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So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness denined to set up a public monument of his victory

r Judas and them that were with him.

17 But Maccabeus had even sure confidence that the d would help him:

3 Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the aing of the heathen against them, but to remember help which in former times they had received from ven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which uld come unto them from the Almighty.

And so comforting them out of the law and the phets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles at they won afore, he made them more cheerful. 10 And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave m the charge, showing them therewithal the falsehood the heathen, and the breach of oaths.

Apocrypha.

11 Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and besides that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.

12 And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well-spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands, prayed for the whole body of the

Jews.

13 This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.

14 Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.

15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand, gave to Judas a sword of gold, and, in giving it, spake thus,

16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.

17 Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.

18 For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and kinsfolks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.

19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.

20 And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,

21 Maccabeus, seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands towards heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:

22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner, O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:

23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;

24 And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.

25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.

26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.

Apocrypha.

II. MACCABEES, XV.

27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.

28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his har

ness.

29 Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.

30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens, both in body and mind, and who continued his love towards his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.

31 So when he was there, and had called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,

32 And showed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.

33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it

| by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up madness before the temple.

34 So every man praised toward glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he t own place undefiled.

35 He hanged also Nicanor's head an evident and manifest sign unto all o Lord.

36 And they ordained all with a co no case to let that day pass without £ in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the celebrate the thirteenth day of the twel docheus' day.

37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and forth the Hebrews had the city in the here will I make an end.

38 And if I have done well, and story, it is that which I desired: but meanly, it is that which I could attain

39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine and as wine mingled with water is p lighteth the taste: even so speech fi lighteth the ears of them that read the shall be an end.

END OF THE APOCRYPHA.

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