The testaments of the [twelue] patriarches the sonnes [of] Iacob: translated out of the Greeke [into] Latine by Robert Grosthed, some[time] Byshop of Lyncolne, and out of his copye into French and Dutch by others: Now Englished by A. G. To the credit whereof an auncient Greeke copye written in parchment, is kept in the Vniversitie Library of Cambridge.

The Testaments of the 〈◊〉 Patriarches , the Sonnes 〈◊〉 Iacob : translated out of Greeke 〈◊〉 Latine by Robert Grosthed , 〈…〉 Byshop of Lyncolne , and out of his copye into French and Dutch by others : Now englished by A. G.

To the credit whereof an auncient Greeke copye written in parchment , is kept in the Uniuersitie Librarye of Cambridge .

AT LONDON Printed by Iohn Day , dwelling ouer Aldersgate . 1576.

Cum gratia & priuilegio Regi● Maiestates per dicennium .

To the Christian Reader .

ALbeit these our happy dayes in some respect , good Christian , haue and enioy diuers and sundry workes , tendyng to the subuersion of Belial , and the erection of godlines : yet considering that as earthly , so we spirituall souldiors seldome runne to the watch without a larum : I thought it conuenient to cal vpon you wyth this graue & godly booke , of long tyme hid in Hebrue , now come to light in English. The malice of the Iewishe people in concealing it , by reason of Christ the righteous , so often prefigured , was intollerable , but the singular prouidence of God in preseruing it vnspeakeable , & now at the last , though chargeable , yet fruitfull is the expressing and printing in our naturall language of this , so worthy , so golden a writte : being of it selfe , without the accessary painting of eloquent speach , a Mirror for Princes , a Preacher for al Christians , a beutiful Glasse for Women : for Children , Seruauntes , and such like , a wise , plausible , and most ready Scholemaister . For , to apply to euery particular estate hys peculiar propertie : art thou a Prince , a Magistrate , a Ruler , let Iuda rule thee : If thou thinkest vpon manly courage , he teacheth thee valiauntnesse , if thou seekest to gouerne aright , he willeth thee to flee tyranny : if thou thirst after manners of life , he soundeth it out , that Uaineglorye

●●nication and Discorde , blemishe , wea●en , and at length vtterly consume Nobilitie . Let me proceede farther , and aske a question : Art thou a Byshop , a Minister , a Preacher of Christ his byrth , lyfe and death ? behold Leuy as a lanter●e . ●euy . Thou canst teach thy selfe , but he can teach thee better : thou speakest to other , harken to him that talketh to thee : of thy office , how Holy it is , how Honorable , the contemners thereof how miserable , by whom begon , continued , and confirmed : of thy state of lyfe , what , and how it should be , Nunquam sine Sale , sine S●le : to be shorte , of thy blessednes if thou art godly , wise , and learned : of thine and their plagues where thou lyuest , if wicked and ignoraunt . What should I say more ? Looke vpon Iacob , Iacob . O you Parentes , peruse these 12. godly Fathers in ●yme and order : learne of hym & hys , to pray to God in Christ his name for your Children , haue a regard to their instruction : the want of the former your Ch●ldren shall misse , the neglect of the latter , you your selues shall bewayle . For the harty prayer of a Father to the Almighty for his Children , is a right singular benefite : but he that for foolyshe pitie geueth to them the bridle is before God accounted a giltie partaker of their sinfull race . Uewe this booke therfore , harken how to teach your selues & your Children . You haue already handled a Sicke mans salue , enioy now at length a Sicke mans tounge , to ●n●●ruct them when you leaue them , and what to leaue them when you dye : els their ende wyll be lamentation , but yours lamentable miserie . And come you hether you Children of the earth : Ruben . reade , see , and say that olde Father Ruben with his good Bretheren redely and rightly describe the blessed path of righteousnes , & the 〈◊〉 way of Belial , the one to flee , the other to follow . Wylt thou beginne with the eldest , for that olde age seemeth wysest ? stop not then the cares of thy hart and body to so wyse and sweete a Charmer . O the number , O the ouglesome portraiture of those deadly spirites , that ●e hath so orderly numbr●d , and cunningly coloured . Lechery , Enuy , Glotony , Brauery , Pride , Vaineglory , Vnrighteousnes , Wilfull Ignoraunce .

All these as they seeme , are in deede pernicious : but the former is most detestable , the ende wherof is consumption of thys earthly bodye , and destruction of the soule ▪ which welspring and puddle of euil , if thou wilt haue dried vp , cease from drunke●nes : if not see it , haue not a narrow and greedy eye vpon a beutifull face : if not drinke , stop thy mouth from busy questions with wanton women : to conclude , if not therein be ducked and drowned , vse labour , ●ame youthfulnes . For in this I ouershooting my ●elfe , ( sayth Rub●n to his Children ) defiled my Fathers bed . Therefore looke not vpon the beautie of women , muse not vpon theyr doinges , but keepe your selues occupied , either in learning or some worke : charge your wiues and daughters that they 〈◊〉 not their heads , will them to chasten their lookes , for euery woman that dealeth deceitfully in these things , is reserued to the punishment of the world to come . Which trade of lyfe to eschew , seeing it is difficult without the fulfilling of the lawe , and the lawe , partly consisteth in mutuall loue : striue with Symeon Symeon . the second Brother to auoyd strife , which blindeth the mind , pineth the body , prouoketh murder . The remedye whereof , is both forgeuing & forgetting . Take vnto thee Ioseph his cherefull countenaunce , a perfect platforme of a quiet mynde , yet set before thine eyes Simeons wythered haud , a ●ight plague for such 〈…〉 . All which disquietnes & mischiefe , safely to set aside , let not Iuda be set apart . ●ather by him experience , that for a man to glory in his owne workes is sinfull , and 〈◊〉 which vpbraydeth an other man his vice , standeth slippery . Iuda choked Ruben his eldest Brother wyth his fornication : marke , who ●●med immediatly but enuious and ●aylyng Iuda ? Did he not offend after the flesh in the Chananites house ? Did he not take a wi●e without consent of Parentes ? two great sinnes , and alas in these our dayes to much vsed , yet punished , the one with want , losse , or at the least , smal ioy of Children , saith Father Iuda , the Patriarch : but the other 〈◊〉 vntollerable damage of body & soule , sayth S. Paule the Apostle . Wherefore abstai●e from wine , abhore dro●kennesse , for such a one slaundereth not , rehearseth not another mans sinnes , breedeth no sedition , but embraceth loue & charitie with a single hart as good Father Isachar , Isachar . who neuer rayled , neuer was hurtfull or spitefull to his neighbour , neuer eate his meat alo●e but gaue part to the poore , neuer remoued the bondes and markes of other mens ground , but loued all men as his naturall Children . O that as we read this , so we might expresse the same in lyfe and conuersation . Mercy and loue is a precious iuell , the maintainers wherof being iointly connexed prosper , once disseuered come to nought : for the waters ( sayth Zabulon ) Zabulon . washe away the sand , when the stones & timber are dissolued . Whose mercy and singular compassion was rewarded singularly . Si●t his Testament , resemble his rare charitie in clothing the naked , and feeding the hungry , knowne and vnknowne , as well straungers as his countrey men . D●n . Let not the spirite of Dan possesse your minde : Gad. Suffer not the wrath of Gad to settle in your hart , for such work with ● . perilous instruments , bitter speach , trechery , and violent hands , yelding fruit not much vnlyke as you may read , as you may see . Wylt thou be taught the ready 〈◊〉 to that that thou doost seeke ? two wayes ther● 〈◊〉 ( sayth Aser ) Vice the one , the other : Vertu● , Neptalims Neptalim . race ▪ Embrace the latter , eschew the former . But he that walketh in them both , blyndeth men , becemeth himselfe , and mocketh God , whose double faced dealyng shal be double punished . Such are the co●etous , such are they , that are merciful , in naughtines , such are they sayth Aser that fast from meates but not from fornication . Haue therfore a simple hart with simple & righteous Ioseph Ioseph . the blessed of the Lord , the right figure of Iesus Christ : for hatred he shewed loue : beyng cursed , he blessed : beyng shot thro●gh , he did not so much as bend hys bow : albeit his brethren would haue slaine hym , albeit they cast him into a wel , though they solde hym as a bond sla●e , & y● to straungers & such as hated shepheards to the death , of whom he was whipped & tormented : yet he , when they stoode in feare , gaue them confort : when they were well nye famished , gaue them foode : when by his authoritye myght destroy , by his authoritie did preserue : beyng their Lord , vsing them as his betters : being their Brother , acceptyng them as his Children , their vnkindnes not spoken of , their conspiracies forgotten , theyr cruel dealing most louingly , most mercifully forgeuen . You haue heard his loue toward his neighbour , harken his obedience toward God . When he was miserably afflicted , did he rage and swell ? When he was made a bond●●●ue of a free mans sonne , did he cry out of heauen ? beyng almost vtterly forsaken , did he vnpatiently accuse Gods iustice ? no , expectans Expectauit Dominum . And at the last , the Lord whiche hid his face did shew his countenaunce , of a caiti●e , in respect , makyng him free , of a freeman wealthy , of a wealthy subiect an honorable personage , Lord President of Pharaos land . Whom the Egyptians being alyue loued , beyng dead loued , beyng ●otten loued . Whom ●yuing , neyther wealth nor woe coulde make to swell : neither promise or threats of the Egyptian strumpet could make slyde : and therfore , beyng dead , neither world , Deuil , nor mans pollicy could make forgotten . O that our mortall race might thus begynne , thus perseuere , might thus , thus O Lord , most happely finishe : The spirit is willing but the flesh is weake . Beniamin . Learne therefore of Beniamin to inflame thy hart , that thou maist be ready both in body & soule , Let vs , ●ayth Ecclesiasticus commende , and so say I , Let vs behold the noble famous men , and the generation of our fore elders . Eccle. 44. For many glorious actes hath the Lord done in them , and snewed his great power euer since the begynnyng . Upon the consideration wherof and especially for that I would haue nothyng wanting in this booke that might serue thy conte●tation , I thought if as well pertinent to deale with the righteous Father , as with the godly children . For to shadow a face onely without a body hath his deserued commendation : but who so painteth a legge without a body , or a bodye without a head , it shall not be amisse , as I suppose , as well to terme him a foolishe painter , as to iudge the thing v●discreetely paynted . Wherefore as well to see the head as the legge , and to heare the Father as the children , I haue faythfully drawne out of scripture , ( & not according to my fancy fashioned ) the death and Testament of Iacob that blessed & right happy Father added to this auncient monument of the children . Therfore to recompence my pay●es , reade them but read them diligently , neither read onely , but contend to follow . For the imitation of good and godly men is the direct way & course to godlines . So may we accompt of Iacobs blessing : so may we throughly chalendge to be his Children , I meane , not by fleshe , but spirite . The lord which made heauen & earth , the Lord which gaue his sonne to shed his hart bloud for vs , god which disposeth thinges to his pleasure , preserue our Queene , encrease our fayth ▪ and make vs thankeful for his bene●ites . Amen .

Richard Daye . FINIS .

¶ The Testament of Iacob , that he made at his death , to his xij . Sonnes the Patriarches , concerning what should be●ide them in the last dayes : gathered out of Genesis .48 .49 . and added to this booke .

Com● , harke my Sonnes , two thinges I geue , my blessing and my ban : The first to them that godly lyue , the last to wicked man .

IAcob the sonne of Isaac , Gene. 25. borne of Rebecca , the yeare of the world 2108. his Father being three score yeares of age , Simple or 〈◊〉 . was a perfect man & righteous , dwelling † in tentes , not geuen to pleasure & hunting , as hys elder brother , elder by nature , not by grace : Rom. 9. for the elder shal serue the younger , sayth the Lord. Iacob beloued not of ●erite but 〈◊〉 Grace . Why ? not for that Iacob had so deserued , but because God had so appointed . Wherefore when he thus by the determinate will of God , and heauenly disposition , which ordereth thinges whatsoeuer , Gene. 25. had got hys Brothers byrthright and his Fathers blessing , Gene. 26. his Parentes , cons●dering that the slippery dayes of carnall copulation did approach , Gene. 27. and warely fearing his brother Esaw , The wicked euer resist gods ●●gemēts . for y● † he conceaued murder in his hart , and instituted a byrth day of his deuilishe purpose , sent hym from Berseba to Mesopotamia to Laban his mothers brother , Gene. 2● . there honestly to take a wyfe and ●uietly to liue . For Matrimony without consent of Parentes , A 〈◊〉 for maryage . and due consideration of either partie contracted , as it breedeth their disquietnesse , so it prouoketh Gods displeasure . Gene. 29. Iacob therefore after long trauile , being placed with his Uncle Laban and seruing hym xiiii . yeares in labour & payne ( albeit he was the childe of promise , Trouble & payne are destined to the elect . the blessed of the Lord , Borne of a free woman , and the which is more , his Vncles bone & flesh , and Lord of Chanaan : not arguing with hymselfe as the worldly children of this earth , An example for children . saying : shall I which am a free and wealthy m●ns sonne be made a seruaunt ? shall I be a drudge in my kinsmans house , 〈…〉 beyng sent to marry & not to serue ) had † geuen him by Laban to wife for his good seruice ( by whiche God blessed that little that Laban had before ) his two daughters Lea first , ● godly note for seruauntes . then Rachell with their handmaydes Bilha and Zilpha : of whome , according to the promise made vnto hym of God in Bethell , that his seede shou●● be multiplyed : he begat xii . sonnes .xii. godly Fathers of the earth : Ruben . Simeon . Leui. Iuda . Dan. Neptalin . Gad. Aser . Isachar . Zabulon . Ioseph . Beniamin .

Thus he b●y●g blessed of the Lord , Mans lyfe is but a pilgrimage . as well in Children as in substaunce , returned agayne to his natiue countrye , he and his Children : there to lyue & there to dy . But beholde , the diuine prouidence of God . After three & thirty yeares expired , he was remoued from Chanaan to Gosen in Egipt by meanes of his sonne Ioseph chiefe steward of Pharao his land , whome his brethren heretofore had sould . Where when he had lyued 17. yeares , and seene his family encreased exceedingly , to his great ioy and comfort no doubt , especially all the other countries about being plagued with a great famine , God alw●● prouideth for the righteous . and by Gods mercy not greatly feeling the same , perceauyng also his troublesome pilgrimage dra●ing to an ende : called his sonne Ioseph , vnto him & sayd : If I haue found grace in thy sight , oh put thy hand vnder my thighe ( for in this order they tooke an othe in Iacobs tyme ) deale mercifully with me and truely , bury me not in Egipt , but let me sleepe with my Fathers . Where notinge his sure fayth in the promise of God made to his fathers , willed hym to looke for Canaan his hoped inheritaunce , and not to trust to Pharaos , land . To which his request , when Ioseph his louing sonne obediently did condescend : Iacob taking a little more strength vnto hym , and sitting vp , desirous also to shew forth the great goodnesse of the Lord in preseruing him and hys , Parentes ought to tel their children Gods blessinges . sayd : God almightye appeared vnto me at Luz in the land of Canaan , and blessed me saying : Beholde I will make thee fruitfull , and cause thee to multiplye , and will make a great number of People of thee , and will geue this land to thy seede for an † euerlasting possession . Uerified in 〈◊〉 carnall Israel to Christ his c●mming , in the spirituall for euer . Thy sonnes Manasses and Ephraim I take as mine owne , their other brethren shall be called † ‡ ‡ That is 〈◊〉 be vn●●r their 〈◊〉 . after their names . As I came from Mesopotamia , Rachell dyed in the lande of Canaan , and was buryed by the way to Ephratha , the same is Betheleem . Then Iacob , albeit somewhat dimme for age , beholding Iosephes ii . sonnes , sayd : what are these ? to whome Ioseph aunswered : they are my sonns which God hath geuen me . O bryng them to me ( sayd Iacob ) and let me blesse them . I had not thought to haue seene thy face Ioseph ▪ yet loe , God hath shewed mee thy seede . God in whose sight my fathers Abraham and Isaac dyd walke : God , whiche hath fed me all my lyfe long vnt●ll this day : Christ. and the * Angel , which hath deliuered me from all euill blesse these la●de , and let my * name ▪ 1 1 Comp●ed as one of his children not that they should pray vnto him b●●ng dead as 〈◊〉 gathered . be named in them , & the name of my Fathers , Abraham and Isaac , & that they may growe into a multitude in the middes of the earth . Then as Ioseph lifted his Fathers hand from Ephra●m to Manas●es the Elder , Iacob sayd : Let it be , I knowe it well my Sonne , God hath mercye on 〈◊〉 he will . he shall also be a great people , but his younger brother shal be grea●er , in thee let Israel blesse & say , God make thee as Ephraim & Manasses . 〈…〉 he fainting sayd : By ●ayth Iacob 〈…〉 the land as yet but , hoped 〈◊〉 . Behold Ioseph I dye . God shal be with you , and b●ing you agayne to the land of your Fathers . Moreouer I * geue vnto thee a portion of land aboue thy brethren , which I conquered by sword and bow of the Amorites . And come you hether also , O my Children , that I may tell you what shall come on you in the last dayes . Gather ye together , and heare ye sonnes of Iacob , harken vnto Israell your Father .

Ruben my first borne , my † might , * * Begotten in my youth . my strength , excellent in dignitie and power , vnconstant as water , thou shalt not excell because thou didst defile my couch .

Symeon and Leuy , brethren in euil , who in your wrath slewe a man , and in your selfe will digged downe a wall : * * Leuy had no tribe & Simeon was vnder Iuda . Cursed be your wrath , for it was shamelesse , and your fearcenesse for it was cruell . I † wil diuide you in Iacob , Iudg. Cap. 1. and scatter you in Israel . Blessinges of Iuda .

Iuda Thy. 1 1 A worthy cap●ayne . hand shall be on the necke of thine enemies : Thy Brethren shall stoope vnto thee : as a Lyons whelpe shalt thou come vp from the spoyle : Thou shalt couch as a Lyon , and as a Lyonesse . Who shall stirre thee vp ▪ 2 2 A 〈◊〉 Prince . The Scepter shall not depart from thee , nor a lawgeuer from betwene thy feete , vntill Shiloh come , all nations shall seeke after him . 3 3 A 〈◊〉 land . Thou shalt binde thy Asse sole to the vine , and the Asses colt to the best vine : thou shalt wash thy garment in wine , and thy cloke in the bloud of grapes : thy eyes shal be red with wine , & thy teeth white with milke .

Zabulon , thou shalt dwell by the sea side , and thou shalt be an hauen for ships : thy border shal be vnto Zidon .

Isachar , thou shalt be a strong Asse , couching downe betwene two burdens : And thou shalt see that rest is good , and that the land is pleasaunt , and shalt bow thy shoulder to beare and shalt be subiect vnto tribute .

Dan , Iudg. 13. 〈◊〉 ▪ 15. 16. thou shalt iudge thy people , as one of the tribes of Israell . Dan thou shalt be a Serpent by the way , an adder by the path ▪ byting the Horse heeles , so that his rider shall fall backwarde . Then Iacob foreseyng in his minde the greate calamity , The Philistines . that should betide his posteritye , consorting him selfe & resting in Gods promise , tryed out with harte and minde : O Lorde I haue wayted for thy saluation .

Gad , Iosua . 1. 21. an host of men shall ouercome thee , but thou shalt ouercome at the last .

And what shall I say to Aser ? Num. 32. his bread shal be far , and he shal giue pleasures for a king .

Nephthalim is a hinde sent for a present geuing goodly wordes . Iudg. 45.

Ioseph is a florishing bough by a well side , The blessing of Ioseph . the small boughes 1 1 Encrease of familie . shall run vppon the wall . The Archers shot agaynst him and hated him : but his bow was made strong , and hys armes 2 2 〈…〉 . strengthned by the hands of the almighty God of Iacob . Out of him shall come an Heardman a stone in Israell . All these thinges come from thy fathers god which hath helped thee , All thinges come of God . & blessed thee with blessinges ▪ of the heauen , with blessinges of the deepe benea●● , wyth blessinges of breastes and wombe . The blissinges of ( me ) thy Father ( that I geeue thee , ) are stronger then the blessings ( that I had ) of mine elders . Vntill the ende of the hilles of the world they shall be on thy head .

Beniamin shall rauen , as a wolfe , In the Morning he shall deuour the pray , and at night diuide the spoyle . And now when I shal be gathered to my people bury me with my father in the caue that is , in the field of Ephron the Hethite , in the caue that is in the field of Machpelath which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan which Abra. Not for the holines of the place , but for memory of G●ds promise . bought with the field of Ephron the Hethite , for a possession to bury in , where as were buryed Abraham and Sara his wife , and Isaac with Rebecca , and there I buryed Lea. The field and the caue that is therin , was bought of the Children of Heth.

When Iacob had made an ende of commaunding all that he woulde vnto his Sonnes , hauyng liued a hundreth forty and seuen yeares hee plucked vp his feete into the bed , ● A token of a good conscience . and quietly dyed , Then Ioseph falling vpon his fathers face , and kissing him with teares , caused , him to be enbawmed by Phisitions to the space of forty dayes , and mourned for him threescore and ten dayes . Who departing from Egipt into Canaan with noblemen of the land in Charets & horsemen buryed him in the place which Iacob had appointed .

¶ The Testament of Ruben made to his Children at his death , concerning the thinges that he had in his minde , by the suggestion of the spirite of foreknowledg ▪

Behold the pot , the heare , the bed , doe note the strength , the lust : Of Ruben and vnconstant head , who therefore was accurst .

THys is the copye of Rubens Testament , concerninge all the thynges whiche hee gaue in charge to hys children , before hee dyed , in the hundred & fiue and twenty yeare of his life . Two yeares after the decease of Ioseph : his children & childrens children came to visite him in his sicknes and he sayd vnto them .

My children I dye , and goe the way of my fathers . And saying there his brethren , Iuda , Gad and Aser , he sayd vnto them : Lift me vp my brethren , that I may tell you and my children the thinges that I haue hidden in my hart , for I am henceforth drawing to my long home . Death i● our lon● home . Then standing vp he kissed them , and weeping sayde : Harken my brethren , and you my children geue care to the word of your father Ruben , mark what I giue in charge to you : Behold , I commaund you this day before the God of heauen , that ye walke not in the ignoraunce of youthfulnesse and fornication , Fornication ●la●ned . Gene. 35. 49. whereint● I ouershot my selfe , and de●●●ed the bed of my father Iacob . 1. Cor. 5. For I assure you that the Lord did therfore 〈◊〉 me with a sore plague in my flankes by the space of seuen monthes , and ‡ I had perished if my father * * Prayer & repentaunce stayeth God his wrath . Iacob had not prayed to the Lorde for m●e , * * The blessing and prayer of a father to God for his children of what benefite . because he was minded to haue slayne mee . I was thirtye yeares old when I did this euill in the sight of the Lorde , & seuen monethes was I sick to the death , In repentance the hart is to be considered not externall action . and ‡ with a free hart did I seuen yeare penance before the Lord , I dranke no wine , nor stronge drinke : no fleshe came within my mouth : I tasted not any fine bred : but I mourned for my sinne , for it was great , & there shall none such be done in Israell . The eight instuments whereby man worketh and the effect of them . And nowe my sonnes heare me , that I may shewe you what I sawe concerninge the seuen spyrites of error in my repentaunce . Belyall geueth seuen spirites agaynst a man , whiche are the welspringes of youthfull workes , and seuen spirites are géuen man in his creation , 1 1 Life . whereby all hys works are done . The first is the spirit of life , wherewith is created hys béeing . The second is the spirite of séeing , 2 2 Seeing . wherwith cometh lusting . The 3 3 Hearing . the spirite of hearing , wherewith cometh learning . The 4 4 Smelling . is the spirit of smelling , wherwith cometh delight by drawing in of the ayre , & by breathing of it out agayn . The 5 5 Spech . is the spirit of speech , wherwith knowledge is made . The 6 6 Tasting . is the spirit of tascing wherof commeth the feedyng vpon thinges that are to be eaten & drunke , & through them is ingendred strength , 7 7 S●●de and of what propertie . because the substaunce of strength is in meate . The seuenth is the spirit of séede and generation , wherwith entreth sinne through that lust of pleasure . For this cause it is the last of creation , & the first of youth , because it is full of ignoraunce , 8 8 Sleepe . and of what propertie . and ignoraunce leadeth the yonger sort as a blynd body into the ditch and as an Oxe to the stal . Among all these is the eight spirit , which is of sléep , with whom is created the wasting away of nature and the image of death . Eight spirites of error and of what propertie . With these spirites are mingled the spirites of error . Wherof the first is the spirite of Lechery who lyeth within in the nature and senses of man . 1 1 Rechery . The second spirit vnsatiablenesse lyeth in the belly . 2 2 Gluttony The third spirite of strife lyeth in the lyuer and in choler . 3 3 Enuy . The fourth spirite is of brauery and galantnesse , 4 4 Brauery that the partie may seeme co●ly by excesse . The fistbe is the spirte of pride , 5 5 Pride of 〈◊〉 propertie . which moueth a man to minde ouer great thinges , or to thinke well of himselfe . 6 6 Vaine glory in what it consisteth . The ●rth is the spirit of Lying or vayne gloriousnes in boasting a mans selfe and in desire to ●ile his talke concerning his owne kin●ed and acquaintaunce . The seuenth is the spirit o● vnrighteousnes whiche stirreth vp the affections that a man should performe the lustfull pleasures of his harte . 7 7 Unrigh●●ousne● . For vnrighteousnes worketh with all the other spirits , by taking guile vnto him . 8 8 Wilfull ●gnorance . Unto all these spirites is matched the vii● . spirit , which is the spirite of sléepe or sluggishnes , in error and imagination , and so the soules of young folkes perishe , Discommodities of ignorance . because their mindes are dar●kned from the truth , and vnderstand not the law of the Lord , neither obey the doctrine of their fathers as be●el to me in my youth . But now my children loue the truth , and that shall preserue you . Ringleaders to fornication Harken to your father Ruben , and let not your eyes 1 1 ● gredy eye . runne gazing after women , neither be ye 2 2 Close company with women . alone with a woman that is maried , neither seeke you about 3 3 Busie questions . what women are a doing . For if I had not sene Billa bathing of her selfe in a secret place , I hadde not fallen into that great wickednes . But my mind ran so vpon the naked woman , that it suffered me not to sleepe till I had committed abhomination . For while my father Iacob was away at his Father Isaackes , Gen. 35. & I in Gader hard by Ephrata a house of Bethleem , Billa fell 4 4 Drunk●nesse . drunken , & as shee lay a sleepe vncouered in her chamber , I went in and seeyng her nakednes wrought wickednesse with her : and leauing her a sléepe went my way . Nothing so secretly don but it shall be open By and by an Angell of God bes●rayed my wickednes to my Father Iacob , who comming home mourned for me , & touched not ▪ A godly cou●at . Billa any more Therefore looke not vppon the be●u●tye of women , neyther muse you vpon theyr de●nges , but walke ye with a single harte in the feare of the Lorde , busi●nge your selues about some worke , Labour a preseruatiue from fornication . and keeping your selues occupyed either in 〈◊〉 ▪ or aboute your flockes , till God geue you such wiues as he lifteth , leaste 〈◊〉 suffer as I haue bone . I durst not looke my father in the face to hys dying day , A gilty conscience is a great burden . nor speake to any of my brethren for shaine . My conscience byteth me● euen yet still for my sinne . But my father comforted me , and prayed for me to the Lorde , that his wrath myght passe away from me , as the Lorde himselfe shewed vnto me . Therefore from that time forth , ●●norse of conscience slayeth sin . I was kept from sinning any more . And you my children likewise keepe ye all that I shall tell you , and you shal not sinne . The fruite of fornication . For fornication is the 1 1 Destruction of the soule . destruction of the soule , separating it from God , 4 making i● to draw vnto 2 2 Idolatry Idols , because it leadeth the minde and vnderstanding into error , and bringth men to their 3 3 Shortness of life . gra●e before their time . For whor●●om hath vndone many men . And although a man be auncient or noble , yet doth it sha●e him & make hym a laughingstock both before Belial , 4 4 Ignominious shame . & the sonnes of men . Iosephes chastitie rewarded . But Ioseph because he kept himselfe from all women , and cleansed , hys thoughtes from all fornication , found fauour both before the Lord and men . Gene 9. The Egiptian woman did much to him by vsing the helpe of witches , and by offering him slaversawees : but the purpose of his minde admitted no noysome desire . Looke pa. & 5. For this cause the God of my father● deliuered him from al death b●t● séene and vnséene : for if fornication ouerrule not your minde , neyther shall Belial preuayle against you , women are hurtfull thinges my sonnes , Properties of v●chast women . because that when they want power and strength against a man , they worke guilfully to draw him to them by traines : & whom they cannot ouermatch in strength , hym they ouercome by deceit . For the Angel of the Lord which taught me , folde me●e of them , that they be ouermaistred by the spirit of fornication more then men be , and that they be euer practising in their harts agaynst men , first making their mindes to erre by decking of them selues , them sheadyng their poison in to them by sight , & finally catching them prisoners by their doynges : for a woman is not able to inforce a man . A note for garish attire & wanton lookes . Therfore my sonnes , flee fornication , charge your wiues and daughters that they trim not their heades , & will them to chasten their lookes , for euery woman that dealeth deceitfullye in these things , is reserued to the punishment of the world to come . An example of this 〈◊〉 chief● . For by such meanes were the Watchers deceiued before the floud : as soone as they saw them they fell in loue one with another , Gen. 6. & conceiued a work●ng in their mindes , and turned them selues into the shape of men , 〈…〉 and appeared to them in their companying with their husbandes : and the women by conceiuing the desire of them in the imagination of their mynd , brought forth Giants . ●eachers . For , the ● Wat●here appeared to them of heigth vnto heauen . Therefore keepe your selues from fornication , Infectious 〈◊〉 corrupteth the ●inde . & if ye intend to haue a cleane mynde , keepe your senses from all women , and forbid them likewise the company of men , that they may haue also cleane mindes . For although continuall companyings do not alw●res worke wickednesse , yet breede they incur●ble stinges to them , and to vs euerlasting shame before Belial , because that fornication hath neither vnderstandyng nor godlynes in it , 〈…〉 and all enuiousnes dwelleth in the desire therof , and for that cause shall ye enuy the children of Le●y , and seeke to be exalted aboue them , but ye shall not be able to compasse it for , god will ●duenge them , and you shall dye a daungerfull death : Gen. 49. for vnto I cuy & I●da hatl , the Lord geuen the souereinty , and vnto me and Dan , and Ioseph , hath he graunted to be princes with them . Wherfore I charge you , He prophesieth of Christ . heare Leuy : for he shal know the law of the lord , and deal forth ●udgement , and offer sacrifices , for all Israel , til the full time of Christ , the chief priest , because the Lorde hath spoken it . I charge you by the GOD of heauen , Faithfull dealing with neighbours . that euery of you deale faithefully with his neighbour , and sticke vnto Leuy in humblenesse of hart , that ye maie receiue blessyng at his mouthe ; for he shall blesse Israell and Iuda . Gene. 〈◊〉 . God hath chosen Iuda to be the kyng of all people , wherefore worship you his seede , for he shall dye for you in battailes , bothe visible and inuisible , and shall raigne ouer you worlde without ende ,

Ruben hauyng geuen his children the foresaied charge , and blessed them , died : Then thei put him in a coffin , and caried him out of Egipte , buried hym at Hebron , in the double caue , where his fathers slepte .

Finis .

¶ The Testament of Simeon , made to his Children at his death concernyng 〈◊〉 .

The harte in wom●ns mouthe , the face , the sworde , the Wolfe , the cap : All these paint out the cauious race , that runne to their mishap .

THe copie of Simeons wordes , whiche he spake to his Sonnes at his death , in the hundred and twenteth yere of his life , in the whiche Ioseph died . For they came to visite hym vpon his death bed , and he sittyng vp , kissed them , saiyng .

Harken my children , heare me your father Simeon , whatsoeuer I haue in my hart . I am my father Iacobs second sonne , and my Mother Lea named me Simeon , because the Lorde heard her praier . Genes. 29. I became very mightie , I went through with my doynges , and was not afraied of any thyng . Hardines of whom it is . For my harte was stout , my minde vnmoueable , and my stomack discourageable : for hardinesse is giuen of the highest in●o mennes soules and bodies . Genes. 37. In those daies I enuied Ioseph , because my father loued hym , I hardened my harte againste hym , to kill hym , because the Prince of errour sendyng forthe the spirite of enuie , blynded my mynde , that I could not take heede to spare my Father Iacob . But his God , Man purposeth , God disposeth . & the God of his fathers , sendyng his Angel , did rid hym out of my handes . For while I went into Sychem , to crary tarre for our flockes , and Ruben into Dotai●● where all our necessaries were laied vp in store : Gene. 37. our brother Iuda solde hym to the Ismalits , and therefore when my brother was come againe , he was sorie , for he intended to haue conueyed hym safe againe to our father . But I was angrie with Iuda , for lettyng hym go aliue , and bare him grudge fiue monthes after : Ch●●st after bloud plague● . howbeit God ●etted me , and restrained the woorkyng of my handes , for my right hande was halfe withered vp for vii . daies together . Then did I perceiue ( my Sonnes ) that that befell me for Iosephes sake , whereupon I repented sone after , and besought the lord to restore my hande , and I would abstaine from all rancour , enuie , and follye . For I knewe I had conceiued a wicked thought against the Lorde , and against my Father Iacob , for my brother Iosephes sake whom I enuied .

Now therefore my children , Enuy described . kepe your selues from the spirites of error and enuie . For enuie ouerruleth the. 1 1 Blindeth the minde . mynde of euery man●●e , sufferyng . 2 2 Hindereth 〈◊〉 susteuaunce . h●m not to eate or drinke in rest ▪ or to doe any good thyng , & is alwaies eggyng him to . 3 3 ● prouoketh 〈…〉 . slaie the partie whom he enuieth , and ●inyng . 4 4 Pineth at away at his prosperitie . mens prosperitie . Twoo yeres together I punished my soule with fastyng in the feare of the Lorde . For I knewe , A remedie against enuie . that the waie to deliuer me from enuie , was the feare of the lorde . If a man flee to the lorde , the wicked spirit fleeth from hym , so as his mynde becommeth meke , and of spitefull , he becommeth pitifull , bearyng no grudge towardes suche as loue hym , & so his enuie ceaseth . And because my father sawe me sadde , he asked me the cause of it . To whom I lied , saiyng : I haue a paine in my stomacke : for I was foriest of all my brothers , for that I had been the cause of Iosephes sellyng into Egipte . Gene. 〈◊〉 . And when I came into Egipt , and was put in ward by hym as a spie : Then perceiued I that I was iustly punished , and I was not sorie for it . Ioseph mercifull to his brethren . But Ioseph beyng a good man , and hauyng Gods spirite in hym , & beyng ful of pitie and mercie , Gene. 50. mynded not to doe me any harme , Looke page 71. but loued me as well as theresidue of my brethren . Therefore my children , keepe your selues from all spite and enuie , and walke in singlenesse of mynde , and good conscience , after the example of your fathers brother , that God may giue you grace , glorie , and blessednesse vppon your heades , I sure token of a good nature . as you see in hym . Of all the daies of his life , he did neuer caste vs in the t●th with it , but loued vs as his owne soule , and more then his owne Children , honoryng vs , and geuyng vs riches , Cattell , and Corne aboundantly . You therefore my children , loue ye one an other with a good harte , and put from you the spirite of Enuie : Properties of enuie . for , it maketh a mannes soule to . 1 1 Cor●uption of life . growe sauage , 2 2 Distemperature of body . marreth his bodye , bredeth wrathe , and warre in his thoughtes , setteth his bloud on fire , driueth hym out of his wittes , and suffereth not reason to beare any swaie . Moreouer , 3 3 Smale sleepe . it taketh awaie his slepe , disquieteth his mynd , and maketh his body to tremble : For euen in slepe some spice of imagined malice guaweth hym , combryng his soule with Spirites of mischief , makyng his bodie gastly , and his mynde afrighted with trouble , and appearyng vnto men , as it were with a pernicious spirite , and pouryng out of poyson . Genes. 39. Therefore was Ioseph faire of face , ● token of a quiet mynde . beautifull , and comely to beholde , because no wicked thyng dwelte in hym . For he had a count enance cleare from comberaunce of mynde . And now my children , let your hartes be meke before the lorde , and walke right before man : so shall ye finde fauor bothe with God and man : and beware , that ye fal not to whoredome . Effectes of who●edome . For whoredome is the mother of all naughtinesse , separatyng a man from God , & sending him to Beliall . Genes. 49. For I haue seen in Enockes writynges , that you and your children shal be corrupted with whoredome , and do Leuy wrong by the sworde . But thei shal not preuaile againste Leuy , because he shall ●ight the lordes battailes , & take all your tentes , and verie fewe shall bee deuided in Leuy and Iuda , Genes. 49. for he shall be your Capitai●e , and my father Iacob prophesied in his blessinges . Behold , * * Parentes teachyng not their childr●̄ are giltie . Commodities of concorde . I tell you al thinges aforehande , that I maie be cleare from the synne of your soules , Now , if you put from you all enuiousnesse , and all stifneckednesse , all my bones shall florishe as a Rose in Israel , and my fleshe as a Lillie in Iacob , & my sauor shal be as the sent of Libanus , & my holy ones shal bee multiplied as the Ceders for euer , & their boughes shall spreade out in length for euermore . Then shall thee seede of Chanaan perishe together , Exod. 17. with the remenaunte of Amalecke . All the Capadocians shall perishe , and all the Schithians shall be destroied . Then shall the lande of Cham faile , and al the people go to wrecke . Then shall al the ●earth rest from trouble , and all men vnder Heauen from warre . Then shall Sem bee glorified , when the greate Lorde God of Israel appeareth vpon yearth as a man , to saue Adam in hym . Then shall the spirites of errour be troden vnder foote , and men shal raigne ouer hurtfull siēdes . 〈…〉 . Then shall I rise againe in ioye , and blesse the highest in his wonderfull workes : for God takyng a body vpon him , and eatyng with men , shall saue men . And now my children obey Leu●●nd you shall bee deliuered by Iuda● and ●●uauce not your selues aboue thes● twoo Tribes , The fruit of ●●●dience . for of them twoo shall the sauyng health of God spring vnto vs . Gene. 49. For the Lorde shall sette vp , of Leuy the Prince of Priestes , and of Iuda the kyng of kynges , God and man . So shall he saue all the Gentiles , & the offpryng of Israel . For these thynges sakes I charge you to commaunde your children , 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 . to keepe these thynges throughout al their generations .

And Simeon making an ende of these his saiynges , and commaundementes to his children , slept with his Fathers , when he was of the age of a hundred and twentie yeares . And they laide hym in a Coffin of woodde that rotteth not , that they might carry his bones againe into Hebron , and they conueied him priuily in the warre of the Egiptians . For the Egiptians kept the bones of Ioseph in the Kynges treasury . For , their I●cha●ters tolde them , that , whensoeuer Iosephes bones were caried awaye , there should be suche a plague of miste and darkenes among the Egiptians , as one Brother should not know an other , no not euen by torch light . And Symeons Children bewayled their Father accordyng to the Lawe of mournyng , and continued in Egipt , till the day of their departyng thence vnder the hand of Moyses .

¶ The Testament of Leuy● 〈…〉 hys Children at hys death conce●nyng Priesthoode .

The sinne , be iust , rage not geue lyght , Ye Preachers of Gods worde : For what thing els sheweth Sun and Moone , Dame Venus , Wolfe and sword .

THe Copye of Leuyes wordes , namely , which he spake to his children , concerning all the thinges , which they should doe , and whiche should happen to them vnto the day of iudgement . He was in health when he called them vnto hym , for he knew before ▪ when he should dye . Therfore , when they were come together , he said vnto them :

I Leuy was bred and borne in Carram , Leuy his byrth and countrey . and afterwarde came with my father into Sichem . Genes. 14. I was at the time but yong , about xx . yeares olde , when I helped my brother Simeon to reuenge our sister Dina against Hemor . Now as wee were feedyng of our flocks in Abe●●naul , the spirit of the vnderstanding of the Lord came vpon me , and I sawe all menne vnderminyng their owne waies , & how vnrighteousnes had builded her selfe a fortresse , and wickednesse sat vpon the towers thereof . Loue of a true Pas●or . And I was sorye for mankind , & besought the Lord to saue them . Then fell there a sleepe vpon mee , and I saw a high mountaine : It was the mountaine of Aspis in Abelmaull . The visson of Leuy . And behold , the heauens opened , and the Angell of God sayd vnto mee : Christ. Leuy , com● hether : and I went from the first heauen to the second , and there sawe the water hanging betwene the one and the other . And I saw the third heauen much brighter than them both : ●or ▪ the height therof was infinite . And I sayd to the Angell , what meaneth this : Christ. And the Angell aunswered me , maruell not at these things ; for thou shalt see fower heauens yet brighter , and without comparison , when thou commest vp to them . Ministers wha● they are ▪ and their o●●ice . For thou shalt stand by the Lord , and be his minister , and vtter his secrets vnto men , and preach of the deliuerer of Israel which is to come . By thee and by Iuda the Lord will appeare to men , to saue al mankinde in them . The liuyng of the ministery from whence . Thy life shall depend vpon the Lorde , by hym shalt thou haue thy fieldes , vineyardes , fruites , gold , and siluer . Therefore harken as touching the seuen Heauens . The description 1. of the seuen heauens , his vision . The lowest is most lowring , because it is nerest to al the vnrighteousnes of men . The second , hath fire , Snow , and I se , prepared by the Lords appointment , against the daye of Gods rightfull iudgement . In it are al the spirites of vengeance , for the punishyng of the wicked . In the third are the powers of hostes , ordeined against the day of iudgement , to take vengeance vppon the spirites of error and of Belial . In the fourth aboue these are the Saints , for in the higher places dwelleth great glory in the holy of all holyes aboue all holinesse . In the nexte vnto this , are the Angels , that doe seruice in Gods p●esence , and seeke his fauour in all the ig●oraunces of the righteous . They offer vnto the Lord the swete fauour of reaso●able seruice a Sacrifice without bloud . In the other that is vnder this , are the Angells that bring aunsweres from the Angels in Gods presence . In that which is aboue it , are the Thrones and Potestates , wherein is continuall offeryng vp of Hymnes vnto God . Therefore whensoeuer the Lord loketh vpon vs , all of vs are mouth ▪ y●a and ●uch heauen , earth , & the bottomles deepe are moued at the sight of his greatnesse ▪ but , the Children of men beyng witlesse , shall synne and prouoke the highest vnto wrath . Now therfore vnderstand , that the Lorde will execute iudgement vppon the children of men . 〈…〉 Because that men will continue in vnbelefe and vnrighteousnesse . euen when the stones shal cleaue a sunder , the Sunne be darkened , the waters dried vp , the fire quake , and al creatures b●●ro●bled at the faintyng of the inuisible Spirites , and at the spoiling of hell in the passion of the Highest : therefore shall they be condemned to punishement . The highest then hath hearde thy prayer , to separate th●e from vnrighteousnesse , and to make thee his sonne and seruaunt and a Minister in his presence , A minister what he ●●ould be : of hym selfe not righteous . a Lanterne of knowledge to lighten Iacob throughly , and to be as a day Sunne among the children of Israell , and vnto thee and thy seede shall ●he power of blessyng bee geuen , Math. v. Ende of the Priesthode prophes●ed . Christ his ●assion pro●hes●ed . till God visite al nations in the bowels of the mercye of his sonne for euer . Neuerthelesse thy Sonnes shall lay their handes vppon hym to crucifie hym , and for this cause is wisedome and vnderstandyng geuen thee , to giue thy children knowledge of hym , because that if they blesse hym , they shal be blessed , and they , that cursse hym , shall perishe in his sight . Christ. And the Angell opened me the gates of heauen , and I saw the holie temple , and the highest sittyng on the throne of glory , and he saied to mee : Leuy , I haue geuen thee the blessynges of the priesthoode , till I come my selfe to dwell in the middes of Israell . Then the Angel brought me downe to the earth , and gaue mee a shield and a sworde , saiyng : execute vengeaunce in Sichem for Dina , & I wil be with thee , for God hath sent me . And at that tyme I slewe the Sonnes of Hemor , ●enes . 34 . as it is written in the tables of Heauen . And I said vnto hym , lord I pray thee tell me thy name , that I may call vpon thee in the tyme of my trouble . And he answered , I am an * Angell which excuseth Israell , Christ 〈◊〉 . that he might not bee striken for euer , because all wicked spirites lye in waite for hym . Afterward , beyng waked , as it were out of sleepe , I blessed the most highest , and the Angell that excuseth the ofspring of Israell , and all righteous men . And when I came to my Father , I ●ounde an Asp of brasse , whereupon the hill tooke the name of Asps , whiche is harde by Gebat on the right side of Abyla . And I layd vp these saiynges in my hart . I counselled my father and my Brother Ruben to perswade the sonns of Hemor to be circumcised , The zeal● a minister Genes. 34. because I was zelously greued for the abhomination , whiche they had wrought in Israell . For first of al I killed Sichem , and then Simeon killed Hemor , and after vs came our brethren , who smote the Citie the edge of the sworde . Genes. 34. When my Father heard of it ▪ he was angry , Genes. 49. because they had receiued circumcision , and were killed afterward , and therefore he delt otherwise with vs in blessing . For we ●●nned in * * The manner not the doyng rebuked . doyng it against his wil , and he fell sicke the same day . The S●nne of the Sichemites . But I knewe that the Lorde intended euil vnto the Sychemites , because thei had heretofore purposed to haue done the like vnto Sara , as they did to our sister 1 1 Raped Dina. Dina. But GOD letted them . And they persecuted our father 2 2 Persecuted straungers . Abraham as then a straunger , and caried away his cattell , and furdermore did beat Ieblae verie sore , who was borne in his house . After the same maner delte they with all other strangers , Genes. 12. taking 3 3 Rauished their wiues . away their wiues from them by force , and driuyng the men themselues out of their countrye . For whiche cause the wrath of the lord came vpon them in the end . And I said to my Father : Sy● be not offended , for GOD will bring the Chananites to nothyng before thee , and geue their land vnto thee , & vnto thy holy one after thee . For from henceforth Sichem shall be called the Citie of fooles , because that as men doe scorne fooles , so haue we scorned them for their workyng of foly in Israel● , in takyng awaie our sister to defile her . Then came we into Bethell , and there when I had Sacrificed three score and ten daies together , Gene. xxx● I sawe ●he thyng again , as I had seen it before . A●d I sawe ●euen menne in white raiment , saiyng vnto me : The Min●●sterie descr●●●bed . Up , putte on the Stole of Priestehoode , the Crowne of righteousnesse , the Reasonall of vnderstandyng , the Robe of truth , ●xod. xxvii●● Leuit .viii. the Breastplate of faithe , the Mitre of holinesse , and the Ephod of Prophesie . And so euery of them bryngyng somethyng with hym , did put them vpon me , saiyng : Be thou henceforthe the Lordes Prieste , thou and thy seede for euermore . The ●irste annointed me with holie Oyle , and gaue me the Scepter of iudgement . The seconde washed me with cleane water , and ●edde me with breade and wine , that is to wit , with the holye of holies , and clothed me with a holie and glorious Robe doune to the grounde . The third did put vpon me a Silken garmente , like an Ephod . The fourth girded me with a gird●e like to purple . The fifth gaue me an oliue bough full of fatnesse . The sixth did set the Mitre of Priesthode vpon my head . The seuenth filled my handes with Incense , to the entent I should execute the office of Prieste vnto the Lorde . And he saied vnto me : Leuy , vnto three principall thynges is thy seede appointed of GOD , The th●●e blessynges of the famely of L●●y . namely to be a signe of the glorious lord that is to come ▪ and he , that beleueth , shal be the firste . The greate lot shall not fall vpon hym . The seconde shal be in priesthoode . Christ Prophes●ed . And the third shal haue a newe name , because a king shal rise vp in Iuda , and ren●e my Priesthood , accordyng to the figure of the Gentiles , among all nations . But the commyng of hym is vnvtterable , as who shall bee the P●ophet of the highest , borne of the seede of our Father Abraham . All the pleasant thynges of Israell shall be geuen to thee , and to thy seede , A distributyng excludeth a sole receiuyng of the Sacramentes . and ye shall eate all that is fa●re to see to , and thy seede shall distribute the Lordes Table , and of them shall be high Priestes , Iudges , and Scribes : for in their mouthe shall the holie thinges be kept . When I awooke , I perceiued , that this vision was like the other , and I laied it vp in my harte , and shewed it not to any man liuyng vpon yearth . The firste twoo daies I and Iuda wente to our Grandfather Isaac , and he blessed me , according to all the saiynges of the visions that I had seen , but he would not goe with vs vnto Bethel . But when we came to Bethel , my father Iacob sawe in a vision concerning me , that I should bee their Prieste before the Lorde . And he rose in the Mornyng , and tithed all thynges to the lorde by me . Then came we to Hebron to dwell there , and by and by Isaac called me , to expound the lawe of the lorde , accordyng as Gods Aungell had shewed it me , Exod. xxix. Leuit. 〈…〉 . and he taught me the Lawe of Priesthoode , Sacrifices , Burnt offerynges , Firstlynges , Freewill offerynges , and offerynges for health . Euery daie he taught me vnderstandyng , and called vpon me continually before the lord , saiyng : ●n exhortation for Ministers . my sonne , geue no eare to the spirite of fornication , for he will folowe thee and defile the holie thynges by thy seede . A Minister maie bee ma●●ed . Therefore take thee a wife in thy youth , suche a one as hath not any blemishe nor vncleannesse , Leuit .xxi. nor is of the kindred of the Allophites , He muste come with a pure mynde to execute his office . or of the Gentiles . And before thou enter into the holies , wash , did likewise ere thou sacrificest , and also when thou hast doen , Offer vnto the lorde the fruites of the twelue trees that are euer grene , Leu. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. as my father Abraham taught me to do : and the fruite of all cleane beastes , & of cleane foules offer thou in Sacrifice . Likewise offer vp the first borne of all thynges , and the firste fruites of the vine , and sprinckle all thy Sacrifices with salte . Now therefore my sonnes , keepe ye all the thynges that I commaunde you : for ▪ whatsoeuer I haue heard of my fathers , that haue I told vnto you . A comforte for godly parentes . I am cleare from al the wickednesse and synne , whiche you shall commit to the ende of the worlde . Prophes●e of the destruction of Israel . Ye shall woorke wickednesse againste the Sauiour of the worlde , The 〈◊〉 plagued , whose ministerie is wicked . and ye shall seduce Israel , stirring vp muche euill against him from the lorde and dealyng wickedly with hym , so that Hierusalem shall not continue , by reason of your naughtinesse . The Ueile of the Temple shal be rente asunder , to discouer ▪ your foulenesse , and ye shall bee scattered as prisoners among the Heathen , and bee scorned , curssed , and troden vnder foote . Neuerthelesse , the house whiche the lorde shall chuse , shall bee called Hierusalem , as the booke of Enoch the righteous conteineth . 〈◊〉 .xxxvi. Leuy his ●rogenie . Therefore when I was .xxviii. yeres olde , I tooke a wife , whose name was Melcha , and she conceiued and bare me a Sonne , and called his name Gershon , because we were but straungers in our lande :

For Gershon signified banishement . Now I knewe of hym , that he should not bee of the chief degree . The seconde was Caath , who was borne the xxxv . yeare . I sawe a vision Eastwarde , how all the Congregation stoode vp a lofte , and therefore I called his name Caath , whiche signifieth the beginnyng of greatnesse , and learnyng . The third was Merari , who was borne in the fiue and fifteth yeare of my life : And because his mother was hardely deliuered of hym , she called hym Merari , whiche is as muche to say , Exod. vi. as my bitternesse . And in the three score and fourth yeare of my life , was my daughter Iochebed borne in Aegipt : and so was I honorable among my brethren . Also my soonne Gershon tooke a wife , whiche bare him Libny and Schimi . The sonnes of Caath were Amram , Ysh●ar , Hebron , and Vziel : and the Soonnes of Merari were Mahaly and Mushi . In the fower score and fowerteenth yeare of my life , Amram tooke to wife my daughter Iochebed , because that he and she were borne bothe on one day . Leuy made Priest at .18 . yeres . I was eight yere old , when I entered into the land of Chanaan : and eighteene yere olde , when I entered the office of Priesthoode . At eight and twentie yeres I tooke a wife , and at fourtie yeres olde I entered into Egipt . And beholde , Maried at xxviii . ye bee nowe my Childrens children in the thirde generation . Ioseph died in the hundred and tenth yeare . And now my Children , A note for Pa●entes . I warne you , feare the Lorde your GOD with all your harte , and walke plainely in all thynges , accordyng to his Lawe . Moreouer , bryng vp your children in learnyng , that they maye haue vnderstandyng by readyng the lawe of God , without ceasyng all their life long . For whosoeuer knoweth Gods lawe shal be honoured , B● e●●ynges of the learn●● minister . and goe wheresoeuer he wil , he shall be no straunger . Also he shall haue moe freindes then his forefathers hadde , and many shall bee glad to serue hym , and to heare the lawe at his mouthe . My sonnes , deale rightfully vpon yearth , that ye maie finde heauen , and sowe good thinges in your myndes , that ye maye finde them in your life . For if ye sowe euill thynges , ye shall finde and reape all maner of combraunce and trouble . W●sedome a prectous Iewell . Get ye wisedome in the feare of God : For if captiuitie come , and Cities and Countreis bee destroyed : golde and siluer , and al possessions perish , but none can take awaie the wise mannes wisedome , Synne bindeth wi●dom . saue onely the blindnesse of vngodlinesse and synne . For , his wisedome shall become a shield to hym among his enemies , Cōmodit●es of wisedome . and make a straunge countrey to bee as his owne home , and cause hym to finde frendship in the middest of his foes . If he teach and doe suche thynges , he shal sitte with kynges , as did our brother Ioseph . And truely my children , Christe his death , & spitfulnes of the Iewes Prophesled . I knowe by the writynges of Enoch , that in the ende ye shall doe wickedly , laiyng your handes moste spitefully vpon the lorde , & through you your brethren shal be confounded , Math. xx●ii . and made a scornyng stocke to all Nations . Howbeeit our Father Israell is cleare from the wickednesse of the high Priestes , whiche shall saye hande vpon the Sauior of the worlde . The heauen aboue the yearth is cleane , & you be the lightes of the Heathen , as the Sunne and the Moone . What shall al the Heathen Ministers what the● are do , if you be ouerdarckned with wickednesse , and bryng cursednesse vpon your countrey folke , for whose sakes the lighte of the worlde is put into you , to inlighten al men withal ; this light of the worlde shall you wilfully ste● , and teache commaundementes contrary to the righteousnesse of God . He shall purloine yn● Lordes offerynges , and suche awaie peeces of it . The wicked Priesthoode and their miserie desc●ibed . Before ye doe your Sacri●ices to the Lorde , ye shall steale awaie the choiceste thynges , and eate them disdainfullie with Harlottes , ●●amuel . ● . teachyng Commaundementes of coueteousnesse . Ye shall defile Maried women , and enforce Maidens in Hierusalem . Ye shall matche your selues with Whores and Harlottes , ye shal take the Daughters of the Heathen to wife ▪ purifiyng them with vnrighteous purifiyng , and youre minglyng shall bee as Sodome and Gomorrha , and ye shall be swolne with wickednesse in the Priesthoode , in so muche that ye shall disdainefully laughe the h●lie thynges to scorne , not onely vauntyng your selues againste menne , but also beeyng puffed vp with Pride againste the Commaundementes of GOD . A prophesle of their destru●●ion . For this caus● shall the Temple , whiche the Lorde shall haue chosen ▪ be vndoubtedly lefte desolate in vn●leannesse , and you your selues become captiues to all Nations , and bee lothed and abho●red ▪ among them , and receiue endelesse shame and confusion , through God● rightfull iudgement : and all , that see you ; shall shunne you . And were it not for our fathers Abraham , A Prophes●e of Christes persecution . Isaac and Iacob : there should not one of my seede bee left vppon earth . Furdermore , I know by the booke of Enoch , that you shall goe astray by the space of threescore and tenne we●kes , and defile the Priesthoode , Marke the right portrature of the sh●uelyng generation . stayn● the sacrifices , destroie the Law , despise the saiynges of the Prophetes , frowardlie persecute righteous folke , hate the godly , abhorre the saiynges of soothfa●e men , & call hym Hereticke , that goeth about to re●ue the Lawe by the power of the Highest : and in the ende ye shall kill * hym out of 〈◊〉 as you thinke , Christ and his members . not knowyng that he shall rise againe , and so shall ye receaue his in●ocent bloud wilfullye vppon your owne heades . For his sake shall your holy places be left desolate , whiche you shall ha●● defiled , euen by vtter forswearyng ▪ and your dwelling shall not be clea●e ▪ but you shalb●e accursed among the Heathen , and despaire shall vexe you , till he visite you 〈◊〉 , and mercifully receaue you th●●●gh faith & water . And forasmuche as y● haue ●earde of the three score and ten weekes , Ergo faith and the holy Ghost iustifieth , and not merites . ●eare ye also of the Priesthoode . For in e●ery Iubiley shall be Priesthood . In the first Iubiley the firste annointed into●the Priesthoode shall bee greate , and talke to God , as to his father , and his Priesthoode shall be full of the feare of the Lord , and in the daye of hys gladnesse hee shall ryse vp to the saluation of the worlde . In the seconde Iubiley , the annointed shall be conceiued in the heauinesse of the beloued sorte , and his Priesthoode shall bee honourable , and he shall bee glorified among all men . The thirde Priest shall bee taken vp in sorrowe , and the fourth shall bee in griefe , because the multitude of iniquities shall be layd vpon hym , and throughout all Israell euerye man shall hate hys neighboure . The fifth shall bee helde faste in darkenesse , and likewise the sixth and the seauenth . And in the seauenth shall bee suche abhomination before God and man as I cannot expresse , howbeit that the doers thereof shall be knowne . For thys cause shall they bee in captiuitie and corruption , and their Lande and Substaunce shall 〈◊〉 destroyed : but in the fifth weeke they shal returne into their desolate countrey , and renue the Lordes house . In the seauenth weeke , shall come Idolatrous Priestes , coueitous warriours , vnrighteous Scribes , and filthy abusers of men , children , and beastes . After that the Lorde hath sent vengeaunce vppon them in the priesthoode , Christ and his true ministery described . then will God raise vp a new priest , to whom all the Lordes worde shal be opened : and he shall execute true iudgemente vppon earth manye daies , and hys starre shall rise in heauen . As a kyng shall he shead forthe the light of knowledge in the open sunshine of the daye , and hee shal be magnified ouer all the worlde , and bee receaued and shine as the sunne vppon the earth , Christ lighteneth the world . and driue awaye all darkenesse , and there shall be peace vpon all the earth . In his dayes the heauens shall reioyce , the earth shall be glad , the cloudes shal be merie , the knowledge of the Lorde shall bee poured out vpon the earth as the waters of the Seas , and the Angels of glory that are in the Lordes presence , shall reioice in hym . Baptisme of Christ pr●phes●ed . The heauens shal be opened , and out of the temple of glorie shall sanctification come vpon him with the fathers voice , as from Abraham the Father of Isaac , and the glory of the highest shall be spread out vpon hym , and the Spirite of vnderstanding and sanctification shal rest vpon him , whereof hee shall geue aboundantlye and mightely to hys children in truth for euermore , 〈◊〉 Priesthoode shall succeed Christ. and there shall none succeede hym from generation to generation , worlde without end . In his Priesthoode all sinne shall come to ende , Priesthoode of Christ how beneficiall . and the vnrighteous shal cease from their naughtinesse , but the righteous shall reste in hym , and hee shall vpon the gates of Paradise , and staye the threatnyng sworde againste Adam , Christ is our propitiatour . and feede the Lambes with the fruite of life , and the spirite of holines shall be in them . Hee shall bynde vp Beliall , Christ g●neth power to his to to tread downe spirites . and geue his owne children power , to tread down hurtfull spirites , and the Lorde shall reioice in his children and accept them as his beloued for euermore . Then shall Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob bee glad , and then shall I and all Saintes rei●yce . How my children ye haue heard all . Therefore chuse vnto you either light or darkenes , either the law of the Lord , or the workes of Beliall , and wee aunswered our Father , saying : We will walke before the Lorde accordyng to his law . And our father sayde , the Lorde is witnesse , and his Angels are wit●●sses , and I am a witnesse , and you your selues are witnesses of the woordes of my mouth : And when wee had aunswered , wer will her witnesses , Leuy rested with this charge geuen vnto his Children .

And he stretched out his feete , and was put to his Fathers , when hee had liued ● hundreth and seuen and thirty yeares , an● they layd hym in a Coffin , and buried hym afterwarde in Hebron , besides Abraham , Isaac and Iacob .

Finis .

¶ The Testament of Iuda made to his children , at his death concernyng valiauntnesse , couetousnes and fo●nication .

Loe here the blessed Princely state . Of Iuda ▪ suffering not hys mate : The Seepter , Lyon , Pursse and Crowne , Betoken glory and renowne .

THe copy of al the saiynges of Iuda , whiche he spake to his children , at the tyme of his death , when they were come together before hym , he said vnto them .

I was my fathers fourth sonne and my mother called mee Iuda saiyng : Iuda his exhort●●●● . I thanke thee Lorde for that hee hath geuen mee a fourth so●nne . G●nes ●9 . The 〈◊〉 of children . I was swifte of foote and painfull in my youth , and obeied my Father in all thinges , and blessed my mother and my mothers sisters . And when I came to mans estate my Father Iacob prayed ouer mee saying : thou shalt be a Kyng and prosperous in all thinges . 〈◊〉 of Iuda by the gift of God . Beholde , God gaue mee grace in all my workes both abroad and at home . Upon a tyme I sawe a ●inde and ran after her and caught her , Genes. 〈◊〉 . and made meate of her for my Father . Also I ●utran the Roes , and ouertooke all thinges that were in the fields , in so much that I caught a wilde Mare and tamed her , I plucked a Kid out of the mouth of a Beare , The m●nhood Iuda . and takyng hym by the paw ouerthrewe hym , and rente asunder all wilde beastes that turned vpon me , as if I had been a dogge . I encountred with a wil be Boare , and ouerrunning hym tare hym in peeces . In Hebron a Bastardlyon leapte vpon a dogge , and I catchyng him by the taile flung hym awaie by and by , and hee 〈◊〉 asunder . In the borders of Gare a wild Bull was feedyng in the fieldes , and I tooke hym by the hornes , and swinged hym about , and finally killed hym . There came twoo Kinges of the Chananites armed vppon our flocke , and muche people with them , and I alone runnyng to the flocke , stept to king Sur , and strikyng vp his legs ouerthrew hym , and so flew hym . Also I killed an other kyng named Thaphes , sittyng on his horse , and so scattered all their people . I ouertooke king Achor , a Giant on horsebacke , shootyng forward and backewarde : and throwyng a stone of threescore pound weight vpon his horse I ouerthrew him and killed hym , and fightyng twoo houres with Achor , at length I cla●e his shield , and maimed his feete , and finally ●lew him . As I was pullyng of his br●stp●●●● , beholde eight of his frendes a●●ailed ●●ee , whereupon I filled my handes with stones , & flinging them at them with a fling , flew fower of them , and put the other fower to flight . Also our Father Iacob slew the Giant Beelisa king of all the Kynges , The valiantnesse of Iacob . who was mightie and houge of the stature of twelue cubites . By reason whereof , feare fell vppon them , and they lefte their fightyng against vs . For thys cause my father was carefull of mee when I was in any battell with my Brethren . He sawe in a vision concernyng mee , that the Angell of strength followed me euery where , to the intent I should not be ouercome . The second handsell was a greater battell to vs than that whiche wee had at Sichem , in so much that in fightyng valiantly with by Brethren , I chased a thousand men , and flewe of them two hundreth persons , and fower of their Kynges , and followyng after them scaled the Wall of their Citie , and there slew two kings m● , and so we deliuered Hebron , and led them all away as prisoners . The next daye wee went to a strong walled and vnapprocheable Citie called Areca , whiche threatned to kill vs . Therefore I and Gad went to the eastside of the Citie , and Ruben and Leuy to the West and Southside . They that stoode vppon the walles , supposyng there had been no mo but Gad and I , did set si●rcely vppon vs , while in the mean● tyme my Brothers that lay in stale , brake but vpon the other two sides , and scalyng the wall with Ladders , entred the Citie ●re our enemies wist it , and so we wonne it by the sword , and set fire vpon the tower , and burnt it vp with such as were fled vnto it . As we returned , the men of Thaffie lay in wait for our pray , and tooke it with our children . But wee followed them to Taffie and slew them , and burned the Citie , spoyling all that was in it . And while I was at the Waters of Gureba , wee fell vpon the men of Iobell that came against vs in battell , and slewe and spoyled bothe them and also their complyees that came to their ayde from Selon , so as wee gaue them no respit to returne again vpon vs . The fifth day after there came men from Machir to fetch away our prisoners , whom wee met in battell , notwithstandyng that they were a might it hoste , and slewe them before they could get vp to the place that they came from . And when wee came to their Citie , their women tumbled downe stones vpon vs from the toppe of the Hill whereon their Citie stoode : But I and Sim●on coastyng to the backeside of the towne , got to the higher places , and destroyed the whole Citie . The next daye it was told vs that the Cities of two kings came againste vs with a houge Hoste . I therfore and Dan , feigning our selues to be Amortheans and fellowes with them , went into their Citie , and takyng the enterances in the dead time of the night , did set the Gates wide open to our Brethren that came after vs , by meanes wherof we destroyed them and all that they had , and when we had sacked the City one did caste downe the three Walles thereof . Then went we to Thamua , whiche was the refuge of all the Kinges for their Warres . Where being angry for a hurt that I tooke , I charged vppon those that stoode aboue me : but they threwe downe stones out of ●linges vpon me , and shot arrowes at me , & had killed me , but that my brother Dan reskued me . Therefore we came runnyng vpon them in a rage , and put them all to flight , and they passyng by an other waye , went and sued humbly to my Father , who made a couenaunt with them , so as wee did them not any more harme , but receaued them into league with vs , and redeliuered them al their prisoners . Then builded I Chamma , and my Father builded Rambahel . Twentie yeares olde was I when thys Warre was made , and the Chanani●es were afraide of mee and my brethren . I had muche cattel , and my chief Herdman was Yran of Odellam , in whose company I saw Barsa King of Odellam , who made vs a feaste , and with muche intreatance gaue me his daughter Bethsue to wife , whiche brought mee forthe Er , Anan , and Sylon , of which three GOD slewe two childlesse . For Sylon lyued of whom some of you be the children . My father and wee made eightene yeares peace with his brother Esau and hys Children . When the eighteene yeares were past , after our comming out of Mesopotamia , in the forteth yeare of my life , Esau our Fathers brother came vpon vs with a great and strong host , and was slaine by the bow of Iacob , and conueied awaye dead vnto mount Seir. We also followed vpon the children of Esau , but his city was strong with high walles and gates of Yr●n and Brasse , so as wee coulde not enter into it , howbeit wee did shut them vp within it , and besieged it . Nowe when they shewed not themselues abroad in twentie dayes together , I put my helmet vpon my head and in sight of them all set vp a ladder , and scaling the wall slew fower of their noble men with a Stone of the weight of three talentes . The next day Ruben and Gad went in and slewe three score other . Then they offered peace , and we by our fathers aduice receaued them to tribute . And they gaue vs two hundred quarters of Corne , fiue hundred Bates of Oyle , and a thousande and fiue hundred measures of wine , vntill we wente downe into Egipt . After this my Sonne Her maried Thamar of Mesopotamia the Daughter of Aram. Her and Anan slaine , for not vsing the benefite of lawfull mariage . Nowe Her was a wicked I my and doubted of Thamar , because she was not of the land of Chanaan . Therefore the Angell of the Lorde slewe hym the third night after his mariage , when he had not yet companied with her by reason of his mothers subtiltie , and so dyed in his naughtinesse , for she was loth that hee shoulde haue had any children by he● .

When Anan was mariageable ; I gaue Thamar vnto him , and hee also of a spite companyed not with her , notwithstandyng that hee liued a full yeare with her . And when I threatned hym , then hee companied with her , but yet by hys mothers commaundement he let his feed fall vpon the ground , and so he also died in his wickednes . I minded to haue geuen her vnto Silon also , but my wyfe Bethsue would not suffer mee . For she spited Thamar because she was not of the daughters of Canaan , as her self was , now I knewe that the ofspring of Chanaan , was mischieuous , but yet did youthfull fancie blynde my hart , and as I beheld her pouring out wine I was deceiued by dronkennes and fell in loue with her . Fornication 〈◊〉 of ●runkennes . Upon a tyme whyle I was away , she maried Silon to a Woman of Chanaan , which her deede when I vnderstoode I cursed her in the bitternes of my soule ▪ and so she dyed in the wickednes of her sonnes . A two yeares after these things as I went to there my sheep , Genes 〈◊〉 . Thamar decky●g her selfe like a Bride , sate her downe at a gate of the Citie . In intollerable custome of the Ammorues . For it was the custome of the Amorites that their Brides doe set them selues forth at the gates of their Cities , by the space of seuen dayes together , Apparell , beutie ●nd wi●e prou●keth whoredom . to be abused in fornication . I therefore being dronken with the waters of Hor●● , knew her not by reason of wine , in so muche that her beautye together with the attire in decking of her selfe deceiued me , and thereupon turnyng aside vnto her , I sayd , shall I come in vnto thee ? Fornication to chargeable . and she aunswered , what wilt thou geue mee ? and I gaue her my Staffe , and my Girdle , and the Croune of my Kyngdome . Upon my companiyng with her , she conceiued afterward , I not knowyng my selfe to haue bene the doer thereof , would haue put her to death for it . But she hauing kept my pledges in store , shamed me with them , and when I had heard myne owne wordes of her in secret which I had spoken to her when I laye with her in my dronkennesse , I could not put her to death because it was of the Lordes doyng , Happy are they that can cease from doyng ill . but I touched her not any more to my diyng day . For , when I had done thys abhomination ▪ Israell , leste she might worke wiles with mee , I sayde I would fetche my pledges againe of her . But when I inquired for her , the townsmen sayd there was no Bride in their Citie , because she came from another place , and had sit there but a little while , and she deemed , that no man knewe of my goyng in vnto her . Afterwarde we came into Egypt to Ioseph , because of the dearth . Sir and fortie yeares old was I when we came hether and thre score and thirteene yeares haue I liued here . And now my sonnes heare mee your Father , in all thinges , that I charge you withall , and keepe ye all my saiynges , in doyng all maner of righteousnes before the Lord , and in obeiyng the commaundements of the Lord God , and walke not after your owne lustes , nor after the conceites of your owne mindes , in the pride of your hartes , It is sinfull for any man to glory in his 〈◊〉 . nether glory you in the workes of the strength of your youth , because it is sinfull in the sight of the Lord. For , in asmuche as I gloried in my battels , and vpbrayded my brother Ruben with Billa●my Fathers wife , See what it is to vpbraid men their 〈◊〉 because no face of any beutifull woman , had yet deceiued mee , therefore the spirite of fondnes and fornication fell vpon mee , so as I was ouertaken both in Bethsue the Chananite , and in Thamar the wife of mine own sonnes . And I saide to my father in lawe , I haue made my father priuie to the matter , and therefore I will take thy daughter to my wife . Hereupon he shewed mee an infinite masse of Gold in his daughters behalfe , ( for he was a king ) and decking her with Golde and Pearle , willed her to pour out wine to vs at the Supper . The beautie of the woman and the Wine together , dazeled mine eyes , and voluptuousnes did so darken myne vnderstandyng , that I fell in loue with her and brake the commaundement of GOD and of my Fathers , and tooke her to wife . Children that marry without consent of parentes plagued . According to the intent of my hart , the Lord payd me home for it : for I had no ioy of the children , that I had by her . Now therefore my children , be not dronken with Wine ; Discommodities of wine . for Wine turneth a mans vnderstandyng away from the truth , and kindleth in hym the fire of luste , leadyng his eyes into error , 1 1 Blindeth vnderstanding . in so muche that wine is a seruaunt to the spirite of lechery , to further the sedyng of the mind with voluptuousnes , 2 2 Seruaunt of ●echery . and so those twain bereue a man of all power . For ▪ if a man drinke wine till hee bee dronken , he traineth hys mind into the filthy thoughtes of lecheric and kindleth the body to carnall copulation . Fruite of dronkennes . And if desired occasion serue , sinne is wrought without shame . A dronken man is shameles . Suche a thyng is wine my sonnes ; for a dronken man is ashamed of nothyng . Beholde , it made both me and Thamar to do amisse , Example . so as I blushed not at the multitude in the City but went aside vnto her in the fight of al men , and committed a greate sinne in discoueryng the vncleane priuities of my owne sonnes . Through drinking of wine I was not ashamed to breake Gods commaundement in takyng a woman of Chananie to Wife . Who ought to drinke Wine . Wherefore my sonnes , hee that drinketh wine , had neede of discretion , and the discrecion , that euery man ought to vse in drinking of wine , is , that he be ashamed to ouer drinke hym selfe . For , if hee passe that bon● , he forgoeth his vnderstandyng , and cleaueth to the spirite of error , Properties of a dronken man is filthy talke , and● wicked deed , Discommodities of whordom . which causeth the dronken man , to talke filthely and to doe wickedly , and not to bee ashamed , but to host of his lewdnes , thinkyng it to be good . He that committeth whoredome ▪ is berest of his libertie , and becommeth a ●ondslaue , of 〈◊〉 , and cannot get out of it againe , after the same maner that I was made naked . For I gaue ouer my Staffe , that is to saie , the staye of my tribe : and my girdle , that is , my power : & my crowne , that is , the glory of my kyngdome . Howbeit repentyng these thinges , I forbare all wine and flesh vnto mine old age , I was vtterly vnacquainted with all ●●rth , And the Angell of GOD shewed me that women should from tyme to tyme ouermaster all menne , as well Kynges as Kaitifes , and bereaue greate men of their glory . For , the pouertie of a poore man is a greater fence to hym , than is the strength of a mightie man . Fower noysome spirits folow dronkennes . Therfore my children , keepe measure in drinkyng , for there are in it fower noysom spirits , 1 1 Concupiscence . that is to wit : of concupiscence , 2 2 Hartburnyng . of hart●●rnyng , of lechery , and of filthy ga●● ▪ If ye drinke wine merily in the fear of 〈◊〉 Lord with ●●●●●fastnes , 3 3 Lechery . ye shal liue . 4 4 Couetousnes . But if ye drinke without regard of shame , Abstinence from wine what commoditie it hath . and feare of GOD , then turneth it to drankennesse , and dishonestie stealeth●in . And if ye drinke none at all , then shall ye no● sinne , neith●● in slaunderous wordes ▪ 1 1 It slaundereth not . nor in quarelyng , nor in railyng , 2 2 It quarelleth not nor rayleth . nor in breache of Gods Commaundementes , neither shall ye perisho before your tynie . For Wine disc●●seth the secretes of GOD and man vnto stra●igers , 3 3 It breaketh not the Commau●d●ments . like as I bewrayed the secrets of God and of my Father Iacob to Bethsue the Chananite , 4 4 It perisheth not before the tyme . whiche God hath forbidden to be disclosed . Also wine is a cause of warre and sedition . Moreouer , I charge you my sonnes , that you loue not Money , ●e looke vppon the beutie of women : for money and womanly beauty made mee to ouershoote my selfe in Bethsue the Chananite . And I am sure , that these twoo thinges shall corrupt mine ofspryng , and marre the wise men of my linage , and hurt the kyngdome of Iuda , whiche God hath geuen mee for obeyng my Father ; Obedience to parentes how profitable . for I neuer repined at my Father Iacobs commaundement , but did whatsoeuer hee bad mee . And Abraham the Father of my Fathers blessed me to fight for Israel , and so did Isaac blesse mee likewise : and I know that the kingdome shall stand by me . But I haue read in the bookes of Enoche the righteous , that ye shall woorke wickedly in the latter daies . The discommodities of couetousnes therfore my children keepe your selues from lechery and couetousnes , and geue eare to your father Iuda , for those thinges withdraw men from Gods law , and blynde the vnderstandyng of their mindes , and teache them . 1 1 Full of pride . pryde , neither suffer they any man to shewe mercy 2 2 Merciles . to his neighbour . They bereue hys 3 3 Disquieteth the soule Soule of all good thinges , and hold it downe in paines and sorowes . Also they disapoint hym of hys sleepe , 4 4 Consumeth the body . and eonsume his fleshe . Finally . 5 5 Contemne Gods holy word . they hinder Gods Sacrifices , neglect his blessinges , disobey the speakyng of hys Prophetes ,

and are offended at the woorde of godlynesse : for these two passions are contrary to the commaundementes of GOD . The couetous and lecherous can not feare God . Hee that serueth them cannot obey GOD , because they dazell mens mindes , and walke abroad as well a nightes as of daies . My children , couetousnes leadeth men to idolatry . For , Idolatrie the fruite of couetousnes . through dotyng vppon money , it calleth them Gods , which are not , and compelleth the infected partye to growe most vilely out of kinde . For moneyes sake I loste my children , and had not the penaunce of my fleshe , and the humblyng of my soule , and the prayers of my father Iacob beene : I had dyed as now without children . But the God of my Fathers beyng mercifull and full of compassion , knew that I sinned through ignoraunce . For the Prince of errour had blynded me , and I ouershot my selfe as a fleshely man , and beyng corrupted with synne , knewe not mine owne infirmitie , but thought my selfe to be inuincible . Two spirites waite vpon a man . Know ye therefore my sonnes , that two spirites do waite vpon a man : that is to wit , the Spirite of trueth and the Spirite of errour , and in the middes betwene them is set the Spirite of vnderstandyng of the mynd , whose propertie is to incline whiche waye it listeth . The thynges that belong both to truth and vntruth are written in the brest of man , and God knoweth euerye whit of it , and none of al mens workes can be hidden at any tyme from hym , because all the priuities of mens hartes are written before the Lord , and the spirite of truth beareth witnesse of all thinges and accuseth all , and he that sinneth hath a burnyng in his hart , and can not lift vp his face to his iudge . And now my children , loue ye Leuy , that ye may abyde , and exalte not your selues aboue hym , leaste ye perishe . The Lorde hath geuen vnto me the kingdome , and vnto hym the Priesthoode , and hath put the kingdome * * In respect that heauenly things are better then ●arthly , not in externall rule and gouernment . vnder the Priesthood . Unto Leuy is geuen the Priesthoode , and vnto Iuda the kingdome , 〈…〉 , the Pope can chalenge no earthly power . and GOD hath put the kingdome vnder the Priesthoode . Unto mee he hath geuen the thinges that are vpon the earth , and vnto * * Not in power & rule , but in the excellencie of the office appertainyng to God . him the thinges that are in heauen . As farre as the Heauen surmounteth the Earth , so farre doth the * * Not in power & rule , but in the excellencie of the office appertainyng to God . Priesthoode surmount the kingdome that is vpon the earth . For , the Lord hath chosen hym aboue thee , to approach vnto him , and to eate of his Table ,

and to take the firstlinges of the children of Israell , and thou shalt bee as a Sea to hym . For , like as in the Sea both righteous and vnrighteous are in daunger , and the one sorte are caught Prisoner's , and the other sorte are inriched : euen so shall all kinde of men be hazarded in thee , some sinkyng in misery , Ty●ante● and wicked men described and prophesied . and other some flotyng in prosperitie . For , in thee shall raygne great Whales , whiche shall swallowe vp men as fishes , and bryng free mens Sonnes and Daughters into bondage . They shall take awaye mens Houses , Landes , cattell , and Money by force , and wrongfully feede Rauens and other greedy fowles with many folkes fleshe , and they shall prosper in naughtinesse , and bee exalted through couetousnesse , and there shall be false Prophetes like stormes , which shall persecute all righteous men . But the Lord shall set them together by the eares among themselues , Mutual discorde is a plague for Tyrauntes . and there shall bee continuall warres in Israell , and my kingdome shall 〈…〉 vp in Straungers , tyll the Sauiour of Israell come , Christ prophested . euen till the commyng of the God of righteousnesse , that Iacob and all Nations may rest in peace , and hee shall maintaine my kyngdome in peace for euer . For , the Lord hath sworne to me that the kingdome of me and of my seede shall neuer faile world without end . But I am very sory , my Children , for the filthines and trechery , and idolatry , which ye shall worke against the kingdome , Note thys ye that seeke after witches for lost goodes . by followyng Witches and Coniurers , by vowyng your daughters to deceitfull deuils , The miserie of Ierusalem . by makyng them inchaunters , charmers and strumpets , and by interme●lyng your selues with the abominations of the heathen , for the whiche thinges the Lord shall bring vpon you . 1 1 Famine . famine . 2 2 Pestilence . and pestilence , death and 3 3 Death and Sword. sworde , wrathfull . 4 4 Bescegement . besiegement and. 5 5 Deuouryng Dogges . deuouryng dogs , reproch of . 6 6 Dayly reproche . freinds and foes , losse and. 7 7 Losse and paine of eyes . pain of eyes , slaughter . 8 8 Slaughter of children . of your children , rauishing 9 9 Rauishing of wiues . of your Wiues , spoyle of your goods , the burning . 10 10 Burning of the temple . of your temple , the desolation . 11 11 Desolation of the countrey . of your countrey , and the. 12 12 Captiuitie . captiuitie of your selues among all nations , whiche shall gelde some of you to make Eunukes for their Wiues . A remedy for all these But if ye retourne to the Lorde with hartie . 1 1 Repentaunce . repentaunce and humanitie , and walke in all the 2 2 Obedience . Commaundementes of God : He will visite you with mercie , and louyngly deliuer you from the bondage of your enemies . After this shall rise among you a Starre out of Iacob , and a manne shall spring out of my seede , whiche shall walke as the daysunne of righteousnesse , among the children of menne , in peace and mekenesse , and righteousnesse , and no sinne shal bee founde in hym . The heauens shall open vpon hym , to poure out the spirite of blessednesse vppon hym from the Father , and he shall sheade out the spirite of grace vpon you , and you shall bee his children in truthe , walkyng in his first and last Commaundementes . This is the ofspryng of the moste high God , and the welspryng of life to all fleshe . Then shall the Scepter of my Kyngdome shine brighte , and out of your roote shall spryng the vessell of plantyng , in whom shall growe vp the rod of righteousnesse to the Gentiles , The moste heauenly benefite of Christ his seconde commyng . to iudge and saue all suche as call vpon hym . After this shall Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob rise vp againe to life , and I and the Princes my brethren , shall be your S●●pter in Israell . Leuy firste , I next , Ioseph the third , Beniamin the fourth , Symeon the fifth , Isachar the sixth , and so all the reste . And the Lorde hath blessed vs : Leuy shall bee the Messenger of my presence , Symeon the Power of my glorie , Ruben Heauen , Isachar the Hearth , Zabulon the Sea , Ioseph the Mountaines , Beniamin the Tabernacle , Dan the lightes , Heptalim the 〈◊〉 , God the Daysunne , and After an Oliue tree . And there shall be one people of the lorde , and one tongue , and there shall bee no more the false Spiritie of Be●●●● ▪ because he shall bee cast into endlesse fire . A sweete conforte for the godly 〈…〉 . They that are buried in sorrowe , shal 〈…〉 : and they that were poore for the Lordes sake , shall be made riche . Thei that suffered penurie , shall haue plentie , and they that were weake , shall bee made strong . The blessed estate of the 〈◊〉 after death . They that died for the lordes sake , shall wake vp vnto life , and runne in Iacob , yea they shall runne skipping , and leapyng , and they shal flie as Eagles for iov . But the vngodlie shall be sorrowfull , and the synners shall mourne , and all the people shall glorifie the Lorde for euer . Therefore my children , keepe all the lawe of the Lorde , for there is hope for all suche as walke aright . A hundreth and nineteene yeares olde doe I dye in your fight . Lette none of you burie me costly clothes , Iuda would no sumptuous buria●● . nor rippe my beallie , for so will Rulers doe : But cary me backe into Hebron with you . With these woordes Iuda died : and his children doyng in all thynges as he commaunded them , buried hym with his fathers in Hebron .

Finis .

¶ The Testament of Isachar , made to his Children at his death conce●nyng a single harte .

L●●r●e here a simple life , Not voide of paine but strife : The Sythe , the Spade the Asse , S●● forthe what man he was .

THe copie of Isachars woordes . The exhortation . He callyng his children about hym , saied vnto them : Ye children of Isachar heare your Father , and harken to the woordes of the beloued of the Lorde . I am Iacobs fifth sonne , in the reward of Mandrake . Gene .xxx. For Iacob broughte Mandrakes out of the fielde , and Rachell meetyng hym , tooke them of hym . Thereat Ruben wept , and at his noise my mother Lea came out . Now the Mandrakes were sweete sented apples , whiche the lande of Aran bryngeth forthe in high countreis , by the waterualleis . And Rachell saied , I will not geue thee these Apples , because they shal helpe me to children . Now there were twoo of these Apples . And Lea said , doth it not suffice thee , that thou hast gotten awaie the housbande of virginitie , but that thou wilte haue this also : She aunswered , let Iacob lye with thee to night , for thy sonnes Mandragoras . Lea saied vnto her , do not boste nor brag , for Iacob is myne , and I am the wife of his youth . And Rachell aunswered , howe so , was he not first handfasted vnto me , and serued he not our Father , fowerteene yeres for me ? What shall I doe to thee ? For many are the wiles and policies of menne , and gile goes forward vpon yearth . If it had been otherwise , thou shouldest not haue sen Iacob in the face at this daie . For thou arte not his wife , but werte guilfully putte to hym in my steade . My father deceiued me , and conueiyng me awaie that nighte , suffered me not to see hym . For had I been there , this had not come to passe . Wherefore take thee one Mandrake , and in lewe of the other , I graunte thee hym for one nighte . And Iacob knewe Lea , who conceiuyng bare me , and called my name Isachar , because of the hire . Then an Angell of the lorde appeared vnto Iacob , and said that Rachel should beare but two sonnes , because she had forsaken the companie of her housebande , and chosen continencie : And if my mother Lea had not geuen thee twoo Apples for his companie , she should haue borne eighte children , whereas by reason of that , she bare but sixe , and Rachell twoo , because GOD visited her in the Mandrakes . For he knewe that she desired to company with Iacob for issues sake , and not for luste of pleasure . For she ●●ned vp the Mandrake , and deliuered it to Iacob the next daie , and therefore God heard Rachell in the Mandrakes , because that although she had a mynde to them , yet she eate them not , but offered them to the Prieste of the moste highest , whiche was in those daies , and laied them vp in the Lordes house . The godlie life of Isachar and his 〈◊〉 dea●yng . Therefore my children when I came to mannes state , I walked with an vprighe harte , and became Bayliff● of Housebandrie to my Fathers , An example for godlie children . and broughte them the fruites of their Landes in their due seasons , and my Father blessed me , when he sawe , how● I walked plainly and ●mplie . A ●ntterne of a vertuous life . I was no busie bodie in my dooynges , I was not hurtfull nor spitefull to my neighbour , I rai●ed not vpon any manne , neither dispraised I the life of any , that walked in singlenesse of mynde . By reason hereof , when I was thirtie yeres olde ▪ I tooke a wife , be●ause labour had consumed my strength . I neuer knewe the pleasure of a woman through wantonnesse , but my laboure made me to sleepe soundlie , and my Father did alwaies reioice of my simplicity . For whatsoeuer paines I tooke , first of al I offered al the first fruites , and the first ingendered cattle to the Lorde by the Priest , and then gaue my Father the reste , and the Lorde doubled his benefites in my handes . Yea , and Iacob hym self perceiued well , that GOD wrought with my plain dealyng . For vnto euery poore man , and to euery man in aduersitie , gaue I of the frutes of the yearth with a single harte . And nowe my children harken , and walke in singlenesse of mynde , for I knowe , that the lorde is verie well pleased with it . with a plaine dealyng man the Lorde is pleased . The single-harted manne coueteth not golde , vndermineth not his neighbour , lusteth not after diuersitie of meates , destreth not shifte of apparell , nor behighteth hym self long tyme , but onely hath an eye to Gods will , and the spirites of error can doe nothyng against hym . I ●●ngle harted man de●●●●bed , who and what he is . For he can no skill to entertaine a faire woman , least he should destie his owne mynde : wrathe ouermaistereth not his witte , enuie melteth not his soule neither doeth his mynde run coueteously vpon gain . For he leadeth an vpright life , and beholdeth all thynges with a single eye , excludyng all hurtfulnesse of worldly errour , leaste he should ouersee any of the Commaundementes of God , Therefore my children keepe Gods Lawe , and holde faste plainnesse , walke on in ●●nocencie , and bee not to inquisitiue in Gods secretes , Learne you children of the yearth . or of your neighbours doynges : but loue God and your neighboure , pitie the poore and weake , bowe doune your backs to Housbandrie , and labour in tillyng of the yearth , in all maner of Housbandrie , offering presentes to the lorde with thankesgeuyng , who blesseth the yearth with encrease , and newe spryng of fruites , as he blessed all holy men , from Abell to this daie : for there is none other portion geuen thee , then of the fatnesse of the yearth ▪ whose fruites come by painestakyng ; for our Father Iacob blessed me with the benefites of the yearth , and the firstelynges of fruites . Leuy and Iuda are glorified of the lorde among the children of Iacob . For , God hath planted hym self in them , geuyng to the one the Priesthoode , and to the other the kyngdome . Obedience and plaine dea●ing commended . Therefore obey ye them , and walke plainly as our Father Iacob did . For , vnto G●d it is geuen to destroye the temptations of Israell . My Children , I knowe , that in the laste daies , your children shall forsake plainnesse , and cleaue to coueteousnesse , let goe innocencie , and followe lewdnesse : Leaue Gods commaundementes , and sticke vnto Beliall , geue ouer Housbandrie , A plague for disobedience . and gadde after wicked deuices , and therefore shall they be scattered among the Heathen , and become bondeslaues to their enemies .

Wherefore warne your children of it , that if they synne , they maie retourne quickly to the Lorde ; for he is mercifull , and will deliuer them , and bryng them home againe into their owne lande . I am now an hundreth and twoo and twentie yeares olde , and I knowe not any deadly synne vppon me . The innocencie of Isachar . I haue not knowen any woman but my wife , neither haue I committed whordome in the luste of m●neeyes . I haue not dr●nke Wine vnto droukeunelie , neither haue I coueted any pleasant thyng of my neighbours . dly pat●●o fol● There hath been no guile in my hart , n●ither hath there any liyng gon out of my lippes . I haue been fori● with euery man that was in heau●nesse , and giuen my bread to the poore . I haue not ●aten my ineate alone , nor remoued the boundes and buttels of landes . Harlien you Land●o● des , learne you wealthie of the yearth . I haue been pitifull all the daies of my life , and dea●te truely in all cases . I haue loued the lorde with all my strength , and all men as myne owne children . My sonnes , if you also doe ● the like , all the spirites of Belial will flie from you , and nothyng , that mischieuous menne can doe against you , shall haue power ouer you . You shall bryng all wilde beastes in subiection to you , because y● haue the Lorde of heauen with you , if y● walke with menne in singlenesse of harte . And he willed them , to carie his bodie into Hebron , and to burie hym there in the Caue , with his Fathers . Thus he stretched out his feete , and died in a good age , hauyng all his limmes strong and founde , and s●epte the sleep of all the worlde .

¶ The Testament of Zabulon , made to his Children at his death , concerning compassion and mercie .

The poore man at home , Zabulon fed , The straungers vnknowen also clothed : When Ship did saile , God did not faile : But gaue his wit , To gouerne it .

THe charge that Zabulon gaue to his children , His exhoriation when it was geuen . in the hundreth and fourteenth yere of his life , twoo and thirtie yeares after the decease of Ioseph . And he saied vnto them , heare ye me ye Sonnes of Zabulon , a good gifte to my Father and Mother . For when I was begotten , Gene .xxx. my Father was greatly encreased in Shepe and cattell , by reason of the good lucke that he had , through the straked roddes . I wiste not my Children , I wiste not that I synned in those daies . For I considered not that I dealt wickedly through ignorance in Iosephes case , and moreouer concealed it with my Brothers from our Father , howbeeit , that I wepte muche for it in secret , for I was afraied of my Brothers , because they had all conspired together , to kill hym with the Sworde , that should be●●aie that secrete , Neuerthelesse , when they would haue killed hym : The loue of Zabulon toward Ioseph . I besought them moste earnestly with teares , that they would not dooe suche wickednesse . For Symeon and God , came vpon Ioseph to haue killed hym , and Ioseph fallyng vpon his knees , saied vnto them : haue pitie vppon me my Brethren , haue pitie vppon the bowelles of our Father Iacob . Laye not your handes vppon me to shead innocente bloude , for I haue not synned againste you . A good conscience refuseth no trial . If I haue doen amisse , nurture me with chastisemente , but laye not your handes vpon me for our Father Iacobs sake . Upon his saiyng of these wordes , I beyng moued with compassion Loue betweene brethren is as a precious oyntment . came and wepte , and my harte melted within me , and all the substaunce of my bowels were loosened vppon my soule . Also Ioseph wepte , and I with hym , and my harte trembled , and the ioyntes of my bodye quaked , and I was not able to stande . And when he sawe me weepyng with hym , and them commyng towardes hym , to kille hym , he fledde behinde me , and besoughte them to pitie hym . Mutuall ●oue is mutuall safetie . Then Ruben stepping in , saied : My brethren , lette vs not kille hym , ●nt lette vs caste hym into the drye pitte , that our fathers digged , and founde no water in it . For GOD suffred no water to spryng vp in it , because it should bee a sauegarde for Ioseph . And so God did , til they sold him to the I smaelites . Thus gaue I no consente to the synne againste Ioseph , but Symeon , G●d , and the other of my Brothers takyng money for Ioseph , A ●●gure of the trecheri● and cou●teous●esse of Iuda , read Math. xxvii. bought Shoes with it , for them selues , their Wiues , and their Children ▪ saiyng : Lette vs not eate it , because it is the price of our Brothers bloud , but lette vs treade it vnder our feete , because he saied he should raigne ouer v● and wee shall see what his d●eames will come vnto . Therefore in the S●●pter of Cnoches Lawe , it is written of hym that would not raise vp ●eede to his brother , I haue loosed Iosephes Sho●e . For when wee came into Egipte , the younge menne vnbuckeled Iosephes Shooes at the gate , and so wee worshipped Ioseph as it had been Pharao , and not onely worshipped h●m , but also kneeled downe before hym with blushyng , and so were putte to shame before the Egiptians , f●r afterwarde the Egiptians heard of all the ill that wee had doen vnto Ioseph . After the laiyng of him in the pit , my Brothers sette meate vppon the Table to eate . Iuda carefull so : his brother . But I mournyng for Ioseph did 〈◊〉 no meate by the space of two daies and two nightes together , neither would Iu●● ente with them , but had an eye to the Pitte , because he feared leaste Sym●on and Gad should step there and kille hym : When they sawe that I eate nothyng , they set me to keepe hym till he was sold. He was in the pitte three daies and three nightes without repast ere he was solde . Ruben his loue toward Ioseph . Ruben hearyng that he was solde in his absence , rente his garmentes , and wepte , saiyng : how shall I looke my Father Iacob in the face ? And therewith all takyng money , he ran after the Marchauntmen , but he could not finde them : For they had left the kynges high waie , and were gone awai eapace by bye Lanes , and Ruben eate no meate that daie . Marke the wicked policie of the vngodlie . Dan therefore commyng vnto hym , saied : weepe not , neither bee sad for the boye , for I wote what wee maie saie to our Father Iacob . Wee will kill a Kid , and staine Iosephes coate with the bloud of it , and saie to hym : See if this be thy sonnes coate or no. For when they entended to sell Ioseph , they stripped hym out of our fathers coate , and put vppon hym an old coate of a bondseruaunte . Simeon had gotten his coate , and would not deliuer it vs , but was mynded to haue cutte it in peeces with his sworde , and he was angry that he was yet aliue , and that be had not slain hym . Then all my brethren risyng vp together , saied vnto hym : why shouldest thou not geue it vs , seeyng that thou onely art the worker of this mischief in Israell ? Hereupon he gaue it them , and they did as Dan had counselled . And now my children , I warne you kepe the Lords Commaundementes , Zabulon his exhortation . be mercifull to your neighbours , Compassion is to be shewed as well to beastes as to men . and haue inward compassion towardes all , not onely men but also beastes . For in that respect the Lorde blessed me , insomuche that when all my brothers were sicke , I scaped without sicknes . For God knoweth euery mans intent . Therefore my children haue compassion in your bowels , because that as any man dealeth with his neighbor , The vnmercifull punished , both they & their children . so will God deale with hym . For the children of my brothers fell sicke also and dyed for Iosephes sake , beecause their fathers pitied hym not , but my children were preserued without sicknes as you know . And while I was vpon the Sea coast of Chanaan , I fell to fishing for my Father Iacob , and whereas many others were drowned in the Sea , I abode vnhurt , Fishers boates firste inuented by Zabulon , but God gaue the wisedom . I was the firste that made a fisher boate to float on the sea , for God gaue me vnderstandyng and wisedome therein , so that I did set vp a Mast in the boate , and fastned a sayle to the middes of the wood , Genes. 49. and castyng along the shore in it , I fished for my fathers houshold till we came into Egypt : and for pities sake I gaue of my fishyng to euery stranger that I met with . If there were any forrner borne , The singu●ar compassion of Zabulon . or any sicke bodie , or anie aged person , I boyled my fish and dressed it well accordyng to euery mans neede , and caried it to them , comfortyng them and hauing compassion with them . And therfore God made me to catch muche fishe in the Sea. Note . For he that geueth his neighbour , receiueth the thinges multiplied of the Lorde . Zabulon his ●ercie in geuyng foode . Fiue yeares did I fish , geuing to euery man that I saw and seruing all my fathers house sufficiently . In haruest time I fished , and in winterty●●e I fed sheep with my brothers . Now will I tell you what I did , A mercifull deed to cloth the ●●●ked . I saw a miserable man in the depe of winter , and hauyng compassion vppon hym , I stale a garment priuily out of my House , and gaue it the naked man . You therefore my Children , take pity indifferently of all men , and shew mercy with the thinges whiche the Lorde geueth you , and deale them abroad to all men with a good hart . Aud if ye haue not wherewith to succour the needie out of hand : yet haue compassion on him with inward mercy . Inward compassion wantyng , habilltie serueth . I know that my hand for●lowed not to geue to hym that wanted , and to spend that time with him , insomuch that I haue walked aboue seuen furlongs with such a one weeping , A rare example of a mercifull hart . and my hart yirned vpon hym for compassion . You therfore my children , haue earnest and inwarde mercy towardes all that are in misery , that God hauyng pitie vppon you may be mercifull to you likewise . God dwelleth in merciful hartes . For in the last dayes God will sende his mercy vppon the earth , and wheresoeuer he findeth inward and hartie mercy , there will he dwell . For looke how muche mercie man sheweth to hys neighbour , so much wil God shew to him again . Now when wee came downe into Egipt , Ioseph minded not our euill dealing with him , Ioseph rewardeth good for euill . but when he saw me , it made hys hart yirne . Whom looke ye vpou , my children and learne to forget the harme that is done to you . Loue ye one another , & doe not one of you thinke vppon anothers ill dealyng , for that breaketh vnitie , and displaceth all kinred , and troubleth the mynde . For hee that is mindful of harme past , hath not the bowells of mercie . He that is mindfull of in●uries is not mercifull . Marke the water and see how it washeth away the Sande when the stones and timber are remoued asunder And if a brooke be draw●e into many streames , Apt similitudes . the earth sucketh it vp and it commeth to nothyng : and so shall you , if you be deuided among your selues . In exhortation to concorde . Therfore deuide not your selues into two heades : for all thinges that God hath created haue but one head a peece . He hath geuen a man two shoulders , two handes and two feete : but yet do all the members obey one head . I know by the writinges of my Fathers , that in the last dayes ye shall depart from the Lord , and be deuided in Israell , folowyng two kynges , The end of discord is misery . workyng all abhomination , and worshippyng all maner of Idols , and your enemies shall take you prisoners , and you shall fit among the heathen in all misery , tribulation and sorowe of mynd . And afterward you shall remember the Lord , and repent , and he shal turne you againe : for he is mercifull and full of compassion , and thinketh not vppon the ●ewdnes of the Children of men , because they be flesh , and the spirites of errour beguile them in all their doyngs . After this shall GOD himself ryse vp vnto you , the light of righteousnes , and holsonnes , and mercy are in his punishments . He shall redeeme all men from the bondage of Beliall , and all the spirites of error shal be troden downe , and he shall turne all nations to the folowyng of hym , & ye shall see God in the shape of man , for God hath chosen Ierusalem , and God is his name . Neuerthelesse , by the wickednes of your words , you shall prouoke hym to wrathe , and ye shall be caste of , till the tyme of full finishing And now my children , The hope of the resurrection a present comfort at the death of our frendes . bee not sad for my death , neither be ye out of hart because I leaue you . For I shall rise vp againe among you , as a captaiue in the middes of his children . And I shal reioyce in the middest of my tribe , among as many as haue kept the lawe of the Lorde , and the commaundementes of their Father Zabulon . But as for the wicked , The state of the wicked at the latter day . God shall bring euerlastyng fire vpon them , and destroy them for euer . I returne to my reste , as my Fathers haue don : now feare you the Lorde your GOD , with al your strength all the dayes of your life . As he had spoken these wordes he fell a sleepe to hys singular bene●ite : and his sonnes said hym in a coffin , and cariyng hym backe againe vnto Hebron , buryed hym there with his Fathers .

¶ The Testament of Dan , made to his Children at his death , concernyng anger and liyng .

The Serpent With weapon , And Dan declare : The intent Of those men , That wrathfull are .

THe Copy of Dan hys words which he spake to them in hys laste dayes . In the hundred and fiue and twenteth yeare of his life he called hys Tribe vnto hym and sayd : Ye children of Dan , heare my saiynges , Hart & ou●ward profession must be consociat . and geue heede to the words of your Fathers mouth . I lyked in my hart , and shewed in my whole lyfe the thing that is good : for truth i●yned with right dealyng pleaseth God well . Lies and anger , scholemasters of euill life . I haue hated hurtfull thinges , as liyng and anger , because they teache a man all maner of naughtinesse . I confesse vnto you my children thys day , that I was glad in my hart at the death of Ioseph that true and good man , and reioyced at the sellyng of hym , because our Father loued hym more than vs . Selfe loue thinketh him self as good as other . For the spirite of spitefulnes and pryde said vnto me : Thou art his Soune too as well as he . And one of the spirites of Belial wrought with me saiyng : Des●er of prerogatiue entiseth to murther . Take this sworde and slea Ioseph with it , and when he is dead thy father shall loue thee . This was the spirit of spitefulnes which counseled nice to deuour Ioseph , as the Leopard deuoureth a Ryd . Man purp●●eth but God disposeth . But the God of our Father Iacob did not put hym into my handes , nor suffer me to find him alone that I might dispatch twoo Scepters in Israell by committyng that wickednesse , And now my children I tell you of a truth , that vnlesse ye keepe your selues from this spirite of lying and wrath , and loue truth and long sufferance , ye shal perish . Wrath is blynde my Children , A wrathfull man Iiuely described . and no wrathfull man looketh truth in the face , because that although they were 1 1 He accom●eth his Pa●entes as enemies . his Father and Mother , yet doth he beholde them as his enemies . Though he be hys brother ▪ yet he . 2 2 He knoweth not hys brother . knoweth hym not , though he be the Lords 3 3 He obeieth not the Minister . Prophet , yet obeieth he him not : though he bee a. 4 4 He regardeth not the righteous . righteous man , yet he regardeth hym not , and though hee bee his . 5 5 He conssder . 〈◊〉 not his ●●inde . frcinde , yet he considereth it not . For the spirite of wrathe besetteth hym with the Snares of errour , blindyng hys naturall eyes , and dimmyng the eyes of his mynde by falsehoode , and geuyng to hym a sight of hys owne makyng . And wherein bleareth he his eyes ? In hatred of hart . For he geueth hym a self willed hart against hys Brother , to spite hym and enuy hym . My Sounes , wrath is mischevous , for it becommeth a soule to the soule , The proper●ies of wrath . and subdueth the body to it selfe by ouer masteryng the soule , and geueth power to the bodye to worke all wickednes . And when the soule hath wrought , it iustifieth the thyng done because it seeth not .

Therefore he that is wrathfull , ● wrathfull man worketh three waies . if he be a man of might , hath treble power in hys anger 1 1 By Seruauntes . One through the healpe and furtheraunce of his seruauntes . 2 2 By riches . Another of hys riches , 3 3 By hym selfe . wherethrough he perswadeth and ouercommeth in vnrighteousnes : and third of the nature of his own body which of it self worketh euil . And though he that is angry bee a poore man , yet hath he his naturall power doubled . For the said spirite doth alwayes further his wickednes , by causing his deedes to be matched with liyng . Wherefore consider the power of wrath how vaine it is . Fo hee is bitter in speeche , and walketh at Sathans right hand , 2 2 Instrumentes of wrath . that his deedes may be wrought in vntrustinesse and liyng , for Sathan doth first of all styng hym by speeche , 1 1 Bitter speach . and when he hath once pricked hym forewarde , hee strengthneth hym by dedes , 2 2 Uiolent handes . and troubleth his vnderstanding with bitter nippes and losses , and so prouoketh his mynde to excessiue wrath . M●●●dy against wrath is forbearing of wordes . Therefore when any man speaketh against you , be not moued to anger : and if he praise ye as good men , bee not puffed vp , nor chaunged into voluptuousues and sternnesse of countenaunce . For when a man heareth a thing that misliketh hym , first it ticleth him and stingeth his minde , so that he thinkes he hath iuste cause to be angry . Now therfore my children , if ye fall into any losse & hinderance , be not out of patience , for the spirit of impatience maketh men to lust for the thyng that is forgone , The effect of impatience . & to be angry for the want of it . Beare you losses willingly , and bee not out of quiet for it : for vnquietnes ingendreth anger and vntrueth : and it is euill to haue a double face . Anger and vntruth talke one to another , to trouble the vnderstandyng . And when the mynde is combred with disdeine , the Lorde departeth from it , and Belial getteth the dominion of it . Therefore my Children , keepe the Lords commaundementes and lawes , eschew vntruth and hate it , that the Lord may dwel in you , and Belial flee from you . Speake euerie of you the trueth to hys neighbour , that ye fall not willingly into incomberaunce , and so shall ye be in quiet , and ye shal haue the God of peace , & warxe shall not preuaile against you . Loue the Lord all your life long , and loue ye one another with a sothfast hart . For I am sure that in the latter daies ye shall depart from the Lord & He eth● . ●●dne . walke in all naughtines , working the abhominations of the Gentiles , and huntyng wicked women in all leudnes , through the workyng of deceitfull spirits in you . For I haue read in Enoch that Sathan is your prince , and that all the spirites of fornication and pride , shall plie themselues in laiyng snares for the Children of Dan , to make them sinne before the Lord. But my children , sticke ye vnto Leuy , and looke vpon hym in all thinges . The children of Iuda shall snatch away other mens goods like Lyons through couetousnesse . A note for couetousnes . For this cause shall ye be led away with them into captiuitie , and there receiue all the plagues of Egipt , and all the malice of the Heathen : Repentance obtaineth mercy . whereupon ye shall returne to the Lord & obteine mercy , and he shall bring you into his holy place , and proclaime peace to you . A propeste of Christ his humanitie . The Lordes sauing health shall spring vp vnto you out of the Tribes of Iuda and Leuy , He shall make warre against Belial , and geue our young men the victorye in reuengement . M●●●edy against wrath is forbearing of wordes . Hee shall deliuer the imprisoned soules of the sainc●es from Beliall , and turne your vnbeleuyng hartes to the Lorde , and geue euerlastyng peace to suche as call vppon hym . The Sainctes shall rest in hym , and the righteous shall reioyce in the newe Hierusalem , whiche shall glorifie God for euer . Hiernsalem shall no more be wasted , nor Israell led into captiuitie , because the Lord shal be conuersant among men in the middest of it , and the holy one of Israell , shall reigne ouer them in lowlinesse and pouertie , and he that beleueth in him , shall certainly reigne in heauen . Now my children feare the Lord and beware of Satan and hys spirites : And drawe neare vnto God , and to the angell that excuseth you , for he is the mediator betweene God and man to set peace in Israell . Christe is our mediatour . He shall stand against the kingdome of the enemie , and therefore will the enemie labour to ouerthrow all that call vpon the Lords : Christ assisteth his in all temptations . for he knoweth that whensoeuer Israell decayeth ▪ then shall his enemies kingdome come to an end . But the said angell shall strengthen Israell , that hee come not to an euill end . At that tyme shall Israel depart from iniquitie , and the Lorde shall visite suche as do his will . In all places of Israel and among the heathen his name shall bee the sauiour . Therfore my children keepe your selues from all no●●ome dealings , and put from you wrathe , and all vntruthe . Loue truth and mildnes , and looke what , you haue heard of your Father , deliuer it ouer to your Children , that the Father of nations may receaue you . For he was soothfast , long suffering , meeke , lowly , and a●●●●her of Gods lawe by his owne woorkes . Therefore depart from all vnright●ousnes that ye may sticke to the righteousn●s of the Lordes law , and bury ye mee by my Father . In saiyng these thinges be kissed them and slept the sleepe of the world ▪ And his sonnes buried hym , laiyng his bones by Abraham , Issac , and Iacob . And like as Dan had prophesied to them , that the● should one day neglect Gods law● and estrange them selues from the offpryns , and natiue countrey of Israell , so came it to passe .

¶ The Testament of Neptalim , made to his Children at his death , concernyng goodnes .

Runne Neptalims race , but runne apace , Embrace his goodnes , and trustinesse , If your state you see , seruauntes to bee : Then God will you blesse , and geue successe .

THe Copie of Heptalims Testament , concernyng the thynges which he discoursed at the ende of his tyme , in the hundred and two and thirtie yeare of hys life . At the commyng of hys children , together in the seuenth moneth , the forth daie of the moneth , hee beyng yet in good health , commaunded a sumptuous feaste , and greate cheere to be prepared . When we wooke in the mornyng from sleepe , because hee was euen at deathes doore , he praised the Lorde that had strengthned hym , and began to speake to his children , in this wife .

My Children , geue eare to Neptalim , barken to your Fathers wordes . His birth . I was borne of Bilha , and because Rachell dealt craftely in puttyng Bilha to Iacob , in her owne steade , and Bilha was deliuered of mee in Rachels lappe , therefore was I called Neptalim . Why he was called Neptalim . And Rachell loued me because I was borne on her lappe , and she kissed mee when I was a little one saiyng : God let mee see a brother of thyne out of myne owne wombe after thee . By reason whereof , Ioseph was like mee in all things accordyng to Rachels request . Why Ioseph was like Neptalim . Now my Mother Billa was the daughter of Rotheus , the Brother of Debora Rebeccas nurse , and was borne the selfe-same day that Rachell was borne , for Rotheus was a Ca●dean , His familie . of Abrahames kindred , a worshipper of GOD , free borne , and a noble man . Now bee it for asmuche as he was taken Prisoner , Laban bought hym , and maried hym to a bondwoman of hys called Eue , who brought hym forth a Sonne , whom he named Zeliphas , after the name of the Castle wherein he was taken . Afterwarde she bare Billa callyng her her newe hasty daughter , because she was fond of the Dug as soone as she was borne . The swiftnes of Neptalim . And because I was as swift of foot as a Stagge , my father Iacob appointed me to runne of all mesuages and errands , Genes. 49. and blessed me by the name of a Stagge . For as the Potter knoweth what his bessell shall conteine , and tempereth hys quan●itie of clay thereafter : GOD his wisedome in c. eatyng vs l●ue●y let fo●th . so the Lorde maketh a mans bodye proportionable to the spirite that he will put into it , and ●●●teth the spirite to the abilitie of the bodie , ●o as there is no inequalitie or oddes betwixt them : for all the Lordes creatures are made in Weight , Measure , and Rule . And as the Potter knoweth the vse of euery of them to what thynges thei be metest : so the Lorde knoweth the bodie : how farre for the it is fit for goodnesse , and when it beginneth in euill , for there is not any Creature reasonable , nor vnreasonable , whiche the lorde knoweth not , for he hath created all menne after his owne Image . And as mans strength is , so is his workeas is his will , so is his woorke : as is his forecast ▪ so is his doyng : as is his harte , so is his mouth : as is his eye , so is his slepeand as is his minde , so is his talke : either of the lawe of the Lorde , or of the lawe of Beliall . And lo●ke what diuersitie is betwene lighte and darckenesse , or betwene sight and hearyng , the same diuersitie is there in man and woman . Neither is it to be saied that there is any betternesse in any thing , either of the face or of other like thynges . For God hath made all thynges good in their order or degree , he hath sett the fiue wittes in the heade , and knitte the head to the necke , & couered it with heare for his glorie . Moreouer , he hath assigned the harte to wisedome , the bealie to the auoidaunce of the stomacke , the breaste to healthe , the liuer to anger , the gall to bitternesse the spleene to laughter , All thynges must be doen in tyme and order . the kidneis to craftinesse , the loynes to strength , the ribbes to comelinesse , the seede to lustinesse , and so forthe . So my children doe all thynges in order , and in the feare of God , neither doe ye any thyng disorderly , in scorne , The reason . or out of due season . For thou caust not comma●ide the eye to heare , neither caust thou doe the workes of light in darknesse . Therefore hast ye not to marre your doynges through coueteousnesse , or 〈◊〉 beguile your owne soules with fonde talke . For by holdyng your peace with a cleane harte , ye shal be able to kepe the wil of God , and to caste awaie the wi●● of the deuell . The Sunne , Moone , and Starres , breake not their order : neither break you Gods lawe in the order of your doynges . The Gentiles by goyng astray , and by forsakyng the lorde , haue chaunged their order , and followed stockes and stones , and spirites of errour . They that breake the order of the Lorde shall be plagued . But doe you not so ( my children : ) knowe ye that your onely one God is lorde in the skies , on the yearth , in the Sea , and of all creatures , for he is the maker of them . And be not like Sodome , whiche altered the order of her nature : likewise wise * the Watchers altered the order of their Nature , Preachers . and they whom God cursed in the floud , makyng the yearth desolate , and fruitlesse for their sakes . My children I saie these thynges , Neptalim prophesteth the miserie of his children . because I haue read in the holy writynges of Enoch , that you also shall depart from the Lorde , and walke in all the wickednesse of Sodome , and the lorde shall bring thraldome vpon you , so as ye shal serue your enemies , and be pinched with all maner of tribulation and pain , til God consume you euerichone . He Prophes●eeh also their repentaunce . And when ye bee made fewe and small , ye shall turne again , and knowe the lorde your God , and he shall bryng you againe into your owne lande , accordyng to his manifold mercie . And it shall come to passe , that when they shal be come into the countrey of their fathers , they shall forget the Lorde againe , and deale wickedly , so as the Lorde shall scatter them all ouer the face of the whole earth , til the mercy of the lorde come , A Prophes●e of the commyng of Christe . a man that poureth out mercy and righteousnes vpon all men , bothe farre and nere . For in the xl . yere of my life vpon mount Oliuet towardes the East side of Ierusalem . I saw the Sunne & A vision . moone stand stil , & behold Isaac my fathers father said vnto vs , come hether apace , and euery one of you take holde , accordyng to his strengthe , for the Sunne and Moone maie be caught . And we came runnyng all together , and Leuy caughte holde of the Sunne , and Iudas iumpyng vp , caught holde of the Moone , and were bothe of them lifted vp with them . And when as Leuy became as the Sunne , a certain yong man deliuered hym twelue Boughes of Palme tree , and Iuda shined as the Moone , & twelue beames or raies were vnder his feete . And Leuy and Iuda runnyng together , vphelde one an other . And beholde there was a Bull vpon yearth that had greate hornes , and Eagles vinges vppon his backe , and we would haue caught hym but wee could not , for Ioseph steppyng before vs caught hym , and mounted alofte vppon hym . And beholde , there appeared-vnto vs an holie writyng , saiyng : the Assirians , Medes , Elamites , Gelathites , Caldes , and Sirians , shall holde the Scepter of Israell in thraldome . And again a seuen monethes after , I sawe our Father Iacob standyng in the sea of I amma , and vs his sonnes with hym . And beholde , there came a ship sailyng by , full of dried fleshe , without Marriner or Pilote . Upon the ship was written Iacob , and our father saied to vs , let vs goe into our ship , when wee were within it , there rose a sore tempest and a mightie gale of winde , and our Father who helde the sterne , flewe awaie from vs , and wee beyng tossed with the storme , were caried into the Sea , and our ship was filled with Water , and weather beaten , & torne on all sides . Then Ioseph fled out in the boate , and we all were deuided vpon twelue bordes , and Leuy and Iuda were among vs , so were we scattered on all costes , and Leuy being clad in sackclothe , praied to the Lorde for vs all . As sone as the tempest was laied , the Shippe came quietly to lande , and behold , our Father Iacob came , and wee reioyced all together with one minde . I told my Father these twoo dreames , & he saied to me , these thynges muste bee fulfilled in their tyme , and Israell muste endure many thynges . Then said he further to me , I beleue that Ioseph is aliue : For I see that the Lorde doeth alwaies number hym with vs . Reinorse of conscience moueth open confession , but sha●●●e or fear hindereth . And he saied , thou liuest my sonne Ioseph , but yet I se thee not , neither seest thou Iacob that begat thee , truly he made vs to wepe at these woordes of his , and my bowelles glowed within me , to bewraye to hym that Ioseph was solde , but I was afraied of my brothers . Beholde my Sonnes I haue shewed you the last times , and all the thynges that shall be doen in Israell . You therefore , commaunde your children to be helpfull vnto Leuy and Iuda . For by Iuda shall health and welfare spryng vp vnto Israell , and in hym shall Iacob bee blessed . For by his Sccpter shall God appeare , and dwell among men vpon yearth to saue the stacke of Israel , and to gather the righteous from among the Heathen . My children , By dooyng well , God to glorified . if you doe well , bothe menne and Angelles shall blesse you , and GOD shall bee glorified by you among the Gentiles , the Deuell shall flee from you , 2 2 And menne blessed . th● beastes shall stande in awe of you , 3 3 The deuill vanquished . and the Angelles shall receiue you . For like as if a man bryng vp his childe well , the childe endeuoureth alwaies to bee mindfull and thankfull : So of good workes , there is a good remembraunce with GOD . 1 1 By dooyng euill ▪ God is dishonoured . But as for hym that doeth not good , hym shall men and Angels curse , 2 2 Men cursed and God shall be dishonored through hym among the Gentiles , 3 3 The deuill possesseth . and the Deuell shall possesse hym , as a peculiar vessell and instrument , and all beastes shall ouermaster hym , and the Lorde shall hate hym . For the Commaundementes of the lawe are of twoo sortes , and are fulfilled in woorke . For there is a tyme for a man to companie with his wife , and a tyme to forbeare her , that he maye geue hymself to praier . There are twoo Commaundementes whiche breede synne , excepte they be doen in their due order . And so is it in the rest of the commaundementes . Therefore bee ye wise and skilfull in the Lorde , knowyng the order of his commaundementes , and the lawes of all thinges , that God maie loue ye . Hauyng commaunded them many other suche thinges he praied them to conueigh his bones to Hebron , and to burie hym by his fathers . And so eatyng and drinkyng with a mery harte , he couered his face and died . And Neptalims Children , did all thynges accordyng as their Father had commaunded them .

Finis .

¶ The Testamente of Gad , made to his Children at his death , concernyng hatred .

You that excell in marciall feates , Loe Gad , but God obeye : Least in Gads wrathe you God offende , And lose your hoped praie .

THe copie of Gads Testament , and of the thynges that he spake to his Children , in the . C.vii. yere of his life saiyng : I was Iacobs seuenth sonne , Gad a good and ba●cant shephearde . and skilfull & strong in kepyng of sheepe . I kept the flockes by night , and when there came any Lion , Libard , Wolue , Beare , or other wilde beaste vpon our cattell , I ran to it and killed it . Ioseph also did feede shepe with vs about a thirtie daies : who being tender , fel sicke by reason of ouermuche heate , and wente home to Hebron to his Father● , whom he lodged by hym self , because he loued hym . And Ioseph told our father , Gene .xxxvii. that the sonnes of Billa wasted his goods at Zelpha , and made hauock of them , without the knowledge of Iuda and Ruben . For he kuewe that I had rescued a lambe out of a Beares mouthe , and killed the Beare , and that because the Lambe could not liue ( whiche thyng greeued me ) we killed it also & eate it . He told our father of it , & our brothers were greatly discontented with his doyng , euen to the daie that he was solde into Egipte , and the spirite of hatred was in me , in so muche that I could not finde in my harte to heare Ioseph speake , or to se him because he had rebuked vs openly , Gad hated Ioseph . for eating the la●●ibe without Iuda . 1 1 For his complainyng to his Father . To beshore he made our Father beleue whatsoeuer he tolde hym . But nowe I acknowledge my synne my Children , that I was often in minde to haue killed hym , for I hated him from my hart , and I was vtterly without compassion towardes hym , and the cause of this my great hatred towardes hym , was his dreames : 2 2 For his goodly dreames . Therefore I would haue deuoured him , as an oxe eateth vp grasse from the yearth . And for that cause I and Iuda sold hym to the I smalites for 30. gildrens : of the whith we kept awaisx . priuely , and showed the other x● . to our brethren . And so coueteonsnesse perswaded me to wishe his death . But the God of our fathers deliuered hym out of my handes , to the entent I should not do suche wickednesse in Israell . The hatefull described . He misliketh an other mans doynges . And now my Children , geue eare to the wordes of truthe , that ye maie liue righteously , & kepe the law of the highest , and not goe astraie through the spirite of hatred , for what is euill in at a mannes doynges . Whatsoeuer an other man doeth , that doth the hater mislike and abhorre . If one kepe● 2 2 He pratseth no● them that feare the lorde . the lawe of the lorde , he praiseth it not : if one feare the lorde , and deale rightcouslie , hym he loueth not , but dispraiseth the truthe , he enuieth hym that ordereth his waies aright , he embraceth backbityng , he loueth scornefulnesse : and because the hatred hath blinded his mynde , he 3 3 He seeketh to destroy his neighbour . doeth to his neighbor as he did to Ioseph , therefore my children , kepe your selues from hatred , bicause it committeth wickednesse euen against the lorde , for it will not heare the wordes of Gods commaundement , concerning the louyng of a mans neighbour , but synneth spitfully againste God . If a brother offende , by 4 4 He blaseth abroad other mennesfaultes . & by it blaseth hym abroad , and is hastie to haue him condemned and killed , or punished for his offence . 5 5 Hastie to haue the partie condemned . And if the offender 6 6 Maketh a little matter greate . be a seruaunt or a bondman , it accuseth hym to his maister , and deuiseth all meanes that maie be to persecute hym , and to put hym to death if it be possible , for hatred woorketh with spitfulnesse , 7 7 Enuieth the prosperous doyng of his neighbour . and is alwaies forie to heare or see men goe forward , or prosper in well doyng . For like as loue beareth good wil euen to the deade , and wisheth them aliue , and would ( if it were ●ossible ) staye them from death , whiche are condemned to die : So hatred seeketh to slea the liuyng , A comparison . and demeth them vnworthie of life , whiche haue offended neuer so lightly ▪ For the spirite of hatred doeth through cankred frowardnes of harte , worke iointly with Sathan in all thynges , euen to the death , and destruction of men . But the spirite of loue doth through long sufferance worke with Gods lawe , The properties of hatered . to the welfare of men . Hatred is euil because it abideth with liyng , speakyng continually against the truthe , makyng a great adoe of small matters , ouershadowing the light with darknes , comptyng swete to be sower , teachyng slaunderousnesse , warre , wrong , and aboundance of all mischief , and finally filling the harte with deuelishe poison . A remedie against hatred A righteous man described . My children , I ▪ speake these thynges vpon experience , to the entent ye should eschew hatred , and sticke to godly loue . Righteousnes driueth out hatred , and lowlinesse killeth it : for a righteous and a lowly persons is ashamed to doe 1. He forsaketh synne for conscience , not for feare . wronge , not for feare of rebuke , but for conscience sake , because God feeth his entent . 2 2 He backbiteth no man . He backbiteth no man , because the feare of the highest ouercommeth hatred ▪ for the feare of the lorde offendeth not , neither will do any man wrong , no not euen in 3 3 He thinketh no manne h●●me . thought . At length I came to the knowledge of these thynges , when I had repented me of my dealinges towardes Ioseph . The fruites of true repentaunce . For the true repentaunce that is accordyng to Gods will , mortif●eth a man to obedience , chaseth awaie darknesse , enlighteneth the eyes , geueth knowledge to the minde , and leadeth the soule to saluation . And whatsoeuer men knowe not of themselues , that doeth repentance teache them . O how deare are the praiers of the parentes for their children . For it brought vppon me the paine of the hart , and if my father Iacobs praiers had not been , surely I had died out of hande . For looke wherein a man synneth , by the same is he punished . For as muche therefore as my hart was mercilesse towardes Ioseph . God his rigorous iustice , due to the merciles . I suffered Gods rigorous iustice in my harte by the space of a .xi. monethes that the tyme of my punishemente might fall out , euen with the tyme that I vrged the ●ellyng of Ioseph . Now therefore my children , eche of you loue his brothers , and put awaie hatred from your hartes , Loue consisteth in deede in worde , and in mynde . louyng one an other in deede , worde , and thought of mynde . For before my Fathers face I spake mildely of Ioseph , but behinde his backe the spirite of hatred darckened my vnderstandyng , and tempted my mynde to kill hym . Wherefore loue ye one an other hartely , and if any of you offende other ▪ tel him of it gently , driuyng out the poison of hatred , and fosteryng no deceipt in harte . And if the offender confesse it , and be sorie for it , forgeue it hym : & if he deny it , striue not with hym , least he fal to swearyng , and so synne double . Lette no straunger heare you vtteryng one an others secretes in variaunce , least he turne to be your ilwiller , & worke some greate mischief against you . For he will talke gilefully with thee , and vndermine thee to doe thee a shrewde tourne , takyng his poison at thyne owne hande . Therfore if he deny it , and be ashamed of it , and hold his peace when he is rebuked , drawe hym not out , for in deniyng he repenteth him , so as he will no more offende thee , but honour thee , and feare thee and be in quiet . But if he be vnshamefaste , and abide by his naughtinesse , then refer the reuengement of it to God with all thy harte . Enuie no mannes prosperitie . If an other man prosper more then you , bee not agreeued at it , but praye for hym , that he maie haue perfecte prosperitie . For peraduenture 1 1 It maie be perchance to your profite . it maie be to your owne benefite . And if he bee exalted more and more , enuie hym not , but 2 2 Remember that all fleshe is gr●ss● . remember that all fleshe shall dye● and praise God for it , who geueth good and profitable thy ages to all men . Seeke the Lordes iudgementes , and so thy mynde shall let hym alone , and be in quiet . Now if a man be enriched by euill meanes , as Csau my Fathers brother was , enuie him not , for in so doyng ye 3 3 Least you seem to control the lorde . controll the Lorde , who either taketh awaie his benefites from the wicked , or leaueth them still to the repentant , or els reserueth them in the vnrepentant , to their endlesse punishement . A poore man howe he is riche . For the poore●man , hauyng sufficient of all thynges , geueth thankes vnto the Lorde , and is enriched of all men , because men wishe him no harme . Therefore ( my children ) away with hatred out of your harts , and loue one an other with a right meanyng mynde . Also will you your children to honor Leuy and Iuda , for out of them shall the lorde make the Sauiour of Israel to come . A Prophes●e of Christe . I knowe that in the ende your children shall depart from them , and walke in all manner of mischief , naughtinesse , and corruption before the lorde . And after a litle pausyng he said againe : my sonnes , heare me your father ▪ burie me by my fathers . And so pluckyng vp his fete , he slept in peace : and after ●iue yeres they caried him thence , and laied hym with his Fathers in Hebron .

¶ The Testament of Aser , made to his children at his death , concernyng twoo faces , of Vice and Ve●tue .

Twoo waies saieth Aser are preparde For men : the one for ioye , The laste for death : the firste is beste . But this breedeth sore annoye .

THe copie of Aser his Testamente , and of the thynges that he spake to his children . In the hundred and twentie yere of his life , beyng still in healthe , he saied vnto them . Ye children of Aser harken to your Father , and I will shewe you all thynges that are righte before the Lorde . Two 〈…〉 . The Lorde hath geuen twoo waies to the sonnes of menne : twoo myndes , twoo doynges , twoo places , and twoo endes : and therfore all twooes may bee one ▪ yea , though they bee contraries . as are the waies of good and euill . Twoo m●●ndes in man ▪ of good and of euill . Also there are twoo myndes in oure breastes ▪ whiche moue vs either to honestie , or dishonestie . Therefore if a manne bee ledde to goodnesse , all his doinges are occupied about righteousnesse : and if he dooe any thyng amisse , by and by he repenteth him : for in as muche as his minde is bent vnto righteousnesse , he putteth awaie naughtinesse , and out of hande amendeth his miss●deedes , and correcteth the corruptnesse of his mynde . But if his mynde encline to euill , all his doynges tende to naughtines ▪ in somuche that he thrusteth awaye the good , and taketh to hym the bad , because he is vnder the dominion of Beliall : and if he dooe any good thing , he tourneth the same vnto euill . For if he beginne to dooe any good , he bringeth the ende of his dooynges to an euill worke , because the treasure of his harte is infected with the venime of a deuellishe and mischeuous Spirite , and therfore the euill ouermastereth the go●d in his mynde , and bryngeth the ende of the thyng to naughtinesse . Diners fortes of double faces . Some man sheweth compassion vppon hym that serueth his tourne in naughtinesse , that manne hath twoo faces , and that deede of his is starke lewdenesse . An other man loueth vngratiousnesse , and he is leude likewise : and althoughe he could finde in his harte to dye for the compassyng of his euill : yet it is mani●este that he is double-faced , and his doyng is altogether starke naught . For his loue beyng but leudnesse dooeth as it were cloke his euill with a good name , whereas the d●ist of his doynges , tendeth to a wicked ende . An other stealeth , The couete●us mannes wickednesse described . doeth open wrong , pilleth and polleth , is coueteous . & pitieth not the poore . He also hath a double face , and all this is starke naughte , for in beyng nigardly towardes his neightbor , he prouoketh gods wrathe , and denieth the highest , in not pitiyng the poore . He despiseth and spiteth the Lorde , whiche is the commaunder of the lawe , he suffereth not the poore to rest , he defileth his owne soule to make his bodie gaie , he killeth many , and pitieth few , this is the part of a double faced persone . Another committeth whoredome and fornication , or vexeth many menne piteously with his power and riches , and yet absteineth from meates His faste is naught , for he doeth the commaundementes with an euil conscience , and that is a double faced dealyng , whiche is all together naughte . Suche maner of folke are like swine , and Hares , for they seeme to bee halfe cleane , but in very deede they be vtterly vnclean . You therefore my children , become not like them , neither beare ye in one hoode twoo faces , the one of goodnesse , and the other of naughtinesse , but sticke alonely vnto goodnes . God abideth with the plain-dealer . For in goodnes doeth God rest , and men like well of it . Shum naughtines , and kill the deuell in your good workes : for they that are double faced serue not God . but their owne lustes , because they seeke to please Belial , and suche as are like them selues . Now although plaindealing men , and suche as pretende but one face , The preposterous iudgement of the wor●e , make not good or bodde . are taken for offenders , at the handes of suche as beare twoo faces , yet are they righteous before GOD . For many in killyng wicked persones , dooe twoo woorkes at once , namely good by euill , but in deede the whole worke is good , because that he whiche hath rooted out the euill , hath destroyed it . Other kindes of double faced men . Some man hatyng his neighbour mercifully , blameth hym for his aduoutrie , or thefte : suche a one is double faced , but yet is the whole woorke good , because he followeth the Lordes example not respectyng what seemeth good , when it is euill in deede . An other wil not make merrie with riotters , leaste he should bee stained by them , and de●ile his owne soule . This manne also is double faced , but yet is al his doyng good , and he is like a Ro● or a Stagge , whiche in common wilde herde , some to bee vncleane , and yet are altogether cleane , because he walked in the zeale of the Lorde , shunnyng and hatyng those ▪ whom God willeth to bee shunned in his commaundementes , and so killeth he euill with weldoyng . Se therefore my Sonnes , how there are twoo in all thynges one against the other , and the one hidden vnder the other . Death succedeth to ●fe , shame to glorie , night to daie , and darkenesse to lighte . All righteous thynges are vnder light and life : & therefore doeth eternall life ouermaister death . It is not to be ●aied , that truthe is vntruth , righteousnesse vnrighteousnesse , or right wrong , because that as al thinges are vnder God so all truthe is vnder light , Aser his righteous liuyng . I haue practized all these thynges in my life , and not straied from the truthe of the Lorde , but sought out the commaundementes of the highest , to the vttermost of my power , and walked with one face in goodnesse . Take heede therefore my Children to the Lordes Commaundementes , and followe the truthe with one face in goodnesse . Take heede therefore my Children to the Lordes Commaundementes , and followe the truthe with one single face : Double faced , double punished . For they that are double faced , shall be double punished . The spirite of errour hateth the man that sighteth against it . Keepe the lawe of the Lorde , and regarde not euill that seemeth good , but haue an eye to the thyng that is good in deede , and keepe the same , retournyng to the lorde in all his Commaundementes , and restyng vpon hym , for the endes where at menne doe ame , dooe shewe their righteousnesse . And knowe the Angelles of the Lorde , from the Angelles of Sathan . For if ye cleaue to wicked spirites , your soules shall bee tormented of the wicked spirite whom ye serue , in wicked lustes and woorkes . But if ye quietly and cherefully acquainte your selues with the Aungell of peace , he shall comforte you in your life tyme . My Children become not like the Sodomites . whiche knewe not the Aungell , and perished for euer . For I am sure that you shall synne , and bee deliuered into the handes of youre enemies , your ●ande shall bee laied waste , and your selues shal be scattered into the fower corners of the yearth , 〈…〉 . and bee despised as vnprofitable Water in youre dispersyng abroade , vntill ●he highest dooe visite the yearth , eatyng and drinkyng as a manne , with menne , and breakyng the Serpentes head in peeces without noice . He shall saue Israel and all the Heathen by water , ●eyng GOD hidden in manne . Therefore tell your children these thynges , that they neglecte not Gods Lawe written in the Tables of heauen : For the tyme will come , that thei shall geue no credite to the Lawe of the Lorde . And you fallyng to naughtinesse , shall deale wickedly against GOD , geuing no heede to his Lawe , but to mennes commaundementes . For this cause shall ye bee scattered abroade , as my brothers Gad and Dan , whiche were not acquainted with their owne Countrey tribe , and tongue . Neuerthelesse the lorde shall gather you together again in * Note this of faithe and mercie . faith , for the hope of his mercie , for Abraham , Isaac , and Iacobs sake . When he had so saied , he commaunded them to burie hym in Hebron . And he died slepyng a good slepe , and afterward his sonnes doyng as he had willed them , caried hym backe , and buried hym with his fathers .

¶ The Testamente of Ioseph , made to his brethren & children at his death , concernyng chasti●●e and pacience .

Let Ioseph teache thee ▪ Lo●●e and Chas●itie , So shalte thou haue : A blessed long life , Voyde of all firise . Euen to thy graue .

MN sonnes and dry 〈◊〉 thren , beardye Ioseph the welbeloued of Israell . My Children , heare your 〈…〉 haue knowen in my life Enuie and death ; with the whiche my brethren would haue bestoyed me . Iosephes affictions . Locke pa●● ? For they hated me ; and God loued me , they would haue killed me , and the GOD of my Fathers kepte me : they put . me into a pitte , and the moste highest brought me out againe . I was folde as a 〈◊〉 maner , and the Lorde made me free , and his stronge hande helped me . God 〈◊〉 his in distresse . I was kepte in hunger , and the Lorde hym self nourished me : I was lefte alone , and the Lorde comforted me : I was sickr , and the Lorde visited me : I was in prison and the Sauiour made me glad : I was fassned in cheynes , and the Lorde vabaunde me : He pleaded my cause in the accusations of the Egiptians , and not onely deliuered me from eunie and dereipte , but also exalded me in so muche that Putipher . Chiefe Stewarde of Pharaes house . did lende me lodgyng , where I was in ieapardie of my life , by reason of a shamelesse woman , whiche entised me to do naughtines with her , through the flame of volupteousnesse burnyug about her breaste . I was caste in prison for her : I was beaten and mocked for her : yet the Lorde caused the keeper of the prison to bee moued with mercie towardes me . God neuer forsaketh his He forsaketh not them that feare him , neither in darcknesse , neither in bondes , neither in tribulations or necessities . God is not ashamed as manne , neither dreadeth he as men , neither shaketh or shrinketh he for feare as yearthly men . He is presente in all places , and in their moste greuous sorrowes he comforteth his . 〈◊〉 con●●ount in ten temptations . He goeth awaie for a reason , to try the thoughtes of their mynde . He founde me trustie in tenne temptations . And in euery one I was constant and preserued . For sufferaunce is a greate medicen , and causeth muche goodnesse . Howe often did the Egiptian threaten my death ? Sufferance what it is . Howe often was I punished , and yet the woman called me againe ? how often did she threaten me to dye , because I would not haue to dooe with her ? She saied vnto me , thou shalte haue gouernaunce of me , and all that bee myne , if thou wilte geue thy self vnto me . and obeye my desire , and thou shalte bee lorde ouer vs . A presente medicene in temptation . But I remembred the wordes of my Father Iacob , and enteryng in to my Chamber , made my praier to the Lorde , and * Not from m●●te , but from wa●ton f●re . fasted seuen yeares , yet I appeared vnto the Egiptian , in that state of bodie , as I had liued in pleasures or delightes . For they that faste for GOD , receiue ▪ ●autie of face . When I had wine geuen vnto me , I dronke none : and Fastyng three daies , I tooke my meate daiely , and gaue it to the sicke and needie , and earely I waked vnto the lorde , and wepte for Memphetica the Egiptian , because she was euermore troublyng of me . A craftie practise of a wom She cam vnto me in the night , as though she would haue visited me . And firste , truely because she had neuer a soonne , she fained to take me as her sonne . And I praied vnto God , to sende her a sonne : vntill whiche tyme she embraced me , as thoughe I had been her sonne , And I perceiued not the cause . And for a conclusion , she drew me to haue doen fornication with her , & I rememberyng my self , was sorowfull vnto the death . And when she was gone out , I came to my self , and sorrowed many daies : For I perceiued her deceipte and errour . And I spake vnto her the woordes of the moste highest GOD , if by chaunce she mighte bee tourned awaie from her pernitious concupiscence . Flatterie the Deuelles sweete baite . Many tymes as to a holie man , she spake flatteryng woordes to me , not without deceipte , laudyng my chastitie before her housebande , whiche would vtterly haue destroied me : Bothe manifestly and secretely she saied vnto me , feare not my housbande , for he is perswaded of thy chastitie . For if so bee that any manne shewed hym of thee and me , he would not beleue it . A token of a ●ious harte . For because of this thyng , I couered me with Sackclothe , and laied me flatte vpon the yearth , and praied vnto almightie GOD , that he would deliuer me from this woman of Egipte . When she could doe nothyng this waie , she came again armed with other reasons , ●ipocrites ●re of all 〈◊〉 for ●ucre . that is to saie , that she would faine learne the worde of God of me , and began to speake after this maner . If thou wilte haue me to forsake myne Idolles , followe my desire ▪ and I will perswade my housbande the Egiptian to goe from his Idolat●●●● , 〈…〉 and we shall walke in the lawe of thy God . I made answere to these thynges : GOD will haue ●o●e to worship hym with vncleannesse , neither hath he any pleasure in Adultere●s . And she helde her peace , desiryng to fulfill her concupiscence . And I fasted and praied , that God mighte deliuer me from her . Againe at an other tyme , she saied vnto me : Note the fruit of luste . If thou wilt not doe adulterie with me , I will kille my Prince , and so by the Lawe I shall take thee to my housbande . When I heard that , I rent my garmente and saied : Woman ▪ I praie thee bee ashamed of these thynges before GOD , and feare GOD , and dooe thou not suche an abhominable thyng : Neither dispaire vtterly that thou droune not thy self in thine owne euill , for if thou goe aboue it , I shall vtter and declare the thoughtes of thyne iniquitie . She fearyng these thynges , praied me that I should not bewraie her naughtinesse , and so departed . Yet againe , she went about to begile me with giftes , senoyng vnto me all thynges that menne haue neede of , and she sent me meate , strewed about with inchantment . And as the Cunuke brought it in , I beheld and saw a terrible fellowe , geuyng me a sword with the dishe , and I perceiued that she went about to deceiue me . And when he was gon , I wept , and touched not that meate , nor any other of her sendyng for a good while after . A daie after that , she came to me and saied , what is the matter that thou haste not eaten of the meate ? And I saied vnto her , because thou haste poysoned it . Therefore thou shalte knowe that I will not come vnto Idolles , but onely vnto GOD . Ioseph did first monishe ●nd not pro - Now vnderstande therefore , that the GOD of my Father by his Aungell , hath shewed thy mischiefe vnto me , and I haue kepte the meate to thy shame , if perchaunce thou mightest repente , or learne that the malice of wicked dooers preuaileth not againste them that worshippe the Lorde in Chastitie . And I tooke and did eate before her , saiyng : the GOD of my Fathers , and the Angell of Abraham shal bee with me , and then she fell doune at my feete and wepte . The name of God , & feare of 〈◊〉 , pricketh the conscience . Then liftyng her vp , I exhorted her many waies , and she promised me , that she would neuer doe suche i●●quitie after that daie . Yet because her harte was mournyng , and did burne towarde me in adulterie with sighes , commyng from the depth of her stomacke , she cast doune her countenaunce . Note this . The Egiptian her housbande perceiuyng her , faied : wherefore holdest thou doune thy face ? she aunswered , I am euen sorrowfull at the harte : And he comforted her that was not sicke : yet againe she entered into me ( her housbande beeyng without ) and saied ▪ I am strangeled or choked : Either I will breake my necke , or els droune my selfe , without thou wilt obeye me . And I perceiuyng that the spirit of Belial troubled her , pra●ed vnto the Lorde , and saied thus : Wherefore arte thou vexed or troubled , all blinde in synne ? Remember thy selfe ▪ for if thou dooe kille thy self : the Concubine of thy housbande called Sechon , enuiyng thee , shall beate thy Children , and destroye the memorie of thee from the yearth , And she saied vnto me . Haue doen ▪ haue doen ▪ I perceiue that yet thou haste some care for me : I haue euen enough that thou defendest my life , and my Children . I haue good hope in tyme to come , that I shall obtaine my desire . And she perceiued not that for the loue of my Lorde GOD I saied so , and not for her sake . Whatsoeuer he be that foloweth the concupiscence of his pernicious desire , is made seruaunt vnto the same , as this woman was . And if he heare any good thyng in the passion wherein he is ouercome : he draweth the same to his pernicious or filthy desire . I saie vnto you my sonnes , that it was aboute fire of the Clocke when she went from me , and I fell vppon my knees praiyng to GOD all that da●e , A remedie against temptation . with the night following A●d about the breake of the day , I rose weping , that I might once be deliuered from this woman Egiptian . Finally , she caughte me faste by the garment , drawyng me to haue gone to bedde with her . Then perceiuing that she waxed madde , and that violently , & with strength she helde my clothes , I let my clothes 〈◊〉 from me , and fled awaie .

Then she complained to her housbande of me ▪ whiche put me in prison in the kin●ges house . The daie followyng after , I was sore beaten and cast into prison . And when I laie bound in Fetters : this Egiptian woman wa●ed sicke for sorrowe , and harkened how I lauded GOD , beyng in a house of darckenesse . For I reioysyng with a glad voice , glorified my God onely that by suche occasion I was deliuered from the Egiptian woman . Yet she left not to stande harkenyng , Note a subtile woman . and saied : haue doen , and take the offer whiche I put vnto thee , and fulfill my desire , & I will deliuer thee from thy bonde and bryng thee out from the darkenes : but all that could perswade me nothing , Iosephs singular chastitie . in so much that in thought I was not inclined to any desire of her . For God loueth hym better whiche fasteth in chastitie , God respecteth the vertuous not the wealthy . beyng in a Prison of darkenesse , then him whiche taketh his pleasure with voluptuousnes in a chamber of honor and riches . For if a man liue in chastitie , and desire glory , ( if God perceiue it to be expedient for hym ) hee geueth vnto hym as hee hath done vnto mee . Many tymes as though she had beene sicke , she descended vnto me vnlooked for , and heard the voice of me praiyng , and stoode the more still . But when I heard her sighe I helde my peace , A propertie of a harlo● . for in her house , she stripped her self naked , breastes , legges and armes whereby she might haue kindeled mee into the loue of her . For she was verie faire , and gloriously adourned to haue deceaued me but God kept me from her workes . Therfore my sonnes , The commoditie of prayer and sufferaunce . beholde what sufferaunce with prayer and fastyng doth . And therefore if you loue sober●es and chastitie in sufferaunce and humility of the harte , the Lorde shall dwell in you , for he loueth sobrietie : and when the most highest doth dwell in a man although he chance to fast into enuy or into bondage or slander , the Lo●de which dwelleth in hym will for hy● 〈◊〉 not onely deliuer hym , but also ●●alt him , and glori●●e him as he hath done me , for he is alwaies with hym in word , in deede and thought .

My brethren , 〈…〉 ye knowe howe well my father did loue mee , and yet was I neuer the prouder therof in my hart . For though I was a Childe , I had euer the feare of God in my minde , When I grewe to age I moderated my selfe , and honoured my brethren whom I feared . I heald my peace when I was solde , because I woulde not haue the Ismaelites to knowe my stocke and kindred howe I was the sonne of Iacob a man of greate strength and power . Therefore haue you in your deedes the teare of God , and honour your brethren , for all men that obserue the lawe of God , are 〈◊〉 of hym . Then I came with the Ismaelites to a certaine place called Indoculpe ▪ and they demaunded of mee what I was , and I sayd ( because I would not reproue my brethren ) that I was one of their housholde ●●aues . Then sayde the chiefe of them , thou art no slaue , for thy at a windowe , and sent vnto her husband , saiyng : thy iudgement is vniust , for thou doest punish wrongfully the young man that is stolen . A token of mercy if it were not for an ill end . But because I did not cha●●ge my words , yet again was I beaten , & commaunded to bee kept at his commaundement , vntill such tyme as my masters came .

And his wife said vnto hym : wherefore doe ye keepe in captiuitie the noble child ? It were more almose to let hym goe , and to beate you . Note a flatteryng woman . She would fayne haue spied me in desire of sinne , and I knew nothing of this . He sayde againe to Memphetica , it is not honest among the Egiptians , to take awaie an other mans goods before he shew hym of it . He said that of the Merchaunt and of mee , when I should be imprisoned . After that xxiiii . dayes , the Ismalites came , and they hearyng that Iacob my Father was heauy for mee , sayde vnto me . Wherfore is it that thou saidest thou wast a bondman , and now we knowe that thou art the sonne of a greate man in the land of Chanaan , and thy father soroweth for thee in sackcloth . A good nature . Then I would faine haue wept : yet I retrained my selfe for shamyng of my Brethren , and sayd , I know it not , for I am a bondman . Then they tooke counsell among them selues , whether or to whom they might sell mee , least I should be ●ound in their hands . For 〈◊〉 ●eared Iacob , least he would be reuenged of them : for they had heard that hee was mightie both to God and man .

Then said the Marchant to them , redeeme hym now from the iudgement of Putiphar . They hearyng this went & asked for mee , sa●yng that they had bought me for money , & he deliuered me . Memphitica spake to her husband to buy me , for she said , I heare say they would ●ell him . And they sent an Eunuch to the ismaelites and desired to buy me , 〈…〉 and when he could not bargaine with them , he returned & shewed his Lady that they asked a great price for the childe , she sent againe an other Eunuch saiyng , although they aske two besauntes of golde see that thou spare not for money , but buy the child and bring him to me . He paid 80. golden crownes for me , & said vnto his Lady that he paid an 100. And I per●●iuyng this , heald my peace ●east the Eunuch should haue beene searched . Beholde my sonnes , what I haue sustained . Loue one of you another , & with continuaunce cast out from among you deceitfull mindes , for God deliteth in the concord of brethren , and hath pleasure also in the loue & choise of a proued harte . Loue betwene brethren pleaseth God . For when my brethren came out of Egipt & knew me , I gaue them again their money , & I neuer gaue reproch vnto them but comforted them . And after the death of Iacob I loued them more aboundantly , Iosephes mercifull hart declared : & all that euer he commaunded me I did very gladly , & they marue●led because I suffered not them to bee troubled for a smale cause for all that was in my power I gaue to them . Their children were reputed to me as mine own , and mine owne children as their seruants . Their life was my life , and their sorow was my sorow , & all their infirmitie or disease was mine , my lande was their land , my counsell was the counsel of them . And I neuer exalted my selfe aboue them in pride for mine owne worldly glory . But was amongest them as one of the least .

Therefore my Sonnes , if ye walke in the commaundementes of my Lorde , A promise for them that praye for their enemies . the Lorde shall exalt you and blesse you in riches perpetuall . And if any man will doe euill to you , with meekenes looke that ye pray for hym , and GOD shall deliuer you from all euill . Nowe beholde and see that for my long sufferaunce the daughter of my Lord was geuen me to wife , 〈…〉 and there was geuen to mee with her an hundreth talentes of Gold. For God made them to serue me & gaue mee beauty that I should be as a flower aboue them that were faire in Israell , and he kept me vnto mine age both in strength and beauty , because I was like to Iacob in al things . And what dreames I haue seene , 〈…〉 my children nowe heare . There were 12. Hartes feeding a●d 9. were deuided abroad in the earth . Also I sawe , howe that of Iuda was a virgin borne hauyng a white silkin Robe , and of her came forthe an immaculate Lambe . And on the left hand of the saide Lambe , was as it were a Lyon , and all beastes ▪ made against hym , and the Lambe ouercame them , and troad them vnder his feet and in hym ioyed the Angels , the men , and all the earth . These thinges shall come to passe in their tyme , that is to say in the later dayes . Christ 〈◊〉 . Therfore my sonnes , keepe the commaundement of the Lord and honour Iuda and Leuy . For of them , to you shall springe the lambe of God , whiche by hys grace shall preserue all Gentiles and Israell . The kingdome of hym is a kingdome eternall which shal neuer passe . For my kingdome shall bee ended in yo● , as the keepyng of an Orchard , for after the haruest it shall appeare no more . I knowe right well that after my death the Egiptians shall trouble you . But God shall reuenge you and bryng you to the promised land whiche he sware to Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob . But cary my bones with you , for in so doing , the Lord shal be in the light with you against the Egiptians , & Belial shall be in darknes with the Egiptians . Also cary with you your mother Zilpha , & nigh vnto the valley , nere vnto Rachell , bury her . When he had said these wordes he stretched forthe hys feete and slept the sleep of all the world . Then they enbaumed him with spices , putting hym in a chest in Egipt after he had liued 110. yeares who saw Ephraims Children vnto the 3. generation . For vnto Machir the sonne of Manasses , were children borne on Iosephes knees . After this all they of Israell bewailed hym and all the Egiptians with great mournyng . For he had compassion of Egypt as of hys owne proper members , and assisted them bothe with his labour and counsell , and did them good at all tymes and seasons .

¶ The Testament of Beniamin , made to his Children at his death , concernyng a cl●●ne mynde .

Lo what true faitfull loue doth mean● , All you that louers be : It is in hart and not in Lust , As here you plainly see .

THe Copie of Bensamins wordes , whiche he vttered to his children , beyng of the age of a hundred and twentie yeares . Hee kissed them and saied : As Isaac was borne in the hundreth yeare of Abraham , so was I in the hundreth year● of Iacob : and because Rachell died at my birth , I sucked her bondwoman Bill● . For after that Rachell had borne Ioseph , she was barren xii . yeares . And when she had praied to the Lord in those xii . yeares , she conceiued and bare me . For my father loued Rachell excedingly , and wished to see 2. sonnes by her , and therefore I was called Beniamin , Be●iamin what it signifieth . that is to say , the sonne of my daies , or the sonne of my sorrow , because my mother died in the birth of mee . When I came first into Egypt , and that my brother Ioseph knewe mee , hee sayde to mee : what saide they to my Father , when they had solde mee ? I aunswered : They stai●ed thy coate with bloud , and bringyng it to hym , sayde : See if this bee thy sonnes coate or no. And my Brother also saide vnto mee : Truely when the Ismalites tooke me , one of them stripping mee out of my coat , gaue me a thinne shirt to put on , and lashyng me with a Whyp , bad mee runne . Ioseph● 〈…〉 . And as hee went aside to hide my garment , a Lyon met hym , and slew him , and so his partners being afraid sold mee to their fellowes . You therefore my children , loue the God of heauen , and obey hys commaundementes , followyng that good and h●l●e man Ioseph , and let your mynde bee set vppon goodnes , as ye know that mine hath beene . He that hath a good mynde looketh rightly vppon all thinges . F●are God and loue your neighbours , 〈◊〉 shall not ouercome them that feare the Lord● . and then although the spirit of Belial tempt you to all naughtinesse to trouble you , yet shall it not get the vpper hand of you , no more then it did of my Brother Ioseph . How many folke would haue killed hym , and yet GOD de●ended hym ? For he that feareth God , and loueth hys neighbour , cannot be wounded of the ayry spirit Beliall : and he that is shielded with the feare of the Lord , is safe from harme both of man and beast , and cannot be ouercome because hee is helped by the loue of God whiche he hath towardes hys neighbour . For Ioseph be sought our father Iacob to pray for my Brethren to the Lorde , that he would not lay to their charges ▪ the mischiefe that they had deuised againste hym . Wherat Iacob cryed out , O sonne Ioseph , thou hast ouercome my hart . And ther withall imbracyng him , he kissed him twoo houres together , Ioseph a right figure of Iesus Christ . and sayde : In thee shall the prophesie of heauen be resembled to the full , concernyng the lambe of God and Sauiour of the worlde , that the vnspotted shall bee deliuered for the wicked doers , and hee that is without sinne , shall dye for the Sinners in the bloud of hys Testament , to the saluation bothe of the Gentiles and of Israell , and he shall dashe Beliall and his seruauntes . My children looke vpon the ende of that good man and follow his mercifulnes with a good mind that you also may haue a crowne of glory vpon your heades . A good man A good man hath not a darcke eye , for he is mercifull to all men , yea though they bee sinners and haue deuised mischiefe agaynst hym , and he that doth good , ouercommeth euill . 1 1 Ouercom●●th euill . by the defence of goodnesse , and loueth . 2 2 Loueth the righteous . the righteous as his owne Soule . If another . 3 3 Enuieth not . man bee honoured , hee enuieth it not : if a man be enriched , it greeueth hym not . If a man be strong . 4 4 Praiseth the valiant . or valiaunt , he praiseth hym , and beleuyng him also to be chaste , he defendeth . 5 5 Defendeth hym that ●eareth God . hym that hath the feare of God . He worketh together with hym that loueth God , and if a man forsake the 6 6 Admonisheth the sinner . almightie , hee warneth hym to returne againe . Whosoeuer hath the grace of the good spirite , him doth he loue as his owne life . He 7 7 Pittieth the poore . pitieth the poore , succoureth the weake , and praiseth and honoureth God . The example of a 〈…〉 . My children , if ye haue a good minde , euill men shall stande in awe of you , and vnthriftes shall for very shame be conuerted to goodnesse . So that couetous men shall not only depart from their nigardlines , but also geue of their aboundaunce to the needy . If ye be good doers , both vncleane spirites shall flee from you , and shrewd beastes shall shun for feare of you . For where the regard of good works is in the minde , there darkenesse flyeth away . For if hee doe wrong to any holye man , hee is sorye for it : and if a holy man receiue wronge , he pittieth the doer , and putteth it vp with silence . And if any man betray a righteous soule , and the righteous pray for his betrayer , the betrayer is not a little disgraced , and the righteous becommeth muche more notable afterwarde , as did my Brother Ioseph . The guilefull spirite of Beliall hath no power ouer a good mans minde : For the Angell of peace guideth his soule . The properties of a righteous man . He looketh not affectionatly vppon corruptible thinges , ne raketh together riches in the desire of voluptuousnesse . Hee is not delighted with pleasures : Hee greeueth not hys neighbour , hee stuffeth not hymselfe with meate , neither wandreth he in the pryde of hys eyes : for the Lorde is his portion . He taketh no glory for geuyng good counsell , hee passeth not how men dishonoure hym , neither can he skill of anye guile , vntrueth , strife , or slaunderousnes . For the Lorde dwelleth in hym , and inlighteneth hys mynde , and hee reioyceth before all men in a good tyme . A good mynde hath not twoo tongues : one to blesse with , and another to curse with : one to slaunder with , and another to honour with : one of so●row , and an other of ●oy : one of quietnes , & an other of trouble : one of di●●●mulation & an other of truth : one of pouerty , & an other of riches : but it hath one onely disposition pure & vncorrupt towards all . It hath no doble sight nor doble hearyng . For in all thinges that he doth , speaketh or seeth , he knoweth that the Lorde beholdeth his hart , and therfore he clenseth hys mynde that hee may not bee ●ound faultie before God and man . But all the workes of Beliall are double , and vtterly voyde of simplicitie , Wherefore my children , shun the naughtinesse of Beliall , for at the first he delighteth those that obey hym , Disobedience the father of seuen mischiefes . but in the ende he is a sworde , and the Father of seuen mischiefes . For when the mynde hath once conceiued by Beliall , it bringeth forthe , firste enuy , Enuy . secondly desperatnesse Desperation . thirdly sorrowe , Sorrow . fourthly bondage , Bondage . fiftly needinesse , ●●●edines . sixty troublesomnesse , ●rouble . and seuenthly desolation : ●esolation . and for that cause was Cain tormented with seuen punishments by God , for in seuen yeare together God brought euery yeare a new plague vppon Ca●● . 〈◊〉 example of Ca●● . Twoo hundred yeares hee suffered , and in the nine hundreth yeare the earth was made desolate with the floud for hys righteous brother Abels sake . In seuen hundred yeares is Cain iudged , and Lamech in seuentie tymes seuen : for they that are like Cain in spitefulnes and hatred towardes their brethren , shal be punished with the same punishment for euer as he was . You therfore my Children eschew malice , enuy , & hatred towardes your brethren , & cleue to goodness & louingnes . He that hath a minde cleane in loue , looketh not vpon a woman in way of lechery . For he hath no desyling in his hart , because the spirit of the Lord resteth in him . An apt ●●●●litude to a mind resisting sinne . For as the Sunne is not defiled by shyning vpon a puddle or dunghill , but doth rather dry vp and driue away the stinch : euen so a pure mind stryueth agaynst the vncleanesse of the earth , and ouercommeth it , but is not defiled it selfe . And I perceiue by the sayings of the righteous Enoch , that there shal be euill deedes among you . For ye shal defile your selues with the fornication of Sodonie , and perishe all saue a few , and multiply mord●nate lustes in women , and the reigne of the Lord shall not be among you , for he shal take it away sodenly . Neuerthelesse the Lordes temples shal be made in our portion , & it shal be glorious among you . For the Lord himselfe shal take the kingdome vpon him , 〈…〉 Christ . and the twelue tribes shal be gathered together there , and all nations shall ▪ resort thether , vntill the 〈◊〉 highest send his saluation in the visitation of his onely 〈◊〉 . And he shal 〈◊〉 into the first temple , 〈…〉 and there the Lord shall suffer wrong , and he despised and be 〈…〉 vp vpon a peece of timber . 〈…〉 And the veyle of the temple shall be rent 〈◊〉 , and the spirit of the Lord shall come downe vpon the Gentiles poured out as fire . 〈…〉 And rising vp from the grane , he shall ascend from earth to 〈◊〉 . He shall remember how 〈…〉 hath bin vpon earth , 〈…〉 and ●ow glorious he is in heauen . When Ioseph was in Egipt , I longed to see his person , and the form● of his countenaunce . And through the prayers of my Father Iacob I sawe him awake in the daye of his full and perfecte shape . Nowe therefore my Children , knowe ye that I shall dye . Wherefore deale euery of you truely and rightfully with his neighbour , worke ye iustly & faithfully , and kéepe ye the lawe and commaundementes of the Lord : for that do I teach you in stead of al inheritaunce . 〈…〉 And g●ue you the same to your Children for an euerlasting possession . For so dyd Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob : they gaue vs all these thinges for an inheritaunce , saying : kéepe the Lordes commaundementes , til he reueale his sauing health to all nations . A prophsy of to● last comming of Christ. Then shall ye see Enoch , Noe , Sem , Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , rising at his right hande with ioyfulnesse . Then shal we rise also euery of vs to his owne scepter , The resurrection a●d iudgement described . worshipping the king of heauen which appeared on earth in the base shape of man . As many as beleue in him shall reioice with him at that time . And all these shall rise agayne to glorye , and the residue 〈…〉 . And the Lord shall first of all iudge Israel for the vnrighteousnes 〈◊〉 agaynst him , because they beleued not in God y● ▪ came in the 〈◊〉 to deliuer , Then shall he iudge all nations , as many as beleued not in him when he appealed vpon earth , and he shall reproue Israell among the chosen of the Gentiles , as he reproued Esau in the Madianits that seduced his brethren by fornication & Idolatry , who were estraunged from God , and fell away from the inheritance of the Children because they feared not God . But if you walke in holinesse before the Lorde , ye shall dwell in hope againe in me . And all Israell shall be gathered to the Lord and I shall no more be called a 〈◊〉 Wolfe for your robberies sakes , but I shall be called the Lordes workeman , whiche geueth foode to such as doc good . And in my s●ede shal be raysed vp the beloued of the Lorde , 〈…〉 whose voyce shall be heard vpon the earth , and he shall geue ●ewe knowledge , & inlighten all nations with the light of vnderstanding , and shall come vp to saue Israell . 〈…〉 Hee shall take from them as a Wolfe , and geue to 〈…〉 of the Gentiles , and continue in the 〈◊〉 of the Gentiles vnto the 〈…〉 , He shall be amonge their Princes as musicall melodie in the mouthes of al men , and his doinges and sayinges shall be written in holy bookes . He shal be the Lordes dearling for euermore : And as concerning hym , my Father Iacob taught me , saying : He shall amend the defaultes of thy Trybe , 〈…〉 And when he had ended these sayinges , hee c●mmaunded his Children to carye hys bones out of Egipt , and to burye them in Hebron by his Fathers . So Benia●●● dyed a hundred and fiue and twenty yeare olde in a good age , and they put 〈…〉 , and in the foure score 〈…〉 before the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt , they and their Brethren conueyed their Fathers bones priuely agayne into the land of Chanaan , and buryed him in Hebron at the feete of hys Fathers , and returned agayne out of the land of Chanaan , and dwelt in Egipt , till the day of their departure thence all together .

FINIS .

¶ How these Testaments of the twelu● Patriarches , w●re first founde , and by whose meanes they were translated out of Greeke into Latine .

THese Testamentes were hidden and concealed a longe time , so as our teachers and the auncient 〈◊〉 coulde not find● them . Which thing happened through the spitefulnes of the Iewes , who by reason of the most euident manifest , and often prophesies of Christ that are written in them , did hide them a long while . At 〈◊〉 the Greekes being very narrow 〈…〉 out of auncient writinges , ●ought these Testamentes warel● , & got them more 〈◊〉 , & translated than faythfully out of Hebrew into Greeke . Neuerthele●●e , this writing continued yet stil 〈…〉 , because there was not any man to be found , that was skilful both in the Greeke and Latine , nor any interp●●●e● that might procure the translation of this noble work● , vntill the tyme of Robert the second , surnamed Grosthead 〈…〉 Lincolne , who sent diligent searchers as farre as Greece , to fetch him a copie of the sayd wryting without respect of their charges whiche he bare most liberally . Therfore to continue the remembraunce of those most lightsom prophesies to the strengthning of the christian faith , that reuerend Byshop did in the yeare of our lord 1242. translate them plainely and faithfully , worde for worde out of Gréeke into Latin , ( in which two tounges he was counted very skilfull , ) by the helpe of M. Nicholas Greeke , Parson of the Church of Dachet , and 〈…〉 Albons to the intent that by that mea●es the euident prophesies which ▪ shine more brighter than the day light , might the more gloryously come abroad to the greater confusion of the Iewes , and of al heretickes and enemies of the Churche of Christ , to whom ●e praise and glory for euer ,

Amen .

AT LONDON Printed by Iohn Daye , dwellyng ouer Aldersgate .

¶ Cum Gratia & Priuilegio Regne Maiestate● .