Apocrypha. T O 14 Thou knowest, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man, 15 And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father, in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any near kinsman, nor any son ot his alive, to whom I may keep myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why should I live? but if it please not thee that I should die, command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that 1 bear no more reproach. 16 So the prayers of them both were heard before the majesty of the great God. 17 T And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobit home, and entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came down from her upper chamber. CHAP. IV. 3 Tobit givethin/lruclions to hit son Tobias, ao and telteth him of tmney left •with Gabaet in Madia. IN that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed to Gabael in Rages of Media, a And said with himself, I have wished for death; wherefore do I not call for my son Tobias, that I may signify to him of the money before I die? 3 f And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead, bury me; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days ot thy life, and do that which (hall please her, andgrievehernot. 4 Remember, my son, that (he saw many dangers for thee, when thou tuaj in her womb; and when she is dead, bury her by me in one grave. 5 My son be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments: do uprightly all thy life long, and follow not the ways of unrighteousness. 6 For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed to thee, and to all them that live justly. 7 Give alms of thy substance i and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor, and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee. BIT Apocrypha. 8 If thou hast abundance, give alms accordingly: if thou have but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little: 9 For thou layeft up a good treasure for thyself against the day of necessity. 10 Because that alms do deliver from death, and sufl'creth not to come into darkness. 11 For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sieht of the most High. it Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of the seed of thy fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife, which is not of thy father's tribe: for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, even that thep all married wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in their children, and their feed shall inherit the land. 13 Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in thy heart thy brethren, the Ions and daughters of thy people, in not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much trouble, and in lewdness is decay and great want: for lewdness is the mother of famine. 14 Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee, tarry with thee, but give him out of hand: for if thou serve God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect, my son, in all things thou doest, and be wife inall thy conversation. 15 Do that to no man which tbon hatest: drink not wine to make thee drunken: neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey. 16 Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them that are naked; and according to thine abundance give alms; and let not thine eye be envious, when thou givest alms. 17 Pour out thy bread on the burial of the just, but give nothing to the wicked. 18 Aflt counsel of all that are wise, and despise not any counsel that is profitable. ^ 19 Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire of him that thy ways may be directed, and that all thy paths and counsels may prosper: for every nation hath not counsel; but the Lord himself giveth all good things, and he humbleth whom he will, as he will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither let them be put out of tby mind. ao ? And now I signify this to thee, that Apocrypha. Chap that I committed ten talents to Gabael the fin of Gabrias at Rages in Media. ai And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for thou hast much wealth, if thou fear God, and departfromallfin, and do that which is pleasing in bis sight. C H A P. V. I The angel goeth with Tobias into Media: 17 hit mother it grieved for his departure. TOBIAS then answered and said, Father, I will do all things which thou hast commanded me: a But how can I receive the money,' seeing I know him not? 3 Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek thee a man which may go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will give him wages: and go and receive the money. 41 Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael that was an angel. 5 But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me to Rages i and knoweft thou those places well? 6 To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael. 7 Then Tobias said unto him, Tarry for me till I tell my father. 8 Then he said unto him, Go, and tarry not. So he went in and said to his father, Behold, I have found ont which will go with me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee. 9 So he called him, and he came in, and they saluted one another. 10 Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what tribe and family thou art. 11 To whom he said, Dost theu seek for a tribe or family, or an hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would know, brother, thy kindred and name. i» Then he said, I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and of thy brethren. 13 Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry with me, because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy family; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock: for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, thou art of a good stock. i> Apocrypha. 14 But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? nxiilt thou a drachm a day, and things necessary, as to mine own son? 15 Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy wages. 16 So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And when his son had prepared all things for the journey, his father said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwellcth in heaven, prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them. 17 1 But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou sent away our son t is he not the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us? 18 Be not greedy to add money to money: but let it be as refuse in respect of our child. 19 For that which the Lord hath given us to live with, doth suffice us. ao Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall return in safety, and thine eyes (hall fee him. si For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey (hall be prosperous, and he shall return safe. an Then she made an end of weeping. CHAP. VI. 4 The angel biddeth Tobias so take thi liver, heart, and gall, out of a fijh, 16 and teacheth hmi to drive the •wickedspirit away. N D as they went on their journey, they came in the evening to the river Tigris, and they lodged there. a And when the young man went down to wash himself, a filh leaped out of the river, and would have devoured him. 3 Then the angel said unto him, Take the fish. And the young man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land. 4 f To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart, and the liver, and the gall, and put them up safely. 5 So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when they had roasted the fish, they did eat it 1 then they both went on their way, till they drew near to Ecbatane. 6 Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azartas, to what use is the heart and the liver and the gall of the fish? 7 And he said unto him; Touching the heart and the liver, if a devil or ao evil spirit trouble any, we mutt make a J smoke thereof before the mat) or the 'woman, Apocrypha. T ° woman, and the party (hall be no more vexed. , . 8 As for the gall, it it gout to anoint a man that hath whiteness in his eyes, and he fliall be healed. 9 And when they were come near to Rages, io The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall lodge with Raguel, who is thy cousin ; he also hath one only daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that !he may be given thee for a wife. . it For to thee doth the right of her appertain, seeing thou only art of her kindred. . . .. ii And the maid Is fair and wile: now therefore hear me, and I will speak to her father; and when we return from Rages we will celebrate the marriage: for I know that Raguel cannot marry her to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty of death, because the right of inheritance doth rather appertain to thee than to any other. . it Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother Azarias, that this maid hath been given to seven men, who all died in the marriage chamber. _ 14 And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, left, if I go in unto her, I die, as the other before:: for a wicked spirit loveth her, which hurteth no body, but those which come unto her: wherefore I also fear lest I die, and bring my father's and my mother s life because of me to the grave with sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them. ic Then the angel said unto him, Dolt thou not remember the precepts which thy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a wife of thine own kindred? wherefore hear me, O my brother; for the (hall be given thee to wife; and make thou no reckoning of the evil spirit; for this fame night shall she be eiven thee in marriage. 16 1 And when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou shalt take the asties of perfume, and (halt lay upon them some of the heart and liver of the fish, and shalt make a smoke with it: 17 And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more: but when thou (halt come to her, rise up both of you, and pray to God which is merciful, who will have pity on you, and save you: fear not, for she is appointed unto thee from the beginning; and thou BIT Apocrypha. (halt preserve her, and she fliall go with thee. Moreover I suppose that (he (hall bear tbee children. Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his heart was effectually joined to her. CHAP. VII. it Raguel give!h Tobias Ms daughter is marriage: 17 Jhe 11 conveyed ti her chamber, and iveepeth.- 18 her mtlkr comforteth her. AND when they were come to Echa. tane, they came to the house of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one another,(he brought them into the house. * Then said Raguel to Edna his wist, How like is this young man to Tobit my cousin! 3 And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whoa they said, We are of the sons of Ntphthalim, which are captives in Nineve. 4 Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they slid, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health r 5 And they said, He is both aliw, and in good health: and Tobias said, He is my father. 6 Then Raguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept, 7 And blessed him,and said unto him, Thou art the son of an honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind,he was sorrowful and wept. 8 And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept. MoreoverthtT entertained them cheerfully; and after that they had killed a ram of the flocti they set' store of meat on the table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let tnii business be dispatched. 9 So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry: 10 For it is meet that thou (houldeft marry my daughter: nevertheless I ww declare unto thee the truth. ill have given my daughter in marriage to seven men, who died that night they came in unto her: neverthelessTM the present be merry. ButTobiai said.1 will eat nothing here, till we agree and swear one to another. i» T Raguel said, Then take herfroffl henceforth according to the manner.W thou art her cousin, and fceistliine.and the merciful God give you good locceu in all things. na Apocrypha. 13 Then he called his daughter Sara, and (he came to her father, and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias, saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her away to thy father. And he blessed them; 14 And called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an instrument tfcsver.anii, and sealed it. 15 Then they began to eat. Edna, and said unto her, Sister, pre- 17 Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought herthither: and (he wept, aud (he received the tears •f her daughter, and said unto her, 18 Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth give thee joy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my daughter. CHAP. vnr. 3 Tobias drivesh the wicked ftirit arway: 4 he and his •wife rife up lo pray. AND when they had supped, they brought Tobias in unto her. I And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith. '3 f The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him. 41 And after that they were hoth shut in together, Tobias role out of the bed and said, Sister, arise, and let ut pray that God would have pity on us. 5 Then began Tobias to fay, Blessed art thou, O God of our fathers, and blessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let the heavens bless thee, and all thy creatures. 6 Tbou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper and stay: of them came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good that man should be alone; let us make unto him an aid like unto himself. 7 And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lust, but uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged together. . . 8 And she said with him, Amen. 9 So they slept both that night. And Raguel arose, and went and made a grave, 10 Saying, I fear lest he also be dead. II But when Raguel was come into kit house, Chap. ix. Apicrypha. 1* He said unto his wife Edna, Send one of the maids, and let her fee' whether he be alive •. if he be not; that we may bury him, and no man know it. 13 So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them both asleep, 14 And came forth, and told them that he was alive. ts Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, fchoii art worthy to be praised with all pure and holy praise; therefore let thy saints praise thee with all thy creatures; and let all thine angels and thine elect praise thee for ever. 16 Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and that is not come to- me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt with us according to thy great mercy. 17 Thou art to be praised, because thou hast had mercy of two that were' the only begotten children of their fathers: grant them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and mercy. 18 Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave. 19 And he kept the wedding feast: fourteen days. ■ ■' • ao For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had said-unto him by an oath, that he stiottld'ho* depart till the fourteen days- of flie Carriage were expired; a 1 And then he (hould take the half of his goods, and go in safety to his father; and mould have the rest when 1 and.ivy wife be dead. CHAP. IX. r Tobiassendeth the angel unto Qahaelfor THEN Tobias called Raphael, and 3 For Raguel had sworn that I shall not depart. 4 But my father counteth the days; and if I Urry long, he will be very sorry. 5 So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him. 6 1 And early in the morning they went forth both together, and came to the welding: aud Tobias biesled hi* wife. • t D CHAP. Apocrypha. CHAP. X. I tobit and his <wifi long for their son: 7 she will not be comforted by her husband,. NOW Tobit hii father counted every day: and when the days of the journey were expired, and they came not, » Then Tobit said, Are they detained? or is Gabael dead, and there U no man to give him the money? 3 Therefore be was very sorry. , 4 Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he stayeth long; and we began to bewail him, and said, 5 Nov) I tare for nothing, my son,JSnci I have Ut thee go, the light of mine eyes. 6 To whom Tobit said, Hold thy peace, take no care, for he is safe. 7 1 But (he said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not; my son is dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went, and did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights to bewail herson Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding were expired, which Raguel had sworn that he would spend there. Then Tobias said to Raguel, Let me go, for my father and my mother look no more to see me. 8 But his father in lav said unto him, Tarry with me, and 1 will send to thy father, and they shall declare unto him how things go with thee. 9 But Tobias laid, No; but let me go to my father. io Then Raguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and half his goods, servants, and cattle, and money: 11 And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children. ii And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and thy mother in law, which are Bow thy parents, that I may hear good report of thee. And he kissed ber. Edna also said toTobias.The Lord of heaven restore thee, my dear brother, and grant that I may see thy children of my daughter Sara before I die, that I may rejoice before the Lord: behold, I commit my daughter unto thee of special trust; wherefore do not entreat her evil. CHAP. XI. 6 Tobias' mother Jpieth her son comings 17 his fathtr itielcometh his daughter in lam. /\ FTER these things Tobias went his X\ way, praising God that he had given bun a prosperous journey, and went on his way till they drew near unto Nineve. » Then Raphael said to Tobias, Thou knowest, brother, how thou didst leave thy father: 3 Let us haste before thy wife, and prepare the house. 4 And take in thine hand the gall of the fish. So they went their way, and the dog went after them. 5 Now Anna sat looking about toward the way for her son. 61 And when she espied him coming, she said to his father, Behold, thy son cometh, and the man that went with him. 7 Then said Raphael, I know, Tobias, that thy father will open his eyes. 8 Therefore anoint thou his eyes with the gall, and being pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall away, and he shall see thee. 9 Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and said unto him, Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth I am content to die. And they wept both. io Tobit also went forth toward th« door, and stumbled: but his son ran unto him, II And took hold of his father: and he strake of the gall on his father's eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father. ii And when his eyes began to smart, he rubbed them; 13 And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes: and when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck. 14 And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed is thy nan* for ever; and blessed are all thine holy angels: 15 For thou hast scourged, and hiS taken pity on me: for, behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and told his father the great thing* that had happened to him in Media. _ 16 Then Tobit went out to meet h!» daughter in law at the gate of Nineve, rejoicing, and praising God t and they which saw him go marvelled, because he had received his sight. i7^ButTobit gave thanksbefore them, because God had mercy on him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter in law he blessed her, saying, Thou art welcome, daughter: God be blessed. which hath brought thee unto us, and blessed be thy father and thy mother. And there was joy among all his brethren which were at Nineve. I ISA'.: |