their works. and they shall never disobey his word. After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings. With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into it again. The Lord created man of the earth, and turned him into it again. He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein. He endued them with strength by themselves, and made them according to his image, and put the fear of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls. They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof. Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand. Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil. He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness of his works. He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with understanding. And the elect shall praise his holy name. Beside this, he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage. He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed None of them hindereth another, them his judgments. Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorions voice. And he said unto them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour. Their ways are ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes. Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways. None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord. But the Lord being gracious, and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared them. The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of a man as the apple of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters. Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, and render their recompense upon their heads. But unto them that repent, he granted them to return, and comforted those that failed in patience. His mercy is manifest to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant. He is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure. As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works. The sinner shall not escape with his spoils; and the patience of the godly Make way for every shall not be frustrate. work of mercy; for every man shall find according to his works. For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things: and his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work of man. On the fear and love of God. The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life. Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb. She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed. To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits. She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase. The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him. Wisdom raineth down skill and know ledge of understanding, and exalteth tl.em to honour that hold her fast. If thou desire wis. dom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life. He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom. The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency. If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him. The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence. He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the Most High. Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not unto him with a double heart. The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is present, it turneth away wrath. The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of of life and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality. 3 From the same. Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall. Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail. Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy. Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction. They that fear the Lord will not disobey his word; and they that love him will keep his ways. They that fear the Lord will seek that which is wellpleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law. They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy. From the same. Oh, how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord: |