work of mercy; for every man shall find according to his works. For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things; and his eyes are upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work of man.

On the fear and love of God.

Ecclesiasticus.

The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life. Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb. She hath built an everlasting founda tion with men, and she shall continue with their seed. To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits. She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase. The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him. Wisdom raineth down skill and know

The

lcdge of understanding, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast. If thou desire wis. dom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee. The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life. He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom. fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency. If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him. The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence. He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the Most High. Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not unto him with a double heart. The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is present, it turneth away wrath. The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of of life and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.

From the same.

Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and

Ye that fear the Lord, reward shall not fail.

go not aside, lest ye fall. believe him; and your Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy. Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction. They that fear the Lord will not disobey his word; and they that love him will keep his ways. They that fear the Lord will seek that which is wellpleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with the law. They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

From the same.

Oh, how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord :

riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help. Among brethren he that is chief is honourable; so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes. The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority but roughness and pride is the losing thereof. Great men, and judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord. Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord. The love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.

From the same.

There is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and there is nothing sweeter than to take heed to the commandments of the Lord. It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life. Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests. Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers. Whoso feareth the Lord will re

ceive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find favour. There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but in temptation even again he will deliver him. The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them. Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope. Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord to whom doth he look? and who is his strength? For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling. He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing. Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy salvation.

Proverbs.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: