth in the seat will dwell among them. They shall hunger no more neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them, neither any heat. For the lamb which is in the midst of the seat, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto fountains of living water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The .viij. Chapter.
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw angels standing before God, and to them were given vij. trumpets. And another angel came and stood before the altar having a golden censer, and much of odoures was given unto him, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar, which was before the seat. And the smoke of the odoures which came of the prayers of all saints ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the earth, and voices were made, and thunderings, and lightnings, and earthquake.
And the vij. angels which had the vij trumpets prepared themselves to blow. The first angel blew, and there was made hail and fire, which were mingled with blood, and they were cast into the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt, and all green grass was brent. And the second angel blew: and as it were a great mountain: burning with fire was cast into the sea, and the third part of the sea turned to blood, and the third part of the creatures which had life died, and the third part of ships were destroyed.
And the third Angel blew, and there fell a great star from heaven burning as it were a lamp, and it fell into the third part of the rivers, and into fountains of waters, and the name of the star is called wormwood. And the third part was turned to wormwood. A many men died of the waters because they were made bitter. And the fourth Angel blew, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of stars: so that the third part of them was darkened. And the day was smitten that the third part of it should not shine, and likewise the night. And I beheld and heard an angel flying thorow the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice: Woe, Woe, to the inhabiters of the earth because of the voices to come of the trompe of the iij. Angels which were yet to blow.
The .ix. Chapter.
And the fifth Angel blew, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth. And to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and there arose the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened by the reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: And unto them was given power as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth: neither any green thing: neither any tree: but only those men which have not the seal in their foreheads, and to them was commanded that they should not kill them, but that they should be vexed v months, and their pain was as the pain that cometh of a scorpion, when he hath stung a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shall fly from them.
And the similitude of the locusts was like unto horses prepared unto battle, and on their heads were as it were crowns, like unto gold: and their faces were as it had been the faces of men. And they had hairs as the hairs of women. And their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had habergeons, as it were habergeons of iron. And the sound of their wings, was as the sound of chariots when many horses run together to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men v months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the hebrew tongue, is Abadon: but in the greek tongue, Apollion, that is to say a destroyer. One woe is past, and behold two woes come after this.
And the sixth. angel blew, and I heard a voice from the iiij. corners of the golden altar, which is before God, saying to the sixth angel which had the trompe: Loose the iiij. angels, which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the iiij. Angels were loosed which were prepared for an hour, for a day, for a month, and for a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of horsemen of war, were twenty times xM And I heard the number of them: And thus I saw the horses in a vision and them that sat on them, having fiery habergeons of a Iacinth colour, and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions. And out of their mouths went forth fire and smoke and brimstone. And of these iij, was the third part of men killed, that is to say, of fire, smoke, and brimstone, which proceeded out of the mouths of them: For their power was in their mouths and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they did hurt: And the remnant of the men which were not killed by these plagues repented not of the deeds of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and images, of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood, which neither can see, neither hear, neither go. Also they repented not of their murder, and of their sorcery neither of their fornication neither of their theft.
The .x. Chapter.
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow upon his head. And his face as it were the sun, and his feet as it were pillars of fire, And he had in his hand a little book open: and he put his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth. And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth. And when he had cried, seven thunders spake their voices. And when the vij. thunders had spoken their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me mark those things which the vij. thunders spake, and write them not.
And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea, and upon the earth, lifted up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for evermore, which created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which therein are: that there should be no longer time: but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to blow: even the mystery of God shall be fulfilled, as he preached by his servants the prophets.
And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said: go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel, which standeth upon the sea, and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said to him: give me the little book, and he said unto me: take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth as sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of his hand, and ate it up, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey, and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me: thou must prophesy again among the people, and nations, and tongues, and to many kings.
The .xj. Chapter.
And then was given me a reed, like unto a rod, and it was said unto me: Rise and meet the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein, and the choir which is with in the temple cast out, and meet it not: for it is given unto the gentiles, and the holy city shall they tread under foot xlij. months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy M.ijc. and lx. days, clothed in sackcloth. These are two olive trees, and two candlesticks, standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire shall proceed out of their mouths, and consume their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, this wise must he be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all manner plagues, as often as they will.
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that came out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them: and shall over come, and kill them. And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Zodom and Eygpt, where our lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds, and tongues, and they of the nations, shall see their bodies iij. days and an half, and shall not suffer their bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth, shall rejoice over them and be glad, and shall send gifts one to another: for these two prophets vexed them that dwelt on the earth.
And after iij. days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them. And they stood up upon their feet: and great fear came upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying unto them. Come up hither. And they ascended up into heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain names of men seven M. and the remnant were feared, and gave glory to God of heaven. The second woe is past, and behold the third woe will come anon.
And the seventh angel blew, and there were made great voices in heaven, saying: the kingdoms of this world are our lord's and his christe's, and he shall reign for evermore. And the xxiiij. seniors, which sit before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God saying: we give thee thanks lord God omnipotent: which art and wast, and art to come, for thou hast received thy great might, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that thou shouldest judge them: and shouldest give reward unto thy servants prophets and saints, and to them that fear thy name small and great and shouldest destroy them, which destroy the earth.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple, the ark of his testament: and there followed lightnings, and voices, and thunderings and earthquake, and much hail.
The .xij. Chapter.
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven. A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of xij. stars. And she was with child and cried travailing in birth, and pained ready to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven, and behold a great red dragon, having vij. heads, and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads: and his tail drew the third part of the stars, and cast them to the earth.
And the dragon stood before the woman, which was ready to be delivered: for to devour her child as soon as it {hit} were born. And she brought forth a man child, which should rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her son was taken up unto God, and to his seat. And the woman fled into wilderness, where she had a place, prepared of God, that they should feed her there, M. and xxvj. days. {or M.ij.C and lx. days.}
And there was great battle in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought with the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon, that old serpent called the devil and Sathanas, Was cast out. Which deceiveth all the world. And he was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out also.
And I heard a loud voice saying: in heaven is now made health and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: For he is cast down which accused them before God day and night: And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea: for the devil is come down unto you which hath great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the presence of the dragon. And the serpent cast out of his mought water after the woman as it had been a river because she should have been caught of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mought, and swallowed up the river which the dragon cast out of his mowth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman: and went and made war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Iesus Christe.
The .xiij. Chapter.
And I stood on the sea sand.
And I saw a beast rise out of the sea, having vij heads, and x horns, and upon his horns x. crowns, and upon his head, the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw, was like a cat of the mountain, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mowth as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his seat, and great authority: and I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered at the beast, and they worshipped the dragon, which gave power unto the beast, and they worshipped the beast saying: who is like unto the beast? who is able to war with him?
And there was a mowth given unto him that spake great things, and blasphemies, and power was given unto him, to continue xlij months. And he opened his mowth unto blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to over come them. And power was given him over all kindred, tongue, and nation: and all that dwell upon the earth worshipped him: whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity: he that killeth with a sword, must be killed with a sword. Here is the patience, and the faith of the saints.
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as did the dragon. And he did all that the first beast could do in his presence, and he caused the earth, and them which dwell therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he did great wonders, so that he made fire come down from heaven in the sight of men. And deceived them that dwelt on the earth, by the means of those signs which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwelt on the earth: that they should make an image unto the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did live.
And he had power to give a spirit unto the image of the beast, and that the image of the beast should speak, and should cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed. And he made all men, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hands, {hondes} or in their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, other the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath wit count the number of the beast. For it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred, threescore and six.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
And I looked, and lo a lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him C. and xliiij. thousand having his father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the sound of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. And they sang as it were a new song, before the seat, and before the four beasts, and the seniors, and no man could learn that song, but the hundred and xliiij M. which were redeemed from the earth. These are they, which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from men being the first fruits unto God and to the lamb, and in their mouths was found no guile. For they are without spot before the throne of God.