The Third book of Maccabees

Books of the Maccabees

Two books written a century before the birth of Jesus, 1 and 2 Maccabees, tell the inspiring story of the Jewish people fighting for the right to worship God. Written during the time between the Old and New Testaments, these books are from a collection call the Apocrypha (meaning "hidden" books). They are not considered part of the Hebrew or Protestant Bibles.

Both books tell about the war that erupted in Israel afar Alexander the Great conquered the Middle East. After Alexander's death in 232 B.C., the Syrian empire grew very powerful, invaded Israel, and began pressuring the Jews to give up their religion and start worshipping Greek gods.

For years most Jews refused. But in 175 B.C. a new Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, decided to force the Jews to obey. He killed 40,000 Jews, enslaved 40,000 others, turned the Jewish Temple into a temple for the Greek god Zeus, and ordered Jews to offer sacrifices to the Greek deities. In retaliation, one man and his five sons, who were nicknamed the Maccabees (meaning "the hammerers"), overthrew the Syrians and ruled Israel themselves until the Romans took over 100 years later.

Chapter 1

1: When Philopator learned from those who returned that the regions which he had controlled had been seized by Antiochus, he gave orders to all his forces, both infantry and cavalry, took with him his sister Arsinoe, and marched out to the region near Raphia, where Antiochus's supporters were encamped.

2: But a certain Theodotus, determined to carry out the plot he had devised, took with him the best of the Ptolemaic arms that had been previously issued to him, and crossed over by night to the tent of Ptolemy, intending single-handed to kill him and thereby end the war.

3: But Dositheus, known as the son of Drimylus, a Jew by birth who later changed his religion and apostatized from the ancestral traditions, had led the king away and arranged that a certain insignificant man should sleep in the tent; and so it turned out that this man incurred the vengeance meant for the king.

4: When a bitter fight resulted, and matters were turning out rather in favor of Antiochus, Arsinoe went to the troops with wailing and tears, her locks all disheveled, and exhorted them to defend themselves and their children and wives bravely, promising to give them each two minas of gold if they won the battle.

5: And so it came about that the enemy was routed in the action, and many captives also were taken.

6: Now that he had foiled the plot, Ptolemy decided to visit the neighboring cities and encourage them.

7: By doing this, and by endowing their sacred enclosures with gifts, he strengthened the morale of his subjects.

8: Since the Jews had sent some of their council and elders to greet him, to bring him gifts of welcome, and to congratulate him on what had happened, he was all the more eager to visit them as soon as possible.

9: After he had arrived in Jerusalem, he offered sacrifice to the supreme God and made thank-offerings and did what was fitting for the holy place. Then, upon entering the place and being impressed by its excellence and its beauty,

10: he marveled at the good order of the temple, and conceived a desire to enter the holy of holies.

11: When they said that this was not permitted, because not even members of their own nation were allowed to enter, nor even all of the priests, but only the high priest who was pre-eminent over all, and he only once a year, the king was by no means persuaded.

12: Even after the law had been read to him, he did not cease to maintain that he ought to enter, saying, "Even if those men are deprived of this honor, I ought not to be."

13: And he inquired why, when he entered every other temple, no one there had stopped him.

14: And someone heedlessly said that it was wrong to take this as a sign in itself.

15: "But since this has happened," the king said, "why should not I at least enter, whether they wish it or not?"

16: Then the priests in all their vestments prostrated themselves and entreated the supreme God to aid in the present situation and to avert the violence of this evil design, and they filled the temple with cries and tears;

17: and those who remained behind in the city were agitated and hurried out, supposing that something mysterious was occurring.

18: The virgins who had been enclosed in their chambers rushed out with their mothers, sprinkled their hair with dust, and filled the streets with groans and lamentations.

19: Those women who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers prepared for wedded union, and, neglecting proper modesty, in a disorderly rush flocked together in the city.

20: Mothers and nurses abandoned even newborn children here and there, some in houses and some in the streets, and without a backward look they crowded together at the most high temple.

21: Various were the supplications of those gathered there because of what the king was profanely plotting.

22: In addition, the bolder of the citizens would not tolerate the completion of his plans or the fulfillment of his intended purpose.

23: They shouted to their fellows to take arms and die courageously for the ancestral law, and created a considerable disturbance in the holy place; and being barely restrained by the old men and the elders, they resorted to the same posture of supplication as the others.

24: Meanwhile the crowd, as before, was engaged in prayer,

25: while the elders near the king tried in various ways to change his arrogant mind from the plan that he had conceived.

26: But he, in his arrogance, took heed of nothing, and began now to approach, determined to bring the aforesaid plan to a conclusion.

27: When those who were around him observed this, they turned, together with our people, to call upon him who has all power to defend them in the present trouble and not to overlook this unlawful and haughty deed.

28: The continuous, vehement, and concerted cry of the crowds resulted in an immense uproar;

29: for it seemed that not only the men but also the walls and the whole earth around echoed, because indeed all at that time preferred death to the profanation of the place.

Chapter 2

1: Then the high priest Simon, facing the sanctuary, bending his knees and extending his hands with calm dignity, prayed as follows:

2: "Lord, Lord, king of the heavens, and sovereign of all creation, holy among the holy ones, the only ruler, almighty, give attention to us who are suffering grievously from an impious and profane man, puffed up in his audacity and power.

3: For you, the creator of all things and the governor of all, are a just Ruler, and you judge those who have done anything in insolence and arrogance.

4: You destroyed those who in the past committed injustice, among whom were even giants who trusted in their strength and boldness, whom you destroyed by bringing upon them a boundless flood.

5: You consumed with fire and sulphur the men of Sodom who acted arrogantly, who were notorious for their vices; and you made them an example to those who should come afterward.

6: You made known your mighty power by inflicting many and varied punishments on the audacious Pharaoh who had enslaved your holy people Israel.

7: And when he pursued them with chariots and a mass of troops, you overwhelmed him in the depths of the sea, but carried through safely those who had put their confidence in you, the Ruler over the whole creation.

8: And when they had seen works of your hands, they praised you, the Almighty.

9: You, O King, when you had created the boundless and immeasurable earth, chose this city and sanctified this place for your name, though you have no need of anything; and when you had glorified it by your magnificent manifestation, you made it a firm foundation for the glory of your great and honored name.

10: And because you love the house of Israel, you promised that if we should have reverses, and tribulation should overtake us, you would listen to our petition when we come to this place and pray.

11: And indeed you are faithful and true.

12: And because oftentimes when our fathers were oppressed you helped them in their humiliation, and rescued them from great evils,

13: see now, O holy King, that because of our many and great sins we are crushed with suffering, subjected to our enemies, and overtaken by helplessness.

14: In our downfall this audacious and profane man undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious name.

15: For your dwelling, the heaven of heavens, is unapproachable by man.

16: But because you graciously bestowed your glory upon your people Israel, you sanctified this place.

17: Do not punish us for the defilement committed by these men, or call us to account for this profanation, lest the transgressors boast in their wrath or exult in the arrogance of their tongue, saying,

18: `We have trampled down the house of the sanctuary as offensive houses are trampled down.'

19: Wipe away our sins and disperse our errors, and reveal your mercy at this hour.

20: Speedily let your mercies overtake us, and put praises in the mouth of those who are downcast and broken in spirit, and give us peace."

21: Thereupon God, who oversees all things, the first Father of all, holy among the holy ones, having heard the lawful supplication, scourged him who had exalted himself in insolence and audacity.

22: He shook him on this side and that as a reed is shaken by the wind, so that he lay helpless on the ground and, besides being paralyzed in his limbs, was unable even to speak, since he was smitten by a righteous judgment.

23: Then both friends and bodyguards, seeing the severe punishment that had overtaken him, and fearing lest he should lose his life, quickly dragged him out, panic-stricken in their exceedingly great fear.

24: After a while he recovered, and though he had been punished, he by no means repented, but went away uttering bitter threats.

25: When he arrived in Egypt, he increased in his deeds of malice, abetted by the previously mentioned drinking companions and comrades, who were strangers to everything just.

26: He was not content with his uncounted licentious deeds, but he also continued with such audacity that he framed evil reports in the various localities; and many of his friends, intently observing the king's purpose, themselves also followed his will.

27: He proposed to inflict public disgrace upon the Jewish community, and he set up a stone on the tower in the courtyard with this inscription:

28: "None of those who do not sacrifice shall enter their sanctuaries, and all Jews shall be subjected to a registration involving poll tax and to the status of slaves. Those who object to this are to be taken by force and put to death;

29: those who are registered are also to be branded on their bodies by fire with the ivy-leaf symbol of Dionysus, and they shall also be reduced to their former limited status."

30: In order that he might not appear to be an enemy to all, he inscribed below: "But if any of them prefer to join those who have been initiated into the mysteries, they shall have equal citizenship with the Alexandrians."

31: Now some, however, with an obvious abhorrence of the price to be exacted for maintaining the religion of their city, readily gave themselves up, since they expected to enhance their reputation by their future association with the king.

32: But the majority acted firmly with a courageous spirit and did not depart from their religion; and by paying money in exchange for life they confidently attempted to save themselves from the registration.

33: They remained resolutely hopeful of obtaining help, and they abhorred those who separated themselves from them, considering them to be enemies of the Jewish nation, and depriving them of common fellowship and mutual help.

Chapter 3

1: When the impious king comprehended this situation, he became so infuriated that not only was he enraged against those Jews who lived in Alexandria, but was still more bitterly hostile toward those in the countryside; and he ordered that all should promptly be gathered into one place, and put to death by the most cruel means.

2: While these matters were being arranged, a hostile rumor was circulated against the Jewish nation by men who conspired to do them ill, a pretext being given by a report that they hindered others from the observance of their customs.

3: The Jews, however, continued to maintain good will and unswerving loyalty toward the dynasty;

4: but because they worshiped God and conducted themselves by his law, they kept their separateness with respect to foods. For this reason they appeared hateful to some;

5: but since they adorned their style of life with the good deeds of upright people, they were established in good repute among all men.

6: Nevertheless those of other races paid no heed to their good service to their nation, which was common talk among all;

7: instead they gossiped about the differences in worship and foods, alleging that these people were loyal neither to the king nor to his authorities, but were hostile and greatly opposed to his government. So they attached no ordinary reproach to them.

8: The Greeks in the city, though wronged in no way, when they saw an unexpected tumult around these people and the crowds that suddenly were forming, were not strong enough to help them, for they lived under tyranny. They did try to console them, being grieved at the situation, and expected that matters would change;

9: for such a great community ought not be left to its fate when it had committed no offense.

10: And already some of their neighbors and friends and business associates had taken some of them aside privately and were pledging to protect them and to exert more earnest efforts for their assistance.

11: Then the king, boastful of his present good fortune, and not considering the might of the supreme God, but assuming that he would persevere constantly in his same purpose, wrote this letter against them:

12: "King Ptolemy Philopator to his generals and soldiers in Egypt and all its districts, greetings and good health.

13: I myself and our government are faring well.

14: When our expedition took place in Asia, as you yourselves know, it was brought to conclusion, according to plan, by the gods' deliberate alliance with us in battle,

15: and we considered that we should not rule the nations inhabiting Coele-Syria and Phoenicia by the power of the spear but should cherish them with clemency and great benevolence, gladly treating them well.

16: And when we had granted very great revenues to the temples in the cities, we came on to Jerusalem also, and went up to honor the temple of those wicked people, who never cease from their folly.

17: They accepted our presence by word, but insincerely by deed, because when we proposed to enter their inner temple and honor it with magnificent and most beautiful offerings,

18: they were carried away by their traditional conceit, and excluded us from entering; but they were spared the exercise of our power because of the benevolence which we have toward all.

19: By maintaining their manifest ill-will toward us, they become the only people among all nations who hold their heads high in defiance of kings and their own benefactors, and are unwilling to regard any action as sincere.

20: "But we, when we arrived in Egypt victorious, accommodated ourselves to their folly and did as was proper, since we treat all nations with benevolence.

21: Among other things, we made known to all our amnesty toward their compatriots here, both because of their alliance with us and the myriad affairs liberally entrusted to them from the beginning; and we ventured to make a change, by deciding both to deem them worthy of Alexandrian citizenship and to make them participants in our regular religious rites.

22: But in their innate malice they took this in a contrary spirit, and disdained what is good. Since they incline constantly to evil,

23: they not only spurn the priceless citizenship, but also both by speech and by silence they abominate those few among them who are sincerely disposed toward us; in every situation, in accordance with their infamous way of life, they secretly suspect that we may soon alter our policy.

24: Therefore, fully convinced by these indications that they are ill-disposed toward us in every way, we have taken precautions lest, if a sudden disorder should later arise against us, we should have these impious people behind our backs as traitors and barbarous enemies.

25: Therefore we have given orders that, as soon as this letter shall arrive, you are to send to us those who live among you, together with their wives and children, with insulting and harsh treatment, and bound securely with iron fetters, to suffer the sure and shameful death that befits enemies.

26: For when these all have been punished, we are sure that for the remaining time the government will be established for ourselves in good order and in the best state.

27: But whoever shelters any of the Jews, old people or children or even infants, will be tortured to death with the most hateful torments, together with his family.

28: Any one willing to give information will receive the property of the one who incurs the punishment, and also two thousand drachmas from the royal treasury, and will be awarded his freedom.

29: Every place detected sheltering a Jew is to be made unapproachable and burned with fire, and shall become useless for all time to any mortal creature."
30: The letter was written in the above form.

Chapter 4

1: In every place, then, where this decree arrived, a feast at public expense was arranged for the Gentiles with shouts and gladness, for the inveterate enmity which had long ago been in their minds was now made evident and outspoken.

2: But among the Jews there was incessant mourning, lamentation, and tearful cries; everywhere their hearts were burning, and they groaned because of the unexpected destruction that had suddenly been decreed for them.

3: What district or city, or what habitable place at all, or what streets were not filled with mourning and wailing for them?

4: For with such a harsh and ruthless spirit were they being sent off, all together, by the generals in the several cities, that at the sight of their unusual punishments, even some of their enemies, perceiving the common object of pity before their eyes, reflected upon the uncertainty of life and shed tears at the most miserable expulsion of these people.

5: For a multitude of gray-headed old men, sluggish and bent with age, was being led away, forced to march at a swift pace by the violence with which they were driven in such a shameful manner.

6: And young women who had just entered the bridal chamber to share married life exchanged joy for wailing, their myrrh-perfumed hair sprinkled with ashes, and were carried away unveiled, all together raising a lament instead of a wedding song, as they were torn by the harsh treatment of the heathen.

7: In bonds and in public view they were violently dragged along as far as the place of embarkation.

8: Their husbands, in the prime of youth, their necks encircled with ropes instead of garlands, spent the remaining days of their marriage festival in lamentations instead of good cheer and youthful revelry, seeing death immediately before them.

9: They were brought on board like wild animals, driven under the constraint of iron bonds; some were fastened by the neck to the benches of the boats, others had their feet secured by unbreakable fetters,

10: and in addition they were confined under a solid deck, so that with their eyes in total darkness, they should undergo treatment befitting traitors during the whole voyage.

11: When these men had been brought to the place called Schedia, and the voyage was concluded as the king had decreed, he commanded that they should be enclosed in the hippodrome which had been built with a monstrous perimeter wall in front of the city, and which was well suited to make them an obvious spectacle to all coming back into the city and to those from the city going out into the country, so that they could neither communicate with the king's forces nor in any way claim to be inside the circuit of the city.

12: And when this had happened, the king, hearing that the Jews' compatriots from the city frequently went out in secret to lament bitterly the ignoble misfortune of their brothers,

13: ordered in his rage that these men be dealt with in precisely the same fashion as the others, not omitting any detail of their punishment.

14: The entire race was to be registered individually, not for the hard labor that has been briefly mentioned before, but to be tortured with the outrages that he had ordered, and at the end to be destroyed in the space of a single day.

15: The registration of these people was therefore conducted with bitter haste and zealous intentness from the rising of the sun till its setting, and though uncompleted it stopped after forty days.

16: The king was greatly and continually filled with joy, organizing feasts in honor of all his idols, with a mind alienated from truth and with a profane mouth, praising speechless things that are not able even to communicate or to come to one's help, and uttering improper words against the supreme God.

17: But after the previously mentioned interval of time the scribes declared to the king that they were no longer able to take the census of the Jews because of their innumerable multitude,

18: although most of them were still in the country, some still residing in their homes, and some at the place; the task was impossible for all the generals in Egypt.

19: After he had threatened them severely, charging that they had been bribed to contrive a means of escape, he was clearly convinced about the matter

20: when they said and proved that both the paper and the pens they used for writing had already given out.

21: But this was an act of the invincible providence of him who was aiding the Jews from heaven.

Chapter 5

1: Then the king, completely inflexible, was filled with overpowering anger and wrath; so he summoned Hermon, keeper of the elephants,

2: and ordered him on the following day to drug all the elephants -- five hundred in number -- with large handfuls of frankincense and plenty of unmixed wine, and to drive them in, maddened by the lavish abundance of liquor, so that the Jews might meet their doom.

3: When he had given these orders he returned to his feasting, together with those of his friends and of the army who were especially hostile toward the Jews.

4: And Hermon, keeper of the elephants, proceeded faithfully to carry out the orders.

5: The servants in charge of the Jews went out in the evening and bound the hands of the wretched people and arranged for their continued custody through the night, convinced that the whole nation would experience its final destruction.

6: For to the Gentiles it appeared that the Jews were left without any aid,

7: because in their bonds they were forcibly confined on every side. But with tears and a voice hard to silence they all called upon the Almighty Lord and Ruler of all power, their merciful God and Father, praying

8: that he avert with vengeance the evil plot against them and in a glorious manifestation rescue them from the fate now prepared for them.
9: So their entreaty ascended fervently to heaven.

10: Hermon, however, when he had drugged the pitiless elephants until they had been filled with a great abundance of wine and satiated with frankincense, presented himself at the courtyard early in the morning to report to the king about these preparations.

11: But the Lord sent upon the king a portion of sleep, that beneficence which from the beginning, night and day, is bestowed by him who grants it to whomever he wishes.

12: And by the action of the Lord he was overcome by so pleasant and deep a sleep that he quite failed in his lawless purpose and was completely frustrated in his inflexible plan.

13: Then the Jews, since they had escaped the appointed hour, praised their holy God and again begged him who is easily reconciled to show the might of his all-powerful hand to the arrogant Gentiles.

14: But now, since it was nearly the middle of the tenth hour, the person who was in charge of the invitations, seeing that the guests were assembled, approached the king and nudged him.

15: And when he had with difficulty roused him, he pointed out that the hour of the banquet was already slipping by, and he gave him an account of the situation.

16: The king, after considering this, returned to his drinking, and ordered those present for the banquet to recline opposite him.

17: When this was done he urged them to give themselves over to revelry and to make the present portion of the banquet joyful by celebrating all the more.

18: After the party had been going on for some time, the king summoned Hermon and with sharp threats demanded to know why the Jews had been allowed to remain alive through the present day.

19: But when he, with the corroboration of his friends, pointed out that while it was still night he had carried out completely the order given him,

20: the king, possessed by a savagery worse than that of Phalaris, said that the Jews were benefited by today's sleep, "but," he added, "tomorrow without delay prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the lawless Jews!"

21: When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and each departed to his own home.

22: But they did not so much employ the duration of the night in sleep as in devising all sorts of insults for those they thought to be doomed.

23: Then, as soon as the cock had crowed in the early morning, Hermon, having equipped the beasts, began to move them along in the great colonnade.

24: The crowds of the city had been assembled for this most pitiful spectacle and they were eagerly waiting for daybreak.

25: But the Jews, at their last gasp, since the time had run out, stretched their hands toward heaven and with most tearful supplication and mournful dirges implored the supreme God to help them again at once.

26: The rays of the sun were not yet shed abroad, and while the king was receiving his friends, Hermon arrived and invited him to come out, indicating that what the king desired was ready for action.

27: But he, upon receiving the report and being struck by the unusual invitation to come out -- since he had been completely overcome by incomprehension -- inquired what the matter was for which this had been so zealously completed for him.

28: This was the act of God who rules over all things, for he had implanted in the king's mind a forgetfulness of the things he had previously devised.

29: Then Hermon and all the king's friends pointed out that the beasts and the armed forces were ready, "O king, according to your eager purpose."

30: But at these words he was filled with an overpowering wrath, because by the providence of God his whole mind had been deranged in regard to these matters; and with a threatening look he said,

31: "Were your parents or children present, I would have prepared them to be a rich feast for the savage beasts instead of the Jews, who give me no ground for complaint and have exhibited to an extraordinary degree a full and firm loyalty to my ancestors.

32: In fact you would have been deprived of life instead of these, were it not for an affection arising from our nurture in common and your usefulness."

33: So Hermon suffered an unexpected and dangerous threat, and his eyes wavered and his face fell.

34: The king's friends one by one sullenly slipped away and dismissed the assembled people, each to his own occupation.

35: Then the Jews, upon hearing what the king had said, praised the manifest Lord God, King of kings, since this also was his aid which they had received.

36: The king, however, reconvened the party in the same manner and urged the guests to return to their celebrating.

37: After summoning Hermon he said in a threatening tone, "How many times, you poor wretch, must I give you orders about these things?

38: Equip the elephants now once more for the destruction of the Jews tomorrow!"

39: But the officials who were at table with him, wondering at his instability of mind, remonstrated as follows:

40: "O king, how long will you try us, as though we are idiots, ordering now for a third time that they be destroyed, and again revoking your decree in the matter?

41: As a result the city is in a tumult because of its expectation; it is crowded with masses of people, and also in constant danger of being plundered."

42: Upon this the king, a Phalaris in everything and filled with madness, took no account of the changes of mind which had come about within him for the protection of the Jews, and he firmly swore an irrevocable oath that he would send them to death without delay, mangled by the knees and feet of the beasts,

43: and would also march against Judea and rapidly level it to the ground with fire and spear, and by burning to the ground the temple inaccessible to him would quickly render it forever empty of those who offered sacrifices there.

44: Then the friends and officers departed with great joy, and they confidently posted the armed forces at the places in the city most favorable for keeping guard.

45: Now when the beasts had been brought virtually to a state of madness, so to speak, by the very fragrant draughts of wine mixed with frankincense and had been equipped with frightful devices, the elephant keeper

46: entered at about dawn into the courtyard -- the city now being filled with countless masses of people crowding their way into the hippodrome -- and urged the king on to the matter at hand.

47: So he, when he had filled his impious mind with a deep rage, rushed out in full force along with the beasts, wishing to witness, with invulnerable heart and with his own eyes, the grievous and pitiful destruction of the aforementioned people.

48: And when the Jews saw the dust raised by the elephants going out at the gate and by the following armed forces, as well as by the trampling of the crowd, and heard the loud and tumultuous noise,

49: they thought that this was their last moment of life, the end of their most miserable suspense, and giving way to lamentation and groans they kissed each other, embracing relatives and falling into one another's arms -- parents and children, mothers and daughters, and others with babies at their breasts who were drawing their last milk.

50: Not only this, but when they considered the help which they had received before from heaven they prostrated themselves with one accord on the ground, removing the babies from their breasts,

51: and cried out in a very loud voice, imploring the Ruler over every power to manifest himself and be merciful to them, as they stood now at the gates of death.

Chapter 6

1: Then a certain Eleazar, famous among the priests of the country, who had attained a ripe old age and throughout his life had been adorned with every virtue, directed the elders around him to cease calling upon the holy God and prayed as follows:

2: "King of great power, Almighty God Most High, governing all creation with mercy,

3: look upon the descendants of Abraham, O Father, upon the children of the sainted Jacob, a people of your consecrated portion who are perishing as foreigners in a foreign land.

4: Pharaoh with his abundance of chariots, the former ruler of this Egypt, exalted with lawless insolence and boastful tongue, you destroyed together with his arrogant army by drowning them in the sea, manifesting the light of your mercy upon the nation of Israel.

5: Sennacherib exulting in his countless forces, oppressive king of the Assyrians, who had already gained control of the whole world by the spear and was lifted up against your holy city, speaking grievous words with boasting and insolence, you, O Lord, broke in pieces, showing your power to many nations.

6: The three companions in Babylon who had voluntarily surrendered their lives to the flames so as not to serve vain things, you rescued unharmed, even to a hair, moistening the fiery furnace with dew and turning the flame against all their enemies.

7: Daniel, who through envious slanders was cast down into the ground to lions as food for wild beasts, you brought up to the light unharmed.

8: And Jonah, wasting away in the belly of a huge, sea-born monster, you, Father, watched over and restored unharmed to all his family.

9: And now, you who hate insolence, all-merciful and protector of all, reveal yourself quickly to those of the nation of Israel -- who are being outrageously treated by the abominable and lawless Gentiles.

10: Even if our lives have become entangled in impieties in our exile, rescue us from the hand of the enemy, and destroy us, Lord, by whatever fate you choose.

11: Let not the vain-minded praise their vanities at the destruction of your beloved people, saying, `Not even their god has rescued them.'

12: But you, O Eternal One, who have all might and all power, watch over us now and have mercy upon us who by the senseless insolence of the lawless are being deprived of life in the manner of traitors.

13: And let the Gentiles cower today in fear of your invincible might, O honored One, who have power to save the nation of Jacob.

14: The whole throng of infants and their parents entreat you with tears.

15: Let it be shown to all the Gentiles that you are with us, O Lord, and have not turned your face from us; but just as you have said, `Not even when they were in the land of their enemies did I neglect them,' so accomplish it, O Lord."

16: Just as Eleazar was ending his prayer, the king arrived at the hippodrome with the beasts and all the arrogance of his forces.

17: And when the Jews observed this they raised great cries to heaven so that even the nearby valleys resounded with them and brought an uncontrollable terror upon the army.

18: Then the most glorious, almighty, and true God revealed his holy face and opened the heavenly gates, from which two glorious angels of fearful aspect descended, visible to all but the Jews.

19: They opposed the forces of the enemy and filled them with confusion and terror, binding them with immovable shackles.

20: Even the king began to shudder bodily, and he forgot his sullen insolence.

21: The beasts turned back upon the armed forces following them and began trampling and destroying them.

22: Then the king's anger was turned to pity and tears because of the things that he had devised beforehand.

23: For when he heard the shouting and saw them all fallen headlong to destruction, he wept and angrily threatened his friends, saying,

24: "You are committing treason and surpassing tyrants in cruelty; and even me, your benefactor, you are now attempting to deprive of dominion and life by secretly devising acts of no advantage to the kingdom.

25: Who is it that has taken each man from his home and senselessly gathered here those who faithfully have held the fortresses of our country?

26: Who is it that has so lawlessly encompassed with outrageous treatment those who from the beginning differed from all nations in their goodwill toward us and often have accepted willingly the worst of human dangers?

27: Loose and untie their unjust bonds! Send them back to their homes in peace, begging pardon for your former actions!

28: Release the sons of the almighty and living God of heaven, who from the time of our ancestors until now has granted an unimpeded and notable stability to our government."

29: These then were the things he said; and the Jews, immediately released, praised their holy God and Savior, since they now had escaped death.

30: Then the king, when he had returned to the city, summoned the official in charge of the revenues and ordered him to provide to the Jews both wines and everything else needed for a festival of seven days, deciding that they should celebrate their rescue with all joyfulness in that same place in which they had expected to meet their destruction.

31: Accordingly those disgracefully treated and near to death, or rather, who stood at its gates, arranged for a banquet of deliverance instead of a bitter and lamentable death, and full of joy they apportioned to celebrants the place which had been prepared for their destruction and burial.

32: They ceased their chanting of dirges and took up the song of their fathers, praising God, their Savior and worker of wonders. Putting an end to all mourning and wailing, they formed choruses as a sign of peaceful joy.

33: Likewise also the king, after convening a great banquet to celebrate these events, gave thanks to heaven unceasingly and lavishly for the unexpected rescue which he had experienced.

34: And those who had previously believed that the Jews would be destroyed and become food for birds, and had joyfully registered them, groaned as they themselves were overcome by disgrace, and their fire-breathing boldness was ignominiously quenched.

35: But the Jews, when they had arranged the aforementioned choral group, as we have said before, passed the time in feasting to the accompaniment of joyous thanksgiving and psalms.

36: And when they had ordained a public rite for these things in their whole community and for their descendants, they instituted the observance of the aforesaid days as a festival, not for drinking and gluttony, but because of the deliverance that had come to them through God.

37: Then they petitioned the king, asking for dismissal to their homes.

38: So their registration was carried out from the twenty-fifth of Pachon to the fourth of Epeiph, for forty days; and their destruction was set for the fifth to the seventh of Epeiph, the three days

39: on which the Lord of all most gloriously revealed his mercy and rescued them all together and unharmed.

40: Then they feasted, provided with everything by the king, until the fourteenth day, on which also they made the petition for their dismissal.

41: The king granted their request at once and wrote the following letter for them to the generals in the cities, magnanimously expressing his concern:

Chapter 7

1: "King Ptolemy Philopator to the generals in Egypt and all in authority in his government, greetings and good health.

2: We ourselves and our children are faring well, the great God guiding our affairs according to our desire.

3: Certain of our friends, frequently urging us with malicious intent, persuaded us to gather together the Jews of the kingdom in a body and to punish them with barbarous penalties as traitors;

4: for they declared that our government would never be firmly established until this was accomplished, because of the ill-will which these people had toward all nations.

5: They also led them out with harsh treatment as slaves, or rather as traitors, and, girding themselves with a cruelty more savage than that of Scythian custom, they tried without any inquiry or examination to put them to death.

6: But we very severely threatened them for these acts, and in accordance with the clemency which we have toward all men we barely spared their lives. Since we have come to realize that the God of heaven surely defends the Jews, always taking their part as a father does for his children,

7: and since we have taken into account the friendly and firm goodwill which they had toward us and our ancestors, we justly have acquitted them of every charge of whatever kind.

8: We also have ordered each and every one to return to his own home, with no one in any place doing them harm at all or reproaching them for the irrational things that have happened.

9: For you should know that if we devise any evil against them or cause them any grief at all, we always shall have not man but the Ruler over every power, the Most High God, in everything and inescapably as an antagonist to avenge such acts. Farewell."

10: Upon receiving this letter the Jews did not immediately hurry to make their departure, but they requested of the king that at their own hands those of the Jewish nation who had willfully transgressed against the holy God and the law of God should receive the punishment they deserved.

11: For they declared that those who for the belly's sake had transgressed the divine commandments would never be favorably disposed toward the king's government.

12: The king then, admitting and approving the truth of what they said, granted them a general license so that freely and without royal authority or supervision they might destroy those everywhere in his kingdom who had transgressed the law of God.

13: When they had applauded him in fitting manner, their priests and the whole multitude shouted the Hallelujah and joyfully departed.

14: And so on their way they punished and put to a public and shameful death any whom they met of their fellow-countrymen who had become defiled.

15: In that day they put to death more than three hundred men; and they kept the day as a joyful festival, since they had destroyed the profaners.

16: But those who had held fast to God even to death and had received the full enjoyment of deliverance began their departure from the city, crowned with all sorts of very fragrant flowers, joyfully and loudly giving thanks to the one God of their fathers, the eternal Savior of Israel, in words of praise and all kinds of melodious songs.

17: When they had arrived at Ptolemais, called "rose-bearing" because of a characteristic of the place, the fleet waited for them, in accord with the common desire, for seven days.

18: There they celebrated their deliverance, for the king had generously provided all things to them for their journey, to each as far as his own house.

19: And when they had landed in peace with appropriate thanksgiving, there too in like manner they decided to observe these days as a joyous festival during the time of their stay.

20: Then, after inscribing them as holy on a pillar and dedicating a place of prayer at the site of the festival, they departed unharmed, free, and overjoyed, since at the king's command they had been brought safely by land and sea and river each to his own place.

21: They also possessed greater prestige among their enemies, being held in honor and awe; and they were not subject at all to confiscation of their belongings by any one.

22: Besides they all recovered all of their property, in accordance with the registration, so that those who held any restored it to them with extreme fear. So the supreme God perfectly performed great deeds for their deliverance.

23: Blessed be the Deliverer of Israel through all times! Amen.

Book of The Generations of Adam

The Book of the Generations of Adam was the Book of Remembrance commenced by Adam subsequent to the expulsion from the Garden. In it he recorded his experiences in the fallen world for the benefit of his posterity. This book is referred to by Moses in his recounting of the history of the first ages of the world. Sometime subsequent to the compilation of Moses' history, the Book of Generations was lost from among men, but it was preserved in the mind of God, the Holy Spirit, until the last dispensation when it is being brought forth for the edification of those who are attempting to recreate at the end of time that Holy Order which existed among our First Parents.

see also:

Gn:5:1: This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;

CHAPTER 1

1. IN the day that the Eloheim created man, in the likeness of the Eloheim made He him, in the image of His own body, male and female, created He them and blessed them and called their name Adam, which being interpreted is, first blood or the first man having blood in his veins; and thus were they called Adam in the day when they were created and became living souls in the land, upon the footstool of the Eloheim.

2. Behold, it is I, Adam, who write this record, for thus did the Lord command me, that there should be a book of remembrance kept among my people, even from generation to generation, in which we should record those things which transpire among us and the mighty works which the Eloheim should perform in our behalf.

3. I and my people have come out form a land of great plenty, a land of beauty and peace, where the Lord God had placed us. There, in a garden of delights, we received every good thing from the hands of our Eloheim, who required only that we dress the garden and that we refrain from partaking of the fruit of the tree which was in the midst of the garden, lest we die. Of death we knew nothing, but we understood that if we partook, we would be cast our of the garden and cut off from the presence of the Eloheim. Nevertheless, there was in the garden an evil one, one of the satans, who sought our destruction, that we might be miserable like unto himself. In process of time, he led the women, beguiling them until they partook of the fruit of the forbidden tree. Upon learning this, we counseled together, knowing that with the coming of the Eloheim, the women would be cast out of the garden and our purpose in coming here would be frustrated. After much consultation, it was agreed that we should all partake of the fruit, that together we might undergo that which awaited our little colony. We partook and feeling for the first time the shame of our nakedness, we made aprons of fig leaves which we tied about our loins, for the Light of the Eloheim had departed from us and we were left exposed in the midst of the garden of Jehovah.

4. When the Eloheim entered the garden, it seemed as though the brightness of their coming would consume everything; in fear we hid among the trees, but the Eloheim called us forth to face the consequences of our transgression. The Satan was cursed to crawl upon his belly, eating dust all the days of his life. To our horror, as we watched, his arms and legs withered away and upon his belly he crawled from our presence. The women were placed under sorrow--their priesthood was taken from them and they were subjected to their husbands for the means of salvation. Nevertheless, they were promised joy in begetting children and eventual redemption to their former glory. The men, too, were placed under sorrow where we were commanded to till the ground, which would no more yield to us freely as had the garden, until we died, for surely death is the fruit of breaking the commandments of the Eloheim.

5. Before we were cast forth from the garden, the Eloheim taught us many sacred things, that we might be prepared as masons to build up a Zion to the Eloheim in the midst of this world of Sorrow. The Lord Jehovah gave unto us, also, coats of skins which we were to wear as long as we remained in this world of wickedness and sin. Thus attired, we were driven from the garden while cherubim and a flaming sword were placed to prevent our reentry until we had justified our Fall to mortality. In the midst of the garden, said the Eloheim, stood a tree which would overcome the powers of death, but we could not partake of it until we had proven ourselves faithful to the commission of the Eloheim.

CHAPTER 2

1. LEAVING the garden, we traveled as we were led until we arrived at a plain which we called Olaha Shinehah, because here we hoped to find again the Light which we had lost. Here we began to build homes and a community unto our God and here I built an altar upon which to offer sacrifices unto the Most High. Nevertheless, we did not understand the meaning of these sacrifices, but we did all things according to the directions which we had received in the garden and we were obedient unto Jehovah in all things, even as He had commanded us.

2. Being led by the Spirit of the Eloheim, I ascended also a mountain which rose beside the plain of Olaha Shinehah from which I could overlook all the regions round about and I blessed the land, dedicating it unto Jehovah, and I called the land Cainan because Jehovah had given it to us.

3. Upon this mountain, which we called Ramiah, I discovered a cave of many rooms. Here I placed the sacred things which we had brought out of the garden--an apron of fig leaves, a branch from a tree whose blossoms never withered and a stone of many colors which radiated Light in the darkness. these I placed in a stone box, which we called the Testimony, and above it we carved representations of the cherubim which guard the entrance to the garden. The cave we called the Cave of Treasures, and here we resorted often to commune with Jehovah and to reenact those sacred rites which the Eloheim had taught us in the garden.

CHAPTER 3

1. THUS did our lives progress from day to day as we tilled the ground, built homes, made clothing and other implements for our comfort and pleasure, and learned to live in this new world to which Jehovah had led us.

2. After many days, when we were at the altar, offering up a lamb according to the pattern which had been shown us, an angel of Jehovah appeared unto me saying, Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto Jehovah? To this question I replied, I know not, save Jehovah commanded me. then the angel spake unto me saying, This sacrifice is in the similitude of the Only Begotten of the Father who is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the son and thou shalt repent and call upon the Eloheim in the name of the son for evermore.

3. Then the Spirit of Jehovah fell upon me, saying, I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever. Behold, even as thou hast fallen, thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will, may be brought into my presence through the power of mine atonement, for surely I shall walk upon the earth in the flesh, and give my life as a ransom for all who will come unto me.

4. The did my soul rise up within me, and I blessed that God who gave me life, calling upon Him in the name of His Only Begotten. And the Spirit of Jehovah was in me so that I stood forth and prophesied concerning that which should befall my posterity unto the latest generation. Yea, goo and evil were laid out before me, so that I saw the come upon the earth, and I saw also the redemption of all men and the final consumption when darkness will be swept away forever. And I was led to cry out in the Spirit of Jehovah, Behold, now I know that this same priesthood and Order which are in the beginning of the world shall be in the end of the world also. For I have seen the Holy Order of the Eloheim upon the earth in the end of time when the remnant shall come forth to bear off the kingdom. Yea, Zion have I seen spreading abroad her dominion among the pure in heart, that the heavens and the earth might be one again. Then will the sons of men enter again the garden of delights; they will bathe in the Eternal Sea and they will dwell in the presence of the Eloheim. Then will all things become one, for the divisions between heaven and earth will cease and the Christ will reign upon the earth for a thousand years. I saw also that the earth should be redeemed and should enter into rest and, feeling within myself the power of that redemption, I cried out, saying, Blessed be the name of our God, for because of our transgression, our eyes are opened, and in this life we shall know the joy of our redemption, for in the flesh we shall see and know the Eloheim.

5. Then Eve, also, seeing and hearing what was done, being filled with the Spirit of gladness, exclaimed, Were it not for our transgression, we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil nor the joy of our redemption nor the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.

6. Hearing these words, the entire congregation arose as one man and burst forth in blessing the name of the Eloheim, singing and shouting praises unto the Name of Names. Then the voice of the Eloheim came unto me saying, Behold, I am Jehovah thine Eloheim. I made the word and created the spirits of all men before the world was formed. Yea, I am the Lord of spirits, the Ruler over all who will come upon the earth. Behold, Adam, if thou wilt turn unto me, hearken unto my voice. Believe on my name and upon the name of mine Only Begotten. Repent of all thy transgressions and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, and thou shalt receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Even so will I give this gift unto everyone who cometh unto me and obeyeth mine ordinances. And if thou wilt let this gift grow in thee, the day will come when thou shalt ask all things in His name, and whatsoever thou shalt ask, it shall be given thee. This promise, also, I give through thee unto all who will abide the conditions thereof.

7. Then I ventured to speak, even unto Jehovah, saying, Why is it that men must repent and baptized in water?

8. And the word of Jehovah came unto me saying, Behold, I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the garden of Eden. Nevertheless, inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin, even so, when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter that they may know to prize the good. And it is given unto them to know food from evil, whereby they are made agents unto themselves. Behold, I gave unto you laws when I placed you in the garden, but ye transgressed those holy commandments and for so doing have been cast out. Nevertheless, I have given unto you another law and commandment, even at this time; wherefore, teach it unto your children that all men everywhere must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can enter into His kingdom, neither can an unclean man dwell in His presence. Behold, is not Man of Holiness my name? And mine Only Begotten, even he is the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, the Righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time to save all those who will believe on His name, keep His commandments and receive His ordinances within themselves. Therefore do I give unto you a commandment to teach these things freely unto your children, showing them that as the Fall hath come upon you by reason of your transgression, so doth every man fall within himself through failure to keep the holy commandments. Even so, as death hath come into the world through your Fall, in the like manner doth every man perpetuate that spiritual death through his own transgressions. Therefore, inasmuch as ye are born into the world of water and blood and the spirit which I have made, and so become of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven by water and the Spirit, being cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten, that ye, being sanctified from all sin, may enjoy the words of eternal life in this world and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory. Yea, by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified. Therefore, it is given to abide in you, even the record of heaven which is the Comforter which testifieth of the peaceable things of immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which quickeneth all things, sustaineth them in life, for the Comforter knoweth all things and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. And now, behold, I say unto thee, This is the plan of salvation unto all men through the blood of mine Only Begotten who shall come in the meridian of time. and behold, all things have their likeness and all things are created or made to bear record of me, both things which are spiritual, things which are in the heavens above, things which are on the earth, things which are in the earth and things which are under the earth. Yea, all things, both above and beneath, bear record of me and call upon men to repent and come unto me, their Creator, that they may be saved.

9. Then I cried out unto Jehovah in the ecstasies of my soul, and being filled with Light, I led my people to the water's edge where we knelt in prayer unto the Eloheim. Many hours we prayed and praised the Eloheim in song and dance and ecstatic utterances until the Light which surrounded us burst into flame and a glorious being stood before us, clothed in Light, who uttered eternal words which filled our souls with power. Calling me by name, he led me into the water, but the water was to me a sea of Light in which I was immersed into unity with the Son of the Most High and, as I came forth from the water, cloven tongues of fire fell upon me and I was filled with the Light of Eternity. I felt the presence of the Eloheim and I knew that I was returning to that holy state whence I had fallen. In ecstasy, I called forth the others, who one by one entered the water to receive the blessings. All that day and all the night, we rejoiced in the Light, for it was all day to us as we were in the presence of the Eloheim where darkness never cometh. And when we returned to our homes, we ceased not to call upon Jehovah and to offer up our praises for the Light and the newness of Life which had entered into us.

CHAPTER 4

1. EIGHT times since our leaving the garden had the moon become new, when a son was born unto my wife Lilith. We all rejoiced at this appearing and on the eighth day when I dedicated him unto Jehovah, I called him Cain, For, said I, we have gotten a man from Jehovah. nevertheless, the countenance of my son Cain was not like unto ours, for he seemed to have the mark of the satans upon him, although this was not clearly visible to the outward eye. But I rejoiced in my son and sought to raise him up unto Jehovah.

2. Other sons and daughters also bean to be born unto us, and soon the laughter and cries of children filled our community. As our children grew, however, we saw in them the signs of sin. This was a great sorrow unto us, for our nature was to do good. Wherefore, taking Eve, my wife, I ascended to the Cave of Treasures, where we worshipped before Jehovah, calling upon His holy name, and even the Names of Names, that He should reveal Himself unto us.

3. And Jehovah spake unto me saying, Inasmuch as your children are conceived in sin, even so doth sin conceive in their hearts, and they shall know the bitter that they may know to prize the sweet. Nevertheless, if they will receive me, even Jesus Christ, as their Savior, they will be born again, even as thou, that they may be filled with Light. Behold, Adam, for this purpose didst thou come forth from the garden, that thou mightest raise up a righteous posterity, an holy seed unto my name. Then did Eve rejoice and was led again to exclaim, Were it not for our transgression, we never should have known the joy of redemption. And we rejoiced together before the Lord.

CHAPTER 5

1. FOUR years after the birth of Cain, a son was born unto my Eve, a son whom we named Abel, for, said I, We see in our children the transitoriness of life and the power of sin and depravity. Nevertheless, this son Abel was a source of joy unto us, for he was filled with the Love of the Eloheim and true to the dedication wherewith we did consecrate him unto Jehovah. After eight years, he was baptized and entered into the covenant, in which thing we did rejoice, for we knew that even in his youth he had been born of the Eloheim. From that time, the gifts of the Spirit were manifested in him and he did begin to minister in the power of the word unto his brethren and sisters. Nevertheless, many of them rejected his words and they did revile him, laughing him to scorn. But Abel went on in the integrity of his soul, bearing witness to the truth, and gathering into the Church of the Anointed all those who would receive the word of the Eloheim, repent of their sins, and come unto the Fathers to be baptized, that their sins might be remitted by the power of the blood of Christ, for as yet none of our children had received the holy priesthood.

2. But when Abel had reached the age of twelve years, he was received into the Holy Order of the Eloheim, and at the age of fourteen, the priesthood of Elias was conferred upon hi, that he might begin to serve the people in the authority of the Most High. Two years later, he was ordained a priest and began to assist at the sacrifices.

3. From his childhood, Abel spent much time with the animals which had become attached to our community. He was gifted in working with them, understanding and caring for their needs, for he could communicate with them better than the remainder of the people whose ears had been closed to the tongue of the animals when we had left the garden. In Abel, however, this gift remained to a great degree; even the wild beasts of the field who feared us, loved Abel and would frolic with him when he was alone. Often we marveled at this evidence that the Light of the Creator had not completely departed from us and our children.

4. Abel continued to grow from grace to grace; he was a joy to all of us who had come out from the garden, and others of our children began to follow his example, turning unto the Holy Order of God and growing in the Light of the Anointed. Often, they would ascend together to the altar which we had placed at the entrance to the Cave of Treasures to offer sacrifices unto Jehovah Eloheim and to worship in His praise. We rejoiced in the growth of another generation dedicated to the service of almighty God and carrying forth the traditions which we had brought forth from the garden.

5. The remainder of our children followed Cain who had entered into a covenant with Satan whereby he had become Perdition, the Master of the Lie, that great secret by which they murder and commit all manner of abominations to get unlawful gain. These had so perverted the truth as to offer sacrifices unto Jehovah in the name of Satan, taking the fruit of the ground and offering it up in an unholy parody of the holy ordinance. But the Eloheim would receive no such offerings and the souls of Cain's people became ever more corrupt and ever more chained to the powers of darkness and evil. In their wickedness, they envied the joy of Abel and the children of Light, turning their hatred against them because they lived at peace with the Eloheim and all the holy angels.

6. Now, in his twenty-ninth year, Abel received that More Sure Word of Prophecy whereby he stood approved of the Eloheim, being received into the Order of the Ancients, the Fellowship of the Fathers, that he might officiate in the Cave of Treasures, for he was numbered among the Eloheim, having received of the fullness of the Father through the grace of his Only Begotten. This was a time of great joy to us, as we contemplated the growth of Zion among our children and the expansion of the Holy Order of the Eloheim. When we considered Cain and his brethren, however, our hearts were filled with sorrow, for they were lost in depravity and wickedness of every kind which the human heart could create or Satan inspire.

7. Our sorrow reached its nadir in the sixtieth year after our departure from the garden. On a certain day, Abel and all his brethren, our children who followed the Way of the Anointed, gathered before the Cave of Treasures to offer sacrifices and rejoice in the mercies of Jehovah. Abel, himself, officiated at the altar, then entered into the Holy of Holies to pray before the Testimony, where the Presence of Jehovah dwelleth between the cherubim. During this solemn time, while all knelt in silent meditation, the air was suddenly rent by savage yells, as Cain and his wicked brethren descended upon the worshipers, their heads shaven and their faces painted in the image of darkness. Brandishing weapons of horror, they fell upon the worshipers, murdering them as their prayers ascended unto heaven, spilling their innocent blood upon the ground, a silent witness to the utter depravity of the sons of Perdition. Cain, himself, rushed into the Holy of Holies, polluting that sacred ground by his very presence, and fell upon Abel as he ministered before the Testimony, shedding his innocent blood before the cherubim.

8. Then did the anger of Jehovah arise, and he spake from between the cherubim. What hast thou done? He demanded. Why doth thy brother's blood cry from under the altar against thee? Behold, is not his blood upon thy flesh, a mark which shall not be eradicated until the end of time? Thou wicked Cain, thou art Perdition and thy deeds shall follow thee for from thee shall flow murder and bloodshed, wars and contentions, until the earth shall hide her face from the wickedness and pollution of mankind. Depart from before my face, for thine existence is a pollution to the sanctity of this spot. Nevertheless, no man shall slay thee, for thou shalt live to see the full measure flowing from thine iniquity, until the final destruction of the darkness of this world. Then a horror of darkness fell upon Cain, so that he fled from the cave like a madman, fleeing the presence of Jehovah, and his brethren in iniquity followed him unto a land east of Eden which they called the land of Nod, for, said Cain, I have fled from the face of the Lord.

9. When our children returned not from the Cave of Treasures, we ascended the mountain, seeking our loved ones, our heirs in the Covenant. On that holy spot where we had found such joy and happiness in the Lord, we were met with a scene of total devastation. Every one of those who had been true to the Covenant lay upon the ground, their blood spattered upon all the holy instruments, staining even the altar of the Eloheim. Our cries rent the heavens as we felt the anguish of a fallen world encompassing us, drawing us down into the blackness of despair.

10. How long we lay in the horror of loss, we knew not, but slowly Light dawned upon our weary souls and the voice of the Eloheim spake peace unto us. Lift up your heads and rejoice, declared the word of Jehovah, for these have died in their innocence, being sanctified by the blood of mine Only Begotten, and they rest this day in Paradise, the first of your children to enter into my rest. Behold, even as your children have been darkened by the power of darkness, even so shall my Son be lifted up upon the cross; yea, in the meridian of Time shall it come to pass, but out of defeat I create victory, saith the Lord Jehovah, for as your children have opened Paradise as the abode of the righteous, so shall my Son open the prison for the release of those who will accept his salvation. Behold, I am God over all and all thins submit to me, both Light and darkness, in mine own due time, saith the lord Jehovah. Then, the air was filled with singing and angels ministered to us until our souls rejoiced in the glory of the Highest and we were able to rise up and bury our dead unto Jehovah. Returning to our lonely homes, we mourned our dead but our mourning was swallowed up in the victory of Jesus Christ over death, for we had seen the power of the resurrection over the cross and we understood the cross as the way of Life.

11. Thus we walked in Light, but Cain and his brethren walked in darkness and anguish of soul. And Cain wrestled within himself, for the voice of Jehovah continued to call unto him, Where is thy brother whose blood crieth unto me from the ground for vengeance? To which Cain replied, Am I my brother's keeper? Nevertheless, he knew that he was lost in darkness and his mind was blighted and he became a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, forever fleeing his memories and the darkness which pursued him and grew within him. Amen.

CHAPTER 6

1. AMONG our little ones who yet remained was our son Timnor who was blessed with great wisdom to understand the physical laws by which machines might be created and governed. Timnor's sister Ammah was also blessed with understanding, for she investigated the nature of life, unlocking the mysteries of life itself.

2. When Timnor was eighteen years of age, he took Ammah to wife, she being fifteen years. Nevertheless, although the Lord Jehovah had blessed these two greatly with wisdom and understanding concerning the secrets of His creation, they followed not after the ways of Jehovah their Eloheim, for they took glory unto themselves, acknowledging not the Source of their power in the heavens.

3. In the one hundredth year, Timnor and Ammah led a group of our children who, like themselves, worshipped the workmanship of their own hands and the power of their own minds, out of the Land of Cainan unto a valley northward which they denominated the Land of Haner, for, said they, here shall we throw off the ways of our Fathers and follow after our own wills.

4. The people of Haner prospered in the land, building mighty cities in which they dedicated themselves to the fulfillment of every physical desire, but their souls were empty because they did not know the Lord Jehovah nor did they call upon His holy name. Yea, Timnor built great engines with which to deface his Mother Earth, defiling her for his unholy purposes. With other machines of his contriving, his people flew through the air like birds and explored the depths of the lakes and rivers. He created also great instruments of destruction with which his people attacked the people of Cain, driving them into the mountains and dense forests, that they might take their land for an inheritance. Thus did the evils of private ownership of the land lead to war and destruction wherein one people would destroy another to inherit their land and their goods, and the God-given abilities of men were turned into instruments of death and destruction.

5. Ammah was not one whit behind her husband in creating wickedness, for she manipulated the very fountain of life, until she had created new forms of beings dedicated to evil and the destruction of mankind. From this time, sickness and disease began to spread among the sons of men, bringing sorrow and death upon them.

6. Our hearts were filled with sorrow as we watched the doings of Timnor and Ammah and their brethren, for they were led ever deeper into the depravity of a fallen world. Nevertheless, they came not near the Land of Cainan, nor were their abominations introduced among us, for we walked in the ways of the Eloheim and strove to raise our children in light and truth. We taught our children the commandments which we had been given by Jehovah in the Garden and led them in observing the times of worship and the fasts and feasts of Jehovah the Lord. Every seventh day on the first day of the week, we ascended the hill Ramiah to the Cave of Treasures where we worshipped before the face of Jehovah and instructed our children in the principles of His gospel.

7. Thus our days passed in quiet happiness except when we thought of Cain and Timnor and Ammah and their brethren who walked in darkness because they would not receive the Light. Thus we prayed unto Jehovah our Eloheim for mercy upon our children that a remnant might be preserved who would be true to the covenant which we had received. And the world of Jehovah came unto us saying, Behold, your seed shall stand until the end of the earth, for at the end of time a remnant will come forth from among your seed who will bear off the kingdom triumphant and establish my Zion, for the same Holy Order which existeth among you will exist among them at the end of the world. Then in vision I was the generations of our children stretching unto the end of time and I saw the remnant who should be preserved to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord in glory. Then I saw my people in their midst, for we rejoiced together in the grace of Jehovah through the merits of his Only Begotten Son that wickedness will be swept from the earth and the earth will become the abode of the Eloheim. Our souls expanded as we saw these glorious things and we rejoiced before the Lord Jehovah who is the Savior of His people, yea, even all those who put their trust in him. Amen.

CHAPTER 7

1. AS our children grew to maturity and spread abroad throughout the plain of Olaha Shinehah, the people of Cain and the People of Timnor began to come in upon them, driving off their flocks and herds, stealing the produce of their gardens and fields and killing any who sought to prevent them. Behold, most of our children who remained in the land followed the teachings of their parents not to fight, even when attacked by their brethren who had gone astray and worshipped the Lie, or the workmanship of their own hands. Therefore, they applied unto us for relief, for neither the people of Cain nor the people of Timnor dare to come into the heart of the land to attack the Holy City where the Fathers dwelt.

2. When the supplications of our children came up before us, we ascended the Hill Tamiah unto the Cave of Treasures where we appeared before the mercy Seat to seek guidance of Jehovah our Eloheim. Yea, we let our hearts and minds flow together in one before Jehovah that we might part the veil to receive His word. And the word of Jehovah came unto us saying, Arise and take all your children who will follow you unto a land which I shall show you, a land of beauty, a land fair to behold, where ye will be blessed and multiplied and protected against the power of your enemies, for I will hedge up the way against them that they shall not discover you while ye remain in righteousness. Go to, now, and I shall go before you and I will be your rearward, and your children shall know that the power of Jehovah is mighty to save. Then we rejoiced before the Lord Jehovah and we descended the hill to bear this glad news unto our children.

3. Six times passed the moon through its phases while we prepared our people for this great journey, until the Day of Trumpets, the day which Jehovah had appointed, when all who would follow us had gathered together to the Holy City and were prepared to be led whithersoever Jehovah would guide us. Many of our children came not, being determined to fight for their homes and their goods, but we knew it was better to follow Jehovah into the wilderness than to violate the Law of Love in order to possess our property.

4. Many days we traveled through wild and virgin land until we came to a beautiful valley, and the presence of Jehovah ceased to go before us for His voice came unto us saying, This is the land which I have consecrated unto my people that they should dwell thereon in holiness. Therefore did we call the land Shulon because it was consecrated unto us by Jehovah. Then we worshipped the Lord Jehovah and praised the glory of His might who preserveth His people from the power of all their enemies.

5. In the one hundred and thirtieth year, a son was born unto us in Shulon, and we called his name Seth because he was appointed of the Eloheim to stand in the place of his brother Abel. And Seth grew up unto Jehovah, walking in the footsteps of Abel, his brother, and of his Fathers who taught the way of heaven. Moreover, his appearance was like unto that of his Fathers, for he could be distinguished from me only by his age.

6. Behold, Seth followed not after the ways of the fall, but walked in holiness from his youth, glorifying the name of Jehovah his God magnifying the Lord in his soul. Wherefore, Seth became a great preacher of righteousness, declaring the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, and many of his brethren and sisters began to follow after him in observing the ways of the Lord Jehovah. Thus did the Holy Order of God begin to be raised up again among our children and the powers of the Eternal Priesthood were manifested in their midst. Wherefore, we rejoiced in the mercies of the Eloheim, in the evidence of their long-suffering and patience toward the children of men in leading them to the power of salvation and endless lives.

CHAPTER 8

1. THE record of Corint the Scribe, which he wrote concerning the doings of his fathers from the time when they departed from the land of Cainan to build a great city in the land of Haner until Corint himself, hearing the preaching of my Father Noah, was converted unto the Lord Jehovah and came to dwell with the remnant of believers until he died firm in the faith of the Son of God. I, Shem, have appended this record of Corint to the Book of Generations of Adam, for it showeth the power of darkness upon the hearts of the children of men and the love of God toward His children, even when they are lost in iniquity.

2. I, Corint, am the son of Selah, the son of Arphaxed, the son of Gorun of the family of Lukas, the son of Timnor and Ammah who came forth from the Land of Cainan, the land of our First Fathers, because they chose not to live according to the Order of the Ancients. In this they were left free to follow the desires of their own hearts, although their course was evil in the sight of the Eloheim, for the Lord Jehovah hath made each man free to choose good or evil that by his own works he may be judged.

3. Thus Timnor and Ammah followed not in the righteous way of their Parents who had come out from the Garden, but built a great city of wickedness in which they did practice abominations of every kind, for they knew no law but that of their own creating and they sought only to serve themselves.

4. In the process of time, six sons were born unto Timnor and Ammah, even Teshuesh who was expert in all the ways of governing men, keeping them subject to his will, and he did become a king over the people; and Coriantumr who sought to know the meaning of existence, leading a group of the people in searching for the Unknown God, and they were called the Mysterfiers; and Gringos who followed in the ways of his father Timnor, for he was expert with every type of machine and created many marvelous works for the service of mankind; and Tranter who learned the ways of his mother Ammah, for he did manipulate the very nature of man and best to create new forms which God had not ordained; and Lukas who was a man learned in all the learning of his people, who traveled far abroad amongst all the children of Adam, learning of their ways and gathering their knowledge home to his people where he created a great center of learning to which multitudes came to inquire after the knowledge of Lukas; and the sixth son of Timnor and Ammah was Samos.

5. It came to pass, as the people of Haner continued in their wicked ways, that the judgments of the Eloheim began to fall upon them, for even in the second generation, their lives were cut short through the evils of their doings, so that their days were few and full of trouble. Nevertheless, except for the Mysterfiers, who were few in number, they turned not unto the Eloheim in their time of trouble, but unto the wisdom of their learned men. And in the seventieth year before the Great Dispersion, the people rose up in anger because of the plagues with which they were cursed, and took the king Teshuehs and slew him because he did not free them from he plagues, and they chose Seth the son of Lukas, a man known for his great wisdom to reign in his stead.

6. At that time, Abamah, the son of Teshuesh, who had become on of the Mysterfiers and had been chosen as their high priest, came forth and rebuked the people, for he climbed upon the great tower which was in the center of the City of Haner, and he cried with a loud voice, and his words were carried through their devices into every place among all the people. Wherefore, Abamah said unto them, Hear my words, O ye people of iniquity, for ye follow not in the ways of Eloheim of heaven, but the evil of your own doings hath brought your sufferings upon you. Yea, ye work those works which are forbidden because they bring only death and destruction, and ye boast in the greatness of your power, but you power is dust and ye would leave the whole earth desolate if the Lord God were not to intervene. But the Lord is over all, and He shall bring an end to all your works, for when your iniquity is full, the Lord will bring in a flood upon the earth which shall cover every abomination and wash the earth from all iniquity. Repent, therefore, and turn unto the Lord God of heaven and earth, that ye may not die but may live forever through the merits of His Son. Yea, for thus did our First Fathers teach, that the Son of the Eloheim should come into the world to redeem the people from their sins, and so did my master Coriantumr teach me, for he journeyed even to the Land of Shulon to sit at the feet of Adam, our First Father, to learn the Way of Salvation, and he did obtain a Priesthood, that the powers of salvation might be in the midst of this people. Therefore, repent, every on of you of your iniquities, and come forward to be baptized in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God for the remission of your sins that ye may receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

7. Nevertheless, the people were angry with Abamah because he boldly testified against their iniquities, and they would have slain him, but his disciples plucked him from the top of the tower and bore him away to a place of refuge. And Abamah came no more to testify among the people, but he instructed many disciples who bore the message of salvation throughout the land and many souls were added to the number of the believers.

8. Preeminent among the disciples of Abamh was Palai, the son of Samos, the son of Timnor and Ammah. This Palai became high priest of the Mysterfiers after the death of Abama. It was during his days that the Mysterfiers built their great temple in the city of Haner, for Palai came forth to minister among the people. Yea, he went even into the presence of the king Coram, son of Seth, the son of Lukas and denounced the iniquity of the people, for King Doram had declared a great festival at which he could be proclaimed god of the universe and his people the lord of creation. But Palai rebuked him saying, Thou abomination, thou shalt lie as one dead for twenty years, yet thou shalt know all that transpireth about thee and thy followers shall be unable to revive thee, that thou mayest serve as a witness of the judgments of God against this people. And for twenty years, King Coram lay as though he were dead and all their wise doctors could not revive him.

9. And there arose a division among the people as to whether Coram should be retained as King. Now the son of Coram was named Abel, and when he saw the judgments of the Eloheim upon his father, he repented of his wickedness which his father had taught him and went to Palai to become his disciple. And in process of time, Abel became high priest in the place of Palai, and he went to his father's court to teach the people the Way of Life. But there began to be a dissension among the people and Canaan, the son of Pharaxes, the son of Gringos, rose up against Abel and the Mysterfiers seeking their destruction. The forces of Canaan were great for many of the people delighted in wickedness, and it came to pass that twelve years before the Great Dispersion, Canaan did enter the palace of Coram and killed him upon his bed where he had lain for twenty years as though he were dead and Canaan had himself proclaimed king over all the land.

10. Then did Abel and his people flee into the mountains where they had prepared a city in the heart of the mount which they called Palai and there they did establish a society according to the pattern of the First Fathers as it was recorded in the book of Abamah, for they held all things common and dwelt together in love and peace, maintaining unity with the angels and glorifying the Eloheim. And because the people of Abel were faithful to the word of Jehovah and dwelt apart, they were spared when the Great Dispersion came upon the people.

11. For it came to pass in the days of Canaan the king, the wickedness of the people of Haner grew so great that every man was against his neighbor, lovers only of themselves, and even those of a man's own household would destroy him to get gain for their own pleasure. Wherefore, there began to be civil strife throughout the land and everything was in chaos. Then did the Eloheim raise up prophets in the midst of the people, even Abdim the son of Coriantumr, the son of Timnor and Ammah and Conan, the son of Peshar, the son of Lakan of the House of Morenah, and Nimrod, the son of King Canaan. Now the people were angry with these three because they did plainly denounce their sins; wherefore all the people, of whatever faction, sought to destroy them, but the power of the Eloheim preserved them through many dangers until they had delivered their message throughout the land. Then these three men of God were taken by the soldiers of the king and brought into his presence, who denounced them before all the people, for the vision of it was carried throughout his domain, and Abdim he slew with his own sword and Conan he consigned to the flames, all for the amusement of his people, but Nimrod he cast into prison because he was his own son and he would have persuaded him to renounce the Mysterfiers and take up his kingdom.

12. But behold, in that night, an angel stood by Nimrod as he prayed in the prison, who said unto him, Be of good courage, Nimrod, thou man of God, for this night shalt thou see the deliverance of the Eloheim, for I shall lead thee from this prison and from the top of the Hill Timnor thou shalt watch this whole palace turn to dust as a witness against King Canaan and his abominations. Then the angel, taking Nimrod by the hand, conveyed him to the top of the Hill Timnor which overlooked the City of Haner. And behold, a bright light shone from heaven, illuminating the whole palace of King Canaan, and a mighty noise from heaven shook the air, and where the palace had been there was only dust. Then the angel spake saying, Thus shall be the end of all who walk in the ways of darkness, and taking Nimrod by the hand, he carried him to the City of Palai where he became a disciple of Abel, learning from him the mysteries of the Ancients that he might enter into the life of the Eloheim. And when Abel died, Nimrod became high priest of the Mysterfiers, showing them the Way of Life and Salvation.

13. Nevertheless, King Canaan was absent from his palace when it was destroyed, for he was in a place where he resorted to celebrate because of the death of the prophets. And he repented not of his iniquity, neither did his people; wherefore, no man's life was safe, nor his possession. And it came to pass, in the tenth year of the reign of Canaan that a war broke out among the people, and marauding armies devastated the land. For two years, the people suffered under great desolations, as one army, then Anoght gained dominion over various parts of the land. At the end of two years, there was destruction everywhere, and the people began to flee into the wilderness to escape the wrath which had fallen upon them, until only a small number remained with King Canaan in the ruins of the City of Haner. And the only city which remained was the City of Palai, for the Lord Jehovah blessed the people of Abel that they prospered and remained at peace.

14. From this time, the people began to count their years before and after the Great Dispersion, for then were all things changed.

CHAPTER 9

1. THE people of the City of Palai waxed great for the blessings of Jehovah were upon them; their pastors declared the word of the Eloheim and the disciples hearkened unto their teachers and lived according to the Holy Order of God. Yea, all the days of Nimrod were the Mysterfiers diligent to do all that their prophets had taught them, and they did spread abroad from the City of Palai, preaching the gospel of salvation through the name of Jesus Christ who should come, so that many of those who had been scattered in the Great Dispersion harkened to the word of the Eloheim, coming down in humility and contrition to be baptized in the name of Jesus, that they might receive the remission of their sins and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Thus did the Mysterfiers become great and powerful, and great wealth flowed into the City of Palai.

2. But it came to pass that after the death of Nimrod, Aziz, the son of Hombre, the son of Corono of the House of Coriantumr, the son of Timnor and Ammah became High Priest of the Mysterfiers. Now Aziz was mighty in preaching and touching the hearts of the children of men, but he gloried in power and in riches; wherefore he led the people astray into priestcraft and idolatry. Yea, the more part of the people began to lust after the riches of men and to forsake the riches of eternity, for only a few remained humble, calling upon the name of Jehovah, and even these began to be persecuted by their haughty brethren because they were, the more part of them, the poor and downtrodden. For the people of Palai had forsaken the Holy Order of God and each possessed his own lands and goods so that there began again to be poor among the people.

3. Then did the Spirit of Jehovah fall upon Zildah, the daughter of Phanuel, the daughter of Mikal of the House of Phillias who dwelt in the City of Haner. And she did stand up to declare the iniquities of the people, entering even into the palace of Adam, the son of Toneros, the son of Salmon of the House of Teshuesh, the son of Timnor and Ammah who reigned in the City of Haner, crying repentance unto the people. But they laughed her to scorn, driving her from the palace. Then entered Zildah into the marketplace each day crying repentance to all who would hear. Few there were who hearkened unto her words, but these few met together often to read the holy scriptures and speak to one another of the hope of salvation through the grace of the Only Begotten Son of God.

4. Then stood up Zildah the Prophetess as the believers met together and spake unto them saying, Hear the work of the Lord, O ye who believe in His name; salvation cannot come unto you except ye are brought down in penitence, confessing your sins and forsaking them, that ye may enter the waters of baptism and be baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost. Verily I say unto you, these baptisms cannot come unto you except one among you be ordained unto this power, to minister salvation to the souls of men. Therefore, let my daughter Zildah go up to the Land of Shulon unto the First Fathers to receive from them a Priesthood which is eternal, entering into the Mysteries of the Ancients, that she may be redeemed from the Fall. Verily I say unto you, through the Fall came sin into the world, and through sin cometh death, but I shall send mine own Son after the manner of the flesh to be the messiah, for He shall come with healing in His wings, to overcome the power of the Fall, to offer Life to all mankind. Yea, he is the Light and the Life of the world, even the Eternal God, for in Him shall the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. Therefore, let my daughter Zildah go unto the Fathers to enter into the mysteries of the Messiah and receive His redeeming, saving power, saith the Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Amen.

5. Then did all the disciples rejoice in the word of the Eloheim and they spread abroad the message of grace and peace through Jesus Christ, for some began to hear the word and come down in the depths of Humility to be baptized for the remission of their sins. And Zildah chose Luia the sister of King Adam to be a pastor unto the people, for Luia was exemplary among the believers, excelling in wisdom and compassion and the understanding of the holy scriptures. Then departed Zildah from the land to go up to the Land of Shulon unto the First Fathers, to obtain a Priesthood for her people which should be pure and undefiled, a Priesthood with the power of sanctification and Eternal Lives.

6. And it came to pass after two years when King Adam died, that his sister Luia and her husband Noah were appointed to rule over the people of the City of Haner. Yea, Queen Luia and King Noah were devoted to the word of the Eloheim and they did govern their people in equity and truth. Under their government, the land began to be reunited and many of those who had been scattered in the Great Dispersion united again with the people of Haner. And they were taught in all the ways of the Eloheim and became a prosperous and righteous people before the Lord Jehovah. But the people of Palai went on in their iniquities, seeking gain for themselves, and they entered into an alliance with the people of Cain, and Cain, that Son of Darkness who had become Perdition, entered into the temple in the City of Palai where he ministered in them mysteries of darkness, showing himself to be god through satanic powers. And the people of Palai waxed greater and greater in iniquity, uniting in secret combinations for power.

7. It came to pass, ten years after her departure from the City of Haner that Zildah the Prophetess returned from the Land of Shulon bearing the Priesthood of the Fathers in behalf of her people. Then were the disciples glad, for the Lord ministered in their midst and they were raised up to commune with the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn and to enter into heavenly places while yet in the flesh. For Zildah entered into the temple in the City of Haner which had been built by Palai and his disciples, and she did stand forth with Zueen Luia and King Noah before all the believers, sanctifying the temple to be the House of the Eloheim, cleansing and rededicating it after the Order of the Ancients. Then did the people rejoice in the grace of Jehovah who saveth His people, opening before them the Way of the Eloheim.

8. The blessings of the Eloheim rested upon Zildah the Prophetess and Queen Luia, for they did govern their people for many years, leading them in the Way of Righteousness. And it came to pass, that after many years, Father Seth and Father Enos did visit the people and bless them with the blessings of the Fathers, even the Ancients of Days. And all the People of Haner rejoiced together in the power of the Holy Ghost and glorified the name of the Eloheim.

CHAPTER 10

1. IT came to pass after the passage of many years, that King Noah died, and he passed from the earth, firm in the faith of the Son of the Only Begotten of the Father who is full of grace and truth; wherefore, we know that he entered the Paradise of God to await that great day when the just shall rise to reign with him upon the earth according to the promises of the holy prophets. Zildah the Prophetess also died, but prior to her death, she called Nimrod the son of Agoria, the son of Honato of the House of Samos, the son of Timnor and Ammah to preside as Patriarch among the Mysterfiers. Nimrod was a righteous man who loved Jehovah, his Eloheim, and rejoiced in the Mysteries of the Ancients whereby the power of salvation is kindled in the souls of men. Wherefore, Nimrod did preach reformation among the people of Haner, continually calling them back to that pure order of life which had been taught by the Fathers from the beginning. Canaan, also, the son of Seth, the son of King Adam, who, with Zueen Luia, did rule the people of Haner, was a mighty preacher of righteousness, leading the people in the ways of the Eloheim.

2. Now, the people of Haner did wax mighty in power over the forces of the earth; wherefore, they did amass great wealth, even gold and silver and pearls and precious metals and gems of every kind. Nevertheless, they did not covet wealth for their own profit, but they did hold all things in common and did use their wealth to beautify their temples and give glory to the Eloheim. But the people of Palai, who had entered into covenant with Perdition, submitting to those oaths of secrecy whereby they might murder and commit all manner of iniquity to get gain, were desirous of obtaining the wealth of the people of Haner. Therefore, they did come down in a mighty army against the city to take the people into slavery and possess the fruits of their labors. But they understood not that the Lord Jehovah would protect his people, for king Canaan, having the gift of prophecy, foresaw the iniquity of the people of Palai; wherefore, he directed his people in erecting great barriers of power around the city of Haner, so that none could pass into the city without the consent of the inhabitants thereof. Neither could any missile penetrate the forces which surrounded the city.

3. Thus were the people of Palai amazed, when they came upon the city of Haner, for all their devices could do no harm to the inhabitants of the city who remained secure behind their fortifications. Nevertheless, the people of Palai were expert in many devices, and there was one among them, even Leboa the daughter of Tamar, the daughter of Rachel of the House of Onesima, who devised a sword of light which penetrated the wall of defense around the city of Haner and began to drain the power from the wall. When the people of Haner saw this, they were in great consternation, but Queen Luia stood up in the midst of the people, and notwithstanding she was bowed down with age, she exhorted them to faith in the Lord Jehovah who would preserve his people from the wicked ones. Then united all the people in fasting and prayer, and King Canaan did enter with Nimrod the High Priest into the Holy of Holies where they did pray unto the Eloheim; yea, even from three days were they offering up their prayer while the people prayed without in the temple.

4. And on the third day, when they emerged from the Holy of Holies, Nimrod the High Priest rose up before all the people and exclaimed, Behold, this day shall ye see the salvation of the Eloheim, for they shall come forth in power against the servants of darkness, and all people shall know that Jehovah, the Lord of All, is El Shaddai, whose sword is mightier than all the weapons of men. Trust in the Eloheim; know that they forsake not those who walk in the Way, for in all things, the Eloheim shall be with you until ye rest in their bosoms at the end of time. Then Nimrod and Canaan and Luia and all the people stood with their arms raised to heaven, and from their hands flashed streams of fire. And where the wall surrounding their city had almost disappeared, another wall arose in its place, reaching even unto heaven and the weapons of the sons of darkness could not penetrate it nor weaken it, for the power of the Eloheim was therein, and the power of Light is greater than the force of darkness forever.

5. Then caused the Lord Jehovah to fall upon the people of Palai a plague, and they were sore discomforted, for their priest could do nothing to alleviate the plague. Wherefore, the army of Palai dispersed in confusion and when they returned to their city, they overthrew Coran the son of Lamech who reigned over the secret combination, but they ceased not from their iniquities, for they continued to serve idol gods and powers of darkness, consorting with evil spirits and devils and seeking power over the Light.

6. But the people of Haner, when they saw how the Lord Jehovah delivered them, observed a great period of rejoicing, for they did sing and dance and feast before the Eloheim for seven days, rejoicing in the saving power of El Shaddai whose power of their God, to look upon the great wall which he had erected about their city and to retell the tales of His deliverance.

7. Now, shortly after the defeat of the people of Palai, Queen Luia died, rejoicing in her salvation, for she had seen her Savior and received from Him the promise of Eternal Lives. And King Canaan with the High Priest Nimrod continued to lead the people in righteousness. And they did dwell in peace, for all the lands round about had heard how the Lord had discomforted the army of Palai, and they said one to another, Let us go not up against the people of Haner, for the Gods of that people are mighty who protect them against all powers which come against. And many in the land round about joined themselves to the people of Haner and the land prospered and the people dwelt in joy and the powers of heaven. And many of the disciples journeyed up to the land of Shulon to commune with the Ancients, entering into the mysteries of the Church of the Firstborn and returning to bless the people of Haner with the powers of heaven.

CHAPTER 11

1. IT came to pass that ten years passed away after the defeat of the armies of the Land of Palai by the force of El Shaddai, and people of the Land of Haner began to forget the salvation of their God, for they began to be caught up again in the ways of the world, seeking after riches and gain for themselves; nevertheless, they followed not after the ways of the evil combination whereby they murder and steal to obtain for themselves the labors of others men's hands. But the people of Haner did seek to excel in the goods of the world, each striving to possess that which was above his neighbor. Even in the church of Christ which had been established throughout the land, the spirit of possessiveness and the worship of riches took hold of the hearts and minds of the people, such that many of them worshipped the Lord God with their mouths, but their hearts were far from Him and they established their own ways in place of the Holy Law.

2. But in the tenth year, on the first day of the Festival of the Victory, when multitudes were gathered in the City of Haner to celebrate the destruction of the armies of Palai and the salvation of the city, it came to pass the High Priest Nimrod did stand forth in the midst of the people on the steps of the temple and call upon them to repent and return to the ways of the Lord Jehovah. And these are the words which he spake unto them.

3. My people, Ye know that on this day, ten years past, the power of the Highest was manifested in the salvation of our city from the powers of darkness which had come against it with the armies of Palai. Yea, that great city of Palai which was built as a refuge for the believers in the True God and that Ancient Order which we have received from our first Parents hath become the abode of devils and the evil forces even now conspire therein to destroy all who follow after the Light. But the power of El Shaddai is greater than all the cunning of the forces of darkness and they cannot prevail over us while we remain firm in the covenant of the Eloheim.

4. Nevertheless, O my people, a great danger lieth before this people who have been so highly favored of the Lord Jehovah, for just as the holiest of cities, Palai, hath become the abode of devils, so may any and every man fall into the pits of darkness if he cleaveth to unto the word of the Eloheim. Even so hath darkness begun to invade this land, for many of you follow after riches rather than after the power of Elyon El, the Savior of His people. Ye love to be seen in the assemblies of the righteous, but your hearts are set upon your wealth ad ye spurn those who have not. Yea, ye say that they are sinners because the Lord hath not blessed them with the same abundance as ye have. ye see not that the Eloheim hath made you stewards over what hath been placed in your hands that ye might use it to bless the Lord of Spirits.

5. Verily I ask of you, my children, will the Lord Jehovah bless you in this thing? Nay, for ye show not that love which is the embodiment of the Eloheim, for where love is not evident, there the Spirit of the Eloheim abideth not. This whole people is in jeopardy because of the wickedness of love of self and worship of possessions which hath entered among you. think ye that the power of El Shaddai could be exercised in your behalf today as it was at the time of the Great Victory? Verily I say unto you, nay, for the power is not in you, and Lord of Glory cannot put that power into flawed vessels.

6. Think ye, my children, that ye can go your own ways and then turn to the powers of heaven in your need, and they will be able to work through you? Nay, but ye must return to that way of life which ye followed at the time of the Great Victory, or the powers of darkness will yet come against you and ye shall be overcome of them because your hearts are not right with Jehovah your Eloheim. When our parents first came into this land, they were a lost and fallen people, for they regarded not the might of El Shaddai but gloried in the might of their own arms, for they were mighty in perversions of the right way, but when some of their children repented and turned to the Lord of Salvation, they were accepted of Him and the way was opened before them that they might return unto Him. For the Lord Jehovah loveth all His children and He hath prepared the way for their repentance and salvation through the merits of His own Son who shall come to save the people were raised up in this land who could receive the powers of heaven and we were saved in the day of battle, the day of YHYH SABAOTH.

7. Turn you, my people; turn again unto the ways of Jehovah, that ye may again be a delightsome people before Him, for the powers of heaven have dwindled in you until your mortal souls are in danger of perishing, your nation destroyed, and your spirits suffering the fires of hell because of your transgressions. Turn you unto Jehovah, your Eloheim and put far from you the love of riches and the trampling of your fellowman. Renew in you that Holy Order which our First Parents established among themselves from the time when they were in the Garden unto this day, that Holy Order which is followed by holy men who walk in the Way and shall be unto the end. consecrate your substance unto the Lord that there may be neither rich nor poor among you. Be united with your brethren that your hearts and minds may be one, that they may be one with the Anointed, that having put on His mind, ye may see as ye are seen and know as ye are known. Dwell in righteousness, walking in the holy Law, that the Eloheim may be in your midst, that ye may not be destroyed in the day of tribulation.

8. Yea, my people, come unto the feast of Jehovah, for he hath prepared a feast of fat things for those who abide in His covenant. Know ye that the day of judgment is at hand, when He shall separate His wheat from the tares, and those whose hearts are not found in the service of the Highest shall be known. Repent, and come unto the son, renewing in your souls the Light of His salvation, that ye may not be lost at that day. Amen.

9. The power of the words of the High Priest Nimrod pierced the hearts of many in the assembly and there was a great reformation throughout all the land of Haner, for the word was carried throughout the land and the priests and teachers did exhort the Church in every quarter according to the words of Nimrod, that there might be a great renewal in the covenant. And I will show you hereafter that all the words of Nimrod, that mighty man of the Eloheim, were fulfilled, for there soon came a great day of judgment upon the people, and those who had placed their faith in the God of heaven were preserved while those who continued in the corruption of their own minds were subject to the dark forces which came against them, and the power of the Eloheim was made manifest for all to see. Amen.

CHAPTER 12

1. IT came to pass that Nimrod the son of Agoria, the high Priest after the Holy Order of the Eloheim, waxed old and died, having spent his days in the service of Jehovah, having fought a good fight against the powers of darkness, leading his people to repentance and renewal in the Light. And it came to pass that Indrush, the son of Nimrod, was chosen High Priest in his stead, he having been a follower of righteousness from his youth, and having stood against the powers of evil and set an example worthy of imitation. the wife of Indrush was Lytish, the daughter of Canaan the king. She, too, was a devotee of the Holy Order of the Eloheim, full of the power of the Holy Ghost, a mighty preacher of righteousness.

2. Nine years after the death of Nimrod, King Canaan also passed into the world of spirits, having spent his days in the service of the Most High. Prior to his death, he had proclaimed Lytish and Indrush as the rulers of the people, and they did reign in righteousness in the name of Jehovah their Eloheim. Nevertheless, the more part of the people had become an hardhearted and a stiff-necked people, slow to hearken to the word of Jehovah. Yea, they did pervert the Way of the Eloheim, following after lasciviousness and every form of vice, even erecting idol gods, the workmanship of their own hands, to justify them in their iniquities. For there was no law governing what a person could believe, but Indrush and Lytish did labor with them in the power of the Eloheim, proclaiming the word of Jehovah and calling upon the people to repent and turn to the true and living Savior.

3. Nevertheless, the more part of the people rejected the words of their rulers and would not that they should reign over them, for they would have leaders after their own hearts. Therefore, they did conspire together to overthrow the government of the land, and they did enter into covenant with the people of the City of Palai, taking upon themselves that combination which had been handed down from Cain, whereby they might murder and steal and get gain. But Pagag, a servant of Indrush, was privy to their plans, for his brother was a leader of the insurrection, and Pagag was paid to kill the queen and king and was promised great rewards for so doing. Pagag, however, went to the king and disclosed all their secret plains as they had been made known to him, and the king and queen consulted with their counselors, what they should do in this matter.

4. Now, they could see that they were in dangerous circumstances, for the majority of the people had become enemies to righteousness. Therefore, Indrush, the High Priest, did enter into the Holy of Holies, and there did call upon the name of the Lord Jehovah, that he might know the will of the Eloheim in behalf of his people. And the voice of Jehovah spake unto him from between the cherubim, saying.

5. Hear me, O Indrush, mine anger is kindled against this people, for they are lost in iniquity and have sold their souls to evil. yea, their hearts are hardened against the truth. They trample upon the poor and think themselves happy because of their great riches, but all these things shall be taken from them in a day, for I shall remove all traces of them from the face of the earth. Take those who will stand in my covenant, saith the Lord, and depart from this place, for no many days hence, this city shall no longer encumber the earth. yea, gather thy people, those whose hearts are pure, and go unto the land of the Fathers, where I will bless you greatly, and when I shall lead you back unto this land, it shall be unto you again a land of promise which shall be choice unto you and your seed after you, for herein will the power of the holy gospel be poured out upon your seed in mighty strength. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, your Savior and your Redeemer; wherefore, follow me, my people, and ye shall not be destroyed, but ye shall inherit Eternal joy. Amen.

6. Then Indrush, the High Priest, gathered together the people of the Church, those whose hearts were firm in the covenant of Jehovah, and instructed them to gather together their families and their goods, those they could carry with them, and to prepare their vehicles to depart from the cursed city, for, saith he, soon falleth the anger of El Shaddai upon this place, and naught shall be left to bear witness thereof. On the fifteenth day of the First Month it came to pass that King Indrush and Queen Lytish led their people forth, and it was on the eve of the day which the evil combination had set for their destruction and the destruction of all those who would not join their abomination. And those evil ones, when they awoke to find the people of God fled from their midst, followed after them, but the power of El Shaddai stopped their host and turned them back, those who survived, unto their city again. And not many days thence, the judgments of Elyon El were poured out on the City of Haner, that where it had stood there remained naught to testify to its existence, and thus is the end of all those who enter into covenant with the powers of darkness to fight against the Holy Ones of Heaven.