3 And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.

4 It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.

5 And when Jeremy came thither, he found a hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.

6 And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it.

7 Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.

8 Then shall the Lord show them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was showed unto Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified.

9 It was also declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple. 10 And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offerings.

11 And Moses said, Because the sin-offering was not to be eaten, it was consumed.

12 So Solomon kept those eight days.

13 The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he, founding a library, gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.

14 In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had,

15 Wherefore if ye have need thereo fetch them unto you.

16 Whereas we then are about to cel fication, we have written unto you, and y if ye keep the same days.

17 We hope also, that the God, that i people, and gave them all a heritage, an and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,

18 As he promised in the law, will she upon us, and gather us together out of e heaven into the holy place: for he hath of great troubles, and hath purified the 1

19 Now as concerning Judas Maccabe thren, and the purification of the great dedication of the altar,

20 And the wars against Antiochus Eupator his son,

21 And the manifest signs that cam unto those that behaved themselves m: honour for Judaism: so that, being b overcame the whole country, and chased titudes,

22 And recovered again the temple r world over, and freed the city, and u which were going down, the Lord being them with all favour:

23 All these things, I say, being declar Cyrene in five books, we will assay to volume.

24 For considering the infinite numbe culty which they find that desire to look tions of the story, for the variety of the

25 We have been careful, that they might have delight, and that they that a commit to memory might have ease, and whose hands it comes might have profit.

26 Therefore to us, that have taker painful labour of abridging, it was n matter of sweat and watching;

27 Even as it is no ease unto him th banquet, and seeketh the benefit of othe pleasuring of many we will undertake gl pains;

28 Leaving to the author the exact ha particular, and labouring to follow the abridgement.

29 For as the master-builder of a n care for the whole building; but he th to set it out, and paint it, must seek out the adorning thereof: even so I think it

30 To stand upon every point, and go large, and to be curious in particulars, b first author of the story:

31 But to use brevity, and avoid mne the work, is to be granted to him that abridgement.

32 Here then will we begin the story thus much to that which hath been sa foolish thing to make a long prologue, a

pha.

CHAPTER III.

somuch that Seleuces king of Asia, of his own s, bare all the costs belonging to the service of ifices.

it one Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was overnor of the temple, fell out with the high bout disorder in the city.

ad when he could not overcome Onias, he gat Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was r of Celosyria and Phenice,

ad told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of ches, which did not pertain to the account of the s, was innumerable, and that it was possible to l into the king's hand.

w when Apollonius came to the king, and had him of the money whereof he was told, the king it Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a dment to bring him the aforesaid money. forthwith Heliodorus took his journey, under a f visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, ed to fulfil the king's purpose.

d when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been sly received of the high priest of the city, he what intelligence was given of the money, and wherefore he came, and asked if these things indeed.

hen the high priest told him that there was such aid up for the relief of widows and fatherless

:

nd that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of man of great dignity, and not as that wicked ad misinformed: the sum whereof in all was dred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold: nd that it was altogether impossible that such should be done unto them, that had committed holiness of the place, and to the majesty, and e sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the

it Heliodorus, because of the king's commandven him, said, That in any wise it must be into the king's treasury.

at the day which he appointed he entered in to s matter: wherefore there was no small agony ut the whole city.

at the priests, prostrating themselves before the he priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon made a law concerning things given to be kept,

Apocrypha.

that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.

16 Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.

17 For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart. 18 Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt,

19 And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets; and the virgins that were kept in, ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

20 And all holding their hands towards heaven, made supplication.

21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest, being in such an agony.

22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed them.

23 Nevertheless, Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.

24 Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.

25 For there appeared unto them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his fore-feet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.

26 Moreover, two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.

27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him in a litter.

28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God:

29 For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.

30 But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple, which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the Most High, to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.

32 So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.

33 Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:

34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared

no more.

35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.

36 Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.

37 And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,

38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God.

39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.

40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.

CHAPTER IV.

1 Simon slandereth Onias. 7 Jason, by corrupting the king, obtaineth the office of the high priest. 24 Menelaus getteth the same from Jason by the like corruption. 34 Andronicus traitorously murdereth Onias. 36 The king being informed thereof, causeth Andronicus to be put to death. 39 The wickedness of Lysimachus, by the instigation of Menelaus.

THIS

THIS Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a bewrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.

2 Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.

3 But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were committed,

4 Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon's malice,

5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both public and private:

6 For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.

7 But after the death of Seleuces, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest.

8 Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and three score talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents:

9 Besides this he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have license to set him up a place

for exercise, and for the training up of fashions of the heathen, and to write then by the name of Antiochians.

10 Which when the king had grante gotten into his hand the rule, he forthwit own nation to the Greekish fashion.

11. And the royal privileges granted of to the Jews by the means of John the f lemus, who went ambassador to Rome for he took away; and putting down the gove were according to the law, he brought up against the law:

12 For he built gladly a place of exer tower itself, and brought the chief young subjection, and made them wear a hat.

13 For such was the height of Greek increase of heathenish manners, through profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretek priest;

14 That the priests had no courage to at the altar, but despising the temple, a the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of allowance in the place of exercise, after th cus called them forth;

15 Not setting by the honours of the liking the glory of the Grecians best of a

16 By reason whereof sore calamity can for they had them to be their enemies whose custom they followed so earnestly, a they desired to be like in all things.

17 For it is not a light thing to do wi the laws of God: but the time following these things.

18 Now when the game that was us year was kept at Tyrus, the king being pr 19 This ungracious Jason sent speci from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, hundred drachms of silver to the sacrific which even the bearers thereof thought fit upon the sacrifice, because it was not con be reserved for other charges.

20 This money then, in regard of the appointed to Hercules' sacrifice; but h bearers thereof, it was employed to th galleys.

21 Now when Apollonius the son of M sent into Egypt for the coronation of K Philometor, Antiochus, understanding h well affected to his affairs, provided for Li whereupon he came to Joppe, and from th salem :

22 Where he was honourably received of the city, and was brought in with torch-l great shoutings: and so afterward went unto Phenice.

23 Three years afterward, Jason se the aforesaid Simon's brother, to bear th the king, and to put him in mind of cer

matters.

24 But he being brought to the presenc when he had magnified him for the glorio

power, got the priesthood to himself, offering an Jason by three hundred talents of silver. o he came with the king's mandate, bringing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury el tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast. 'hen Jason, who had undermined his own broing undermined by another, was compelled to the country of the Ammonites.

o Menelaus got the principality: but as for the that he had promised unto the king, he took no ler for it, albeit Sostratus the ruler of the castle lit:

or unto him appertained the gathering of the . Wherefore they were both called before the

ow Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who ernor of the Cyprians.

While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus llos made insurrection, because they were given ing's concubine, called Antiochis.

hen came the king in all haste to appease leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for ity.

ow Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a ent time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some into Tyrus and the cities round about. Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved 1 withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, h by Antiochia.

Therefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, im to get Onias into his hands; who being perhereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave right hand with oaths; and though he were susy him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of tuary: whom forthwith he shut up without rejustice.

or the which cause not only the Jews, but many other nations, took great indignation, and were ieved for the unjust murder of the man.

nd when the king was come again from the bout Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, combecause Onias was slain without cause.

Apocrypha.

men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.

41 They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them. 42 Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the church-robber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.

43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.

44 Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:

45 But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, to give him much money if he would pacify the king towards him.

46 Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:

47 Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.

48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.

49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.

50 And so, through the covetousness of them that were of power, Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the

citizens.

CHAPTER V.

and wept, because of the sober and modest beof him that was dead.

nd being kindled with anger, forthwith he took ndronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, ling him through the whole city unto that very here he had committed impiety against Onias, ew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord 1 him his punishment, as he had deserved. ow when many sacrileges had been committed in by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, bruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude themselves together against Lysimachus, many f gold being already carried away.

hereupon the common people rising, and being h rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand

voyage into Egypt:

2 And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers,

3 Ánd troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.

4 Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to good.

5 Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were upon the walls being pu